Bob McCarty Writes

Many around the world are “dreaming of a lead-free Christmas,” thanks to what seems like an onslaught of lead-tainted toys, household products and other items imported from China. At the same time, some seem to benefit from the scandal. Others suffer from it. Still others carry on as if nothing has happened.

First and foremost, media outlets have benefited. With the exception of the dinosaurs (i.e., print newspapers and network evening newscasts), many media outlets have likely generated more ad revenue by attracting more readers, listeners and/or viewers. Recent headlines, such as Donated toys call for extra testing, Toxic toys named and shamed and Deadly toys still for sale can’t help but draw attention.

The AFL-CIO has been able to put forth a kinder, gentler image that stands in stark contrast to the normal labor strife-oriented messages they offer. According to the group’s Protect Our Kids web site, their Safe Home Sessions have three main goals:

1. To clean your home of lead and other toxic imports
2. To clean your communities of lead and other toxic imports
3. To work to get our trade laws fixed to prevent such toxic imports in the future

Possibly for the first time, I find myself completely in agreement with something this labor union is doing — and that’s a rare occurrence.

Nonprofit organizations that collect toys for underprivileged kids find themselves wary of donated toys after massive recalls. Why? Because the lead scare has caused them to have to dedicate valuable time and resources to ensure the toys they give to kids don’t do more harm than good.

Toy makers find themselves in a 24/7 public relations mode. For instance, Hasbro has resorted to running newspaper ads trying to separate itself from the lead-paint recalls that have plagued Mattel Inc., its biggest competitor, and other toy makers this year (see this article).

Finally, it seems the only folks unaffected by the tainted-toy scare live in China. Those in charge of China’s vast manufacturing sector seem to worry very little about harming Americans. And why should they? After all, they’re the same people who show little regard for the health of their own citizens. For more details about life in China, click here.