The Dear Dr.MOZ Baby Blog

If you are like me, you’ve been wondering what has been keeping the toy industry from checking their products before they are packaged. You may have also been under the assumption that the equipment needed to make a reasonably accurate test is impossibly expensive, hard to find, and very difficult to operate. Surely, there must be a few geniuses among us with the courage and training needed to work these high-tech devices right? Where are these heroes, and what will it take to protect our children from dangerous toys?

Actually, it turns out to be a relatively simple process involving a hand-held device (see the XRF analyzer left) available through DirectIndustry.com for approximately $50,000. Those living in the bay area can see one in action in today’s free toy screening where they’ll test for lead, and other harmful chemicals at Union Square (near the Christmas tree) at 11:00 am.

So what’s the big deal? A $50,000 purchase is an impossible investment for a family to make, but it’s nothing for a major toy company…and far less expensive than recalls and class action lawsuits. So why aren’t these analyzers commonly used by toy manufacturers and distributors before you are able to purchase cancer causing products in stores? That’s a great question! Please click on the comments button above to let me know once you find out.

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

(thanks to Sam Spade’s San Francisco for the tip!)