Department of Health medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau has been named chairman of the newly formed DOH Task Force assembled by Director of Health Utoofili Asofaafetai Maga in accordance with Governor Togiola’s request to look into Chinese manufactured goods.
Togiola’s request was voiced through an August 14 letter that followed a world wide recall of products manufactured in China reported to contain high levels of lead and other poisonous chemicals.
The task force will be responsible for collecting and examining samples of imports arriving directly into the territory from China, to determine the safety risks that such products will pose in the local community.
Tuliau said that the biggest concern is for the young children, as there is currently a world wide recall issued by some of the world’s largest toy manufacturers and distributors, which has sparked panic in many parents.
International reports have pointed to toys manufactured in China as containing high levels of lead paint, in addition to magnets being small enough to be ingested.
The Task Force met for the first time on Friday, August 14, and a second meeting took place on August
21 where representatives from other government agencies were invited to join and offer helpful insight.
DOH released a statement on August 20 saying that their Environmental Division is standing by, ready to hit local stores in hopes of removing all products affected by the recall from the shelves.
Last month, Mattel Inc. issued a recall for toys painted with high levels of lead, and toys that contain small magnets that can be swallowed by children.
Fisher-Price has also recalled 1.5 million products for the same reason. A number of local vendors carry Mattel and Fisher Price toy products. The owner of a small store in the eastern district had to discard the only Elmo toy she had in stock due to the recall.
Tuliau said that no injuries have been reported locally but since the initial recall was issued last November, one child has died in the United States and
19 others underwent surgical procedures after swallowing the magnets in the toys.
“Swallowing the magnets is very dangerous and will require surgery because when two magnets are involved, they tend to stick together in the stomach and the result will include blockage, infections, and/or intestinal perforations,” Tuliau explained.
He added that adults need to identify each toy that is in the home and within the reach of small children. If any of the toys is affected by the recall, the manufacturer needs to be contacted for a refund.
Otherwise, the toy can be turned in to the Department of Health.
Lead is toxic if ingested, as it contains a potent nerve toxin that can affect the brain, causing lower IQ, poor memory and attention, decreased motor skills and self control, and increased aggression.
Tuliau said that infants and toddlers are especially at risk because they have a habit of putting their hands in their mouths without even thinking about it.
Lead poisoning is a silent killer, as it cannot be seen or smelled. There are no symptoms. The only way to check for it is through a blood test that is not available in the territory.
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