Lead in Chinese Products

[Richard Crowe]

We have a couple of rubber squeek toys from Petco which have been made in China and our dogs (mostly our Maltese - the toys are really too delicate for Holly's strong jaws) love them, However, I have removed these toys from their toy box because I am worried about the paint used to decorate them. The Chinese have a propensity to use lead based paint.

Do any members know of an inexpensive (the toys are not worth investing in labratory testing) way to find out if paint has a harmful lead content? Otherwise, I will just trash the toys. It is not worth risking the health of my dogs for a few dollars worth of toys!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

http://doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/products-made-in-china?page=1&...

Richard, here's a link to one of the discussions we've had on this topic...there is some information about toys which are NOT made in China, as well as other info. Hope this helps.
I can tell you that I do not use ANY rubber squeaky toys, and part of the reason is the paint. In addition to chemicals that may be in it, it comes off on walls and also flakes off. There are any number of squeaky toys made of fabric that can be washed, and most dogs love them. Good luck.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a link to another discussion about toys made in China, and possible chemical exposure:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/interesting-information-for

[Richard Crowe]

I guess that we, as the American Public, brought this on ourselves; in always wanting something cheaper to buy. Unfortunately we are sacrificing our pet's, our children's and our own health and safety as well as our children's future financial security in the ever-increasing search for immediate gratification at the cheapest price.

It should be obvious to all that the Chinese Government cares even less about health and safety of persons consuming and using their products that does our Government.

Our regalutory agencies always cry that they don't have the financial resources to protect us. If the Federal Government required sellers of Chinese (whose products seem to be the greatest offenders) products to reasonably ensure the safety of those products; hitting the sellers of unsafe Chinese products with extremely heavy fines and awarding the fines to the regulatory agencies to finance future enforcement; we would have a much safer life...

THE TOYS GO IN THE TRASH!

[Moose&Mica]

There are lead testing kits for children's toys (or any household item). I imagine they would work for dog toys also. I have a couple rubber squeek toys that the dogs love (but my ears don't). They don't play with them often, so I haven't tested them. Check online or with your local health department to see if they can recommend home use kits.