Recent Study Findings: 1/4 of all Dog Toys Tested Contain Lead

January 9, 2010

Well, this is a little scary. HealthyStuff.org conducted an independent study of various products over the past few years to determine whether the products contain dangerous levels of toxins. According to Dogster.com, this is what they found in the 400(+) pet toys/products (including beds, chew toys, stuffed toys, collars, leashes, and tennis balls) tested:

45% of pet products tested had detectable levels of one or more hazardous chemicals, including:

  • one-quarter of all pet products had detectable levels of lead.

  • 7% of all pet products have lead levels greater than 300 ppm - the current CPSC lead standard for lead in children's products.

  • early half of pet collars had detectable levels of lead; with 27% exceeding 300 ppm - the CPSC limit for lead in children's products.

  • One half (48%) of tennis balls tested had detectable levels of lead. Tennis balls intended for pets were much more likely to contain lead. Sports tennis balls contain no lead.

Unfortunately, there are no government standards for hazardous chemicals in pet products. So, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that these toxic chemicals were found.

For information on the effects of lead poisoning and how it can affect the body, click here: (http://www.lead.org.au/fs/fst7.html)

For a full list of the pet products tested, click here: (http://www.healthystuff.org/departments/pets/product.least.php?rank=none)