Jeffco Public Health Warns Of 'Toxic Toys' This Holiday Season

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Health officials in Jefferson County have posted a warning about "toxic" holiday toys. Shoppers are encouraged to buy toys that have "nontoxic" on labels, and have a marking of ASTM F963, Jefferson County Public Health said.

The agency posted an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which warned that "lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell."

"Many children get toys and toy jewelry as gifts during the holiday season. Some toys, especially imported toys, antique toys and toy jewelry, may contain lead hazards," the CDC warning read. "Lead is used to augment paints and pigments on some toys. And toys may also be made of lead."

To reduce children’s risk for exposure, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tests and issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead. Only a certified laboratory can accurately determine how much lead is in a toy.

Toddlers are especially at risk, as they often put toys in their mouths, health officials said. If you think your child has been exposed to lead, contact your child's health provider to see if a blood test is needed.

Just wearing toy jewelry that contains lead will not cause your child to have a high level of lead in their blood; however, chewing or sucking on lead-contaminated jewelry is dangerous, health officials said.

"There is no safe level of lead in blood, and most children with high blood lead levels do not have any symptoms," the CDC warning read. "As blood lead levels increase, a larger effect on children’s learning and behavior will occur. A blood lead test is the only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead."

Lead isn't the only concern parents should be worried about, according to the consumer group W.A.T.C.H. — World Against Toys Causing Harm. The organization released its list of the "10 Worst Toys of 2019" ahead of the shopping season.