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Home > News > Vol. XLII No. 2, April 1998 > President’s Perspective | |
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President's PerspectiveRemember the mini-blind scare in the summer of 1996? Health Canada issued a warning that certain horizontal PVC plastic mini-blinds contained enough lead to endanger young children. Stores stopped carrying these inexpensive blinds. Many people threw theirs out, leaving communities to dispose of large quantities of hazardous waste. However, these blinds are now back on some store shelves. We also told that PVC plastic toys and soothers for infants and toddlers are being sold in Canada. These products allegedly contain lead which can easily be absorbed into saliva when sucked and chewed. Credible authorities support this claim. European countries have banned the products. Lead most certainly poses a health threat to young children. Long term effects can include neurological, kidney and reproductive system damage. Toy manufacturers want their products to be as safe as possible. Environmentalists say using PVC plastic creates an unnecessary health hazard. Should parents be concerned? In August of 1997, Health Canada released a draft Strategy to Reduce Lead in Children's and Other Consumer Products. If the government cannot finalize this strategy, we hope it will get independent third parties to put the issue into perspective and recommend appropriate action. Emile-J. Therien
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Safety Canada April 1998 |
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 © 2004 Canada Safety Council |
