Pediatricians, the medical caretakers of our youngsters, are urging parents to remain vigilant this holiday season. A great number of toys have been recalled due to safety issues. Many of the toys recalled have been tainted with lead.
The worst toy this year was the Australian-borne plaything, Aqua Dots. The toy's chemical coating, if ingested and metabolized, converts into the date-rape drug, GBH. Low doses of GBH cause euphoria and high doses can cause comas, seizures, hypotonia, amnesia and, possibly, some death. Adults, if someone asks you on a date and wants to play Aqua Dots, refuse. Walk away at a swift pace. Use your car key as a weapon.
Aqua dots retailed for 17-30 US dollars.
"The second worst toy this year," noted a pediatrician. "Was Baby-Licks-Some-Lead. This toy was a baby that held a two-pound bar of industrial-grade lead. The baby's arm would move the lead to an exposed polyurethane tongue that had a sensor on it. When the tongue and the lead connected, Baby-Licks-Some-Lead would say one of her three catchphrases. 'This lead tastes like heaven!', 'This is diet lead, because I'm such a fat baby.' and ' Pb stands for party baby.' It is a disgraceful toy."
Baby-Licks-Some-Lead retailed for 27 Australian fun bucks. (It's like real money, but only good in Australia)
In all seriousness, there has a been a flood of lead-based recalls this year, too many to name. To learn more visit Recalls.gov.
The symptoms of lead poisoning include:
- Gastrointestinal Distress
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Fall of Roman Empire
- Headache
- Muscle Weakness
- Tooth Decay
- Everything Tastes Lead-y
- Behavioral Problems
- Irritability
- Painter's Colic
There is treatment for lead poisoning.The most notable type of treatment is called Chelation Therapy; the therapy removes metals from the blood. It will remove iron as well and must be done carefully. A doctor who specializes in Toxicology can help.
To find local medical services, click here.
