In the U.S. there are hundreds of children’s toys recalled every month growing to thousands every year. There are even recalls placed on toys sold as far back as two years ago. So a child could possibly be playing with a toy for two years before a recall is issued on the product. Often recalled toys are identified by their UPC label which most parents quickly discard making it even harder to identify a recalled toy.
Parents may also need to be concerned even if their child’s toys are not on the recall lists. For example, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) ban covers paint or any other similar surface coating that contains more than 0.06 percent lead. This means that your child’s toy may contain lead, but not enough to be considered under the ban. However, your child may be in contact with multiple toys containing less than 0.06 percent lead therefore adding up to more than the 0.06 percent regulation.
We would also like to note that not all products children come in contact with are covered under the CPSC ban. Often products intended for adults, as some metal chairs and tools, may contain more than the 0.06 percent regulation.
It can be hard for a busy parent to keep up with the latest toy craze let alone the latest toy recalls. Many of these toy recalls are due to heavy metal exposure such as lead. Many of the signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can go un-noticed and therefore un-treated unless a close eye is kept on the latest toy recalls and regular heavy metal testing.
There are many individual metals causing varying degrees of illness based on acute and chronic exposures. Heavy metals is the term used for a group of elements that have particular weight characteristics. They are on the heavier end of the periodic table of elements. Some heavy metals such as cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, and zinc are essential to health in trace amounts. Others are non-essential and can be harmful to health in excessive amounts. These include cadmium, antimony, chromium, mercury, lead, and arsenic with these last three being the most common in cases of heavy metal toxicity.
Sources of toxicity can include environmental, water supply, industrial, hobbies, and others, thus a full history of the person’s work and living habits can help pinpoint potential heavy metal sources.
As an example of the scope of a heavy metal’s toxicity, lead can affect the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, blood production, kidneys and reproductive system.
Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include mental confusion, pain in muscles and joints, headaches, short-term memory loss, gastrointestinal upsets, food intolerances/allergies, vision problems, chronic fatigue and others. The symptoms are so vague that it is difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone.
The first step in treating any heavy metal toxicity is to identify the toxic elements and begin the removal process. Using the Zyto LSA Pro (Zyto) technology we are able to test for heavy metal toxicity. The Zyto is a bio-communication device, facilitating the transfer of information between a computer and a human body. The Zyto will conduct a Bio-Survey measuring the galvanic skin response (GSR) to generate a comparative, numerical representation of the body’s response to a particular stimulus (i.e., heavy metal). A further Bio-Survey may be conducted to identify items that may be therapeutic or balancing to the body.
Most metal toxicity testing requires blood tests. The Zyto requires no blood, just a little patience. Children can feel comfortable being tested for metal toxicity.
After beginning treatment for heavy metal toxicity, symptoms will often begin to improve within weeks or even days. Therapy may last from six months to two years.
Although a complete cure is possible, many people suffer the effects of toxicity for extended periods. Some of the damage, for instance to the liver or brain, may not be fully reversible. Others find that their food intolerances will not be completely remedied. Only time will answer that question.
For more information on heavy metal testing, please contact Dr. Chace R. Unruh and the Unruh Chiropractic team at 661-288-0022.