Good news for parents this Christmas?

Following up on the bad news out of China last month, it was reported last week that China has now agreed to export toys to the U.S. that are lead-free. Hopefully the consumer affairs watch dogs will be keeping a close eye for breaches of the agreement. Parents too should be ever vigilant and remember to heed the Latin warning; "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware).

While we all want to breath a sigh of relief, the fear exits that some tainted toys might slip through the net in the Christmas rush. Parents would do well to think like a private investigator where their children's health is at stake.

For instance, the majority of exports entering our ports go unchecked. This coupled with the fact that many of these overseas toy manufacturers probably have millions of dollars worth of toys already finished and ready for shipping. Are they all going to be so ethical that they destroy these valuable (to them) shipments that have lead-based paint in them? I certainly would not want to bet on it.