AS the Christmas season nears, parents have been warned not to give their toddlers toys that have lead component, which when ingested could prove to be fatal.

Councilor Jesus Canto, chairman on the committee on health and retired director of the Region 1 Medical Center, issued the warning in the advent of the Christmas season when parents and godparents traditionally gift children with toys.

He said parents must be cautious in choosing what to give, especially to toddlers one year and younger who instinctively put things into their mouth at least 20 times per hour.

Canto also warned about  toys which have small parts that can be easily removed and accidentally ingested by toddlers that could end up in their lungs  or  to the intestines.

“Buy toys whose paint has no lead component,” said Canto, adding that lead is a substance being mixed in paints that is very toxic.

One microgram of lead ingested by the body or inhaled by the child could weaken him or her. More than 10 micrograms could result in stunted growth and development.

More than 10 micrograms ingested by the body or acquired through inhalation could have adverse effect on the blood of the baby   that oftentimes result in the fatal disease leukemia.

Canto said that needless accidents during Christmas can be avoided if  parents buy toys in accordance with the age group of the children.

Parents must buy toys that are good only for a particular age and must make sure that these would not be put into the mouth of the child.

There are toys, he said, that are good for one to two years old, three to four years old, four to five years old and above, he said, adding that if this is strictly followed, the child would be safe from lead ingestion.

He advised parents to give stuff toys to children from one to two years for them to avoid lead ingestion. # – LM