Pleasure VS Safety

Safety cannot be guaranteed it seems, when it comes to imported goods from China. A problem with our nation is that we accept such low-priced imported goods without any sort of inspection process! Why is it that we trust that the Chinese have done adequate inspections and have used proper manufacturing? How is it these cheap products are up to U.S standards?

Fisher-Price recalled almost a million toys involving lead paint. (Kevin Wolf/ AP) Have you ever stopped to think how much products we buy from China? So much of our products come from there. Such as food, toothpaste, clothing, cars, toys, you name it. It is more than troubling to hear that toys made for preschoolers and younger are hazardous and are being told by their vendors to be taken “away from children and contact to the company”. (Kevin/AP) There were 152 product recalls in 2007. Proclaimed by authorization since January, 104 products have been stated to be manufactured in China. What are the risks? There were portable baby swings taken off the market that actually trap children, ensuing in 60 reports bruises and cuts. ( Kevin/AP )

Polly Pocket, Barbie, Batman, and other figures alike came with small accessories that included magnets. At least one child died in 2007 and nineteen others were hospitalized for ingesting these magnets! Did you know that 253,000 of these toys were torn from the shelves because of health standards?

Product: Batman a magnetic action figure set.
Hazard: Contains small powerful magnets and accessories that can fall out and possibly be swallowed or aspirated by younger children. If more than one magnet is swallowed it is possible to cause an intestinal infection and/or blockage which can be deadly!! (Office of Information and Public Affairs)

SOURCES:

Wolf, Kevin. “Fisher-Price recalling almost a million toys.” Chinese vendor used paint with lead on item meant for preschoolers. August 2007

Office of Information and Public Affairs.“NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.” Mattel Recalls Batman and One Piece Magnetic Action Figure Sets Due To Magnets Coming Loose. August 2007