Assignment 2 12 September 2013
Unique number 864251
During the 19th and 20th centuries lead poisoning became common under industrial worker, being exposed to lead in smelting, painting, plumbing, printing, and many other industrial activities. In the 20th century exposure to the environment increased because of lead gasoline in motor vehicles. Other than the environmental factors like, dust, soil, the use of old ceramic cookware, paint chips and folk remedies, that expose children to lead hazards, old toys containing lead based paint and some toys manufactures in China also contribute to the risk. Children are more open to lead poisoning than adults. Young children often place toys and other objects in their mouth, ingesting dust, soil and possibly a higher level of lead. The effects of lead poisoning are also much more aggressive, as they are rapidly growing and their systems are not fully developed. Research has shown inverse relationship between blood-lead levels and cognitive function. Issues like lower IQ scores, hyperactivity, aggression, learning disabilities, visual- motor skills deficits, etc. The manufacturing and sale of lead-based paint has been banned in USA since 1978. The use of it on street paint work as well as the painting of toys.
Question 2 When it comes to buying toys and apparatus for children, for inside and outside use, one should keep in mind the following safety criteria: Age 0-2: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Rattles that can’t fit in the child’s mouth Rattles/toys that have sturdy construction and won’t fall apart Squeeze toys that do not contain removable squeakers that could be a choking hazard Rattles with large, ball-like ends should not be given to babies Toys in the crib should not have strings longer than 178cm to avoid entanglement Suspended toys or crib gym should be securely fastened to prevent it from being pulled into the crib 7. Large enough toys to not be a choking hazard 8. Crib mobiles should be