A long-term study conducted by the University of Cincinnati as reported by the WebMD article, “Lead Shrinks Kids’ Brains“, indicates that lead exposure may cause permanent damage to a child’s developing brain. The lead exposure did not have to be significant enough to cause lead poisoning but rather the study shows that limited exposure over time results in a decrease of gray matter in the brain. The areas affected are “linked to problem solving, selective attention, complex motor control, error detection, decision making, regulation of personal and social behavior, and emotional control”. Males seemed to be more susceptible than females. This study proves to be a warning that the effects of lead in children may be permanent.
This is alarming information and makes me even more determined to avoid toys that may contain lead. Visit HealthyToys.org to check the safety of popular toys. Or check the babyminding recall page for updates on recalled toys from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
