Lead Paint

Christmas wish-lists tend to be long, but so is the list of unsafe toys for kids. Parents should be taking steps to make sure they're not putting safe toys under the tree this year.

Choking is the No1 reason for accidents, but chemicals such as lead can also cause developmental problems like behavioral disorders and sickness. Exposure to lead can affect almost every organ and system in the human body, especially the central nervous system. Lead is especially toxic to the brains of young children.

Get your toys from a reputable manufacturing source; Some firms have taken large steps to ensure their toys are safe. Fisher Price has recalled almost one million toys because of high lead levels.