Selling out on children's health

With all of the massive toy recalls in the past few months as well as the Cub Scout badge recall due to lead paint on Thursday, one may begin to wonder when American companies are going to learn from their mistakes.

KSAT of San Antonio, Texas reported that several big-name companies have recalled hundreds of thousands of toys that contain lead paint and could be hazardous to children.

All of the pulled toys were made in China.

Are you shocked? Neither was I.

Last week, RC2 Corp., the maker of “Thomas & Friends” toys, actually recalled “bonus gifts” sent to customers who returned some of the famous train toys after the company issued a first recall in June.

The bonus gifts were sent so customers would stay loyal, but this backfired when RC2 issued its second lead paint warning since June.

Where do you think the smiling trains were manufactured? If you guessed China, pat yourself on the back because you’re right.

In the company’s defense, merchandise made in China is much cheaper than products made in the United States.

We may love the price of inexpensive toys, high-end water bottles and Cub Scout badges (all of which have been recalled in one form or another by the Consumer Product Safety Commission).

But do low prices outweigh the costs? Small children can suffer brain damage or worse by ingesting even small amounts of lead; large doses can kill.

I don’t have children, but I can sympathize with those who do. Luckily, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is holding companies accountable for the products they release.

Let’s face it, Chinese factories do not produce quality products. They do not meet U.S. standards and American companies and consumers need to realize this.

Companies save a few bucks in production but can lose millions after a product is recalled.

The issue shouldn’t even be about the money, but unfortunately, that’s what companies care about – the bottom line.

Some families are throwing away all RC2 toys and severing all ties with the company in hopes that it will do the same with China.

Maybe they’re on to something.

Whitney Diaz is a journalism senior and a reporter for the Mustang Daily.