And today the Good Guide admitted that it used the wrong test to compare its results with the US standard. It stands by its results – and they are probably correct for what they are worth. The nose and fur of Mr. Squiggles may well have 93 and 106 ppm total antimony. But the Good Guide also admits that the US standard is for soluble antimony, and that it has no evidence whatsoever that Mr. Squiggles violates any US standard.

And then the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that its review of the Zhu Zhu pet found no violation of the US standard for antimony.

Bottom line, it appears that Mr. Squiggles is in full compliance with existing US standards. Now, whether you are concerned about total antimony or not, that is a different question.

But, I’m still upset with the Good Guide and Dr. Dara O’Rourke. Both could have taken the time to have checked the relevant standards, assuming that this wasn’t a calculated effort to gain publicity by targeting the most popular holiday toy. Giving both the benefit of the doubt, I assume that they simply did not check the standard. Which is just amazing given the harm done by releasing these test results. Checking the relevant standard isn’t hard. In fact, it is right on the CPSC’s website for the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in the frequently asked questions.

Moreover, the XRF technician should have advised them as well. I certainly advise my clients how XRF results can be used and the limitations, including explaining the difference between soluble and total results. I can’t imagine that the XRF technician did not know.

So that leads me to believe that this was a calculated stunt – and they got caught. Ultimately, I believe the fallout will be detrimental to all our efforts to reform chemical regulation policy in the US as consumer advocacy groups are branded “eco freaks” with alarmist claims of toxicity? So, Good Guide, was it worth it? If your publicity grabbing stunt means that the Million Baby Crawl is unsuccessful, are you pleased?

But I’m also a little annoyed with Zhu Zhu Pets. CEO of Cepia LLC (manufacturer of Zhu Zhu Pets, Russ Hornsby, derides XRF testing as unsound. That statement is also inaccurate. XRF analysis, as found by the CPSC, is accurate and sound if used properly – for example, it is perfectly acceptable for testing total lead in homogenous plastic as long as the equipment is properly calibrated against a known standard. It is also a very useful screening tool, and is widely used for that purpose, particularly by the CPSC and other regulatory agencies. But, I certainly agree with Cepia that it does NOT accurately measure for soluble concentrations and is not meant for that purpose.

It is certain that lead can cause brain damage, lowering IQs and causing developmental delays, amont other health effects.  Very high levels of lead can cause death, such as a child swallowing a lead jewelry charm (as unfortunately happened last year).  Recent health studies have demonstrated that even low blood lead levels (below the current level of 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood) can cause signicant health problems, including lowered IQ.  The recent consensus is that there is no safe level of lead in the blood.

But how much lead do children get from toys?  That's hard to say.  There is no reliable way for a parent to know how much lead is in a particular toy.  The lead check test kits tell you whether lead is present or not, but don't tell you how much.  And it is difficult to assess how much exposure a child gets from handling or mouthing the toy.

Lead exposure is also cumulative, and there are many other sources.  Lead is present in homes from historic use in paint.  This is probably the most significant source.  We also get lead contaminated dust blown into our homes from weathering from homes, bridges, and other structures, and its use in gasoline.  Lead is present in drinking water.  Lead is found in high levels in some herbal remedies.  It is used to stabilize polyvinyl chloride plastic.  We also bring lead into the home from occupational exposure and hobbies.

So, what can you do to reduce expoure?  The simplest solution is eliminate sources.  If you work in a field that may have lead exposure, change your clothes and your shoes before you enter the home.  To avoid tracking in lead contaminated dust, use a good welcome mat or take off your shoes.  If you have an older home (built before 1978) and have lead paint, keep your paint in good condition.  Do not renovate, remodel, sand, etc., without addressing the lead paint.  Wash your hands frequently to remove lead dust.  Wet wipe surfaces to remove lead dust.  And, difficult as it may be, get rid of any recalled toys.  You may also want to check other toys for lead.

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