Harmful toys pose serious threat to our children

It is indeed alarming that a high level of toxic chemicals is found in different types of toys for children in our markets which make parents very worried. I have learnt from various newspapers that many toys available in the market contain high concentration of heavy toxic metals. The associated chemicals can be the reason of various serious health problems like brain damage, disabilities, hormone problems, and cancer of the young children.
We must make sure the safety of our children. According to a study, levels of toxic metals in 97 per cent toys, which were tested, were significantly above the EU and the US recommended ceiling of lead, cadmium, bromine and chromium. We never had thought twice before buying toys for our children but now we need to know if it is safe and harmless or not. The government needs to play an important role here and those who are mixing toxic chemicals must face its consequences.
The law should be made more severe if necessary. The government should introduce a lab which will test imported and local toys. It will not cost much. Only harmless toys should be allowed to enter the market. We must step up our effort and make the life of our next generation safe and secure.

Mohammad Sohel Hara
Shahjadpur, Dhaka
sohelhara@gmail.com