Brookdale’s Director of Pediatric Critical Care Featured on GMA About Lead Poisoning and Choking

In light of the massive recall of over 9 million Mattel toys produced in China due to lead content in the paint and dangerously small pieces that could easily cause a child to choke, Dr. Mary Baldauf, Director of Critical Care at Brookdale was interviewed by Dr. Tim Johnson on the National ABC News Now program on August 13th.  She spoke about the hazards that these toys may pose to children.

Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body.  Because it occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized.  Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death.   

As “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, check your children’s or grandchildren’s toy boxes for recalled items and remove them immediately.  If in doubt, ask the pediatrician to tests their blood for lead contents.  Also, keep all toys with small pieces that can be easily swallowed, especially magnets, away from small children.

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