Lead Free, Child Safe Paint

Lead Free, Child Safe Paint - Article by Jennifer Meinking

For many years, lead-based paint was used for decorating in homes across the United States, even in children's bedrooms. Families that live in older homes have encountered the many dangers of lead-based paint, leading to a growing concern about lead poisoning. Children are more at risk than adults for several reasons.

Babies and younger children have more hand to mouth contact. (Ingesting lead through the mouth, many times through peeling paint or paint chips, is the number one cause of lead poisoning.)

The growing bodies of children absorb lead much faster than adult bodies.

The sensitive nervous systems of babies and children are effected far greater than those of adults.

Babies and children that are exposed to lead poisoning may suffer from brain damage, nervous system damage, learning disabilities, behavorial issues, hyperactivity, inhibited growth, hearing problems, and headaches. It is essential to not only detect lead poisoning early through testing, but it is also extremely important to protect against lead poisoning by avoiding lead-based paint.

Although lead-based paint was banned in 1978 for residential use in the United States, lead paint is still used in other industries. Because lead paint lends to a speed drying, greater durability, a fresher appearance, and moisture resistance, it can be used in the manufacturing of toys and popular products.

To protect their children, parents must be proactive in purchasing products that use lead free, child safe paint. US manufacturers and toy companies are required by law to indicate the toxic content of their products, but imported products can still be a danger. Although there are ways to test for lead content, the safest course is to only purchase toys and products that advertise the use of lead free, child safe paints.

With the growing awareness of toxic, lead-based paint, parents have become concerned about hand crafted and hand painted products. The good news is that hand crafters and hand painters are also concerned about lead-based paint. Many of these talented designers have determined to use safe materials to create their products.

One such company is Nikki's Character Creations, which designs decorative items for children's bedrooms and nurseries. Because this company understands that smaller children can chew on items in their rooms or otherwise ingest harmful toxins, they only use lead free, child safe paints for their wall art, door knobs, switch plate covers, murals, and other decorative items.

As we all work together to choose the safest products, we can hope to see lead-based paint put out of circulation in the many children's industries that provide toys, decorative items, and other products for our kids.

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