Lead in toys sold in India

Lead in toys sold in India

The Indian toy industry has a turnover of Rs 2,400 crore rupees a year but seems tight-fisted when it comes to spending on safety. When all the major toy companies are recalling their toys having lead content especially manufactured in China, India has no safety standards for toys. The Bureau of Indian Standards does have voluntary guidelines but they are seldom followed. Parents have to be aware that over 70 percent of all toys sold in this country are of Chinese make.

Even Low lead exposure for a long time can create lead-related problems, so even if some toys have lower concentration of 600 ppm (particles per million) they can pose problems for children. An investigation done by cnn-ibn revealed that a rubber duck bought at a Lifestyle store contained as much as 631 ppm of lead, well above the international safety standards. (Lead level above 90 ppm in toys is considered dangerous.)

Why is lead used?

Because it's bright, durable, flexible, fast-drying, and cheap. Paint manufacturers mix in different lead compounds depending on the color of the paint. Lead chromates, for example, can enhance a yellow or orange hue. Paint manufacturers also add lead and other heavy metals to make paint stick better instead of flaking off. Price is also a factor: China mass-produces the stuff, and coloring agents like lead chromate are generally cheaper than organic pigments.