Monthly Archives: November 2017

Fidget Spinners May Contain High Levels Of Lead, Dr. Galvez Weighs in

According to research from a consumer advocacy group, some fidget spinners may contain many times the legal limit for lead in children’s products. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) Education Fund, which did the research, points out that the problem exists because of a loophole: technically the products are not made or marketed for children, so they’re not subject to the same safety standards as kids’ toys. But given that children are typically the ones who play with spinners, the results are concerning, particularly since lead exposure is known to be extremely harmful to kids’ developing nervous systems. Dr. Maida P. Galvez, P30 CEC Co-Director, says that she finds the high lead levels in spinners concerning. “Lead exposure during vulnerable periods—pregnancy and early childhood—have long-lasting effects into adulthood, on IQ, attention, and behavior,” she says. “And the fact that it can be on the market without premarket safety testing is absurd. The public is totally unaware. I’d recommend that concerned parents call the manufacturers. The real intervention is policy intervention.” To read the full article click here.