Making light of a serious situation

One might make the assumption that anything used to melt metal is a burn hazard.

Wire Feed Welders Recalled by Star Asia USA Due to Burn Hazard, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10298.html

Of course, the "one" in question reads CPSC recall notices obsessively and was perversely delighted to learn that toy helicopters were bursting into flames mid-flight. At our house, that would be the hallmark of a truly outstanding toy.

Tween Brands Recalls Children's Metal Jewelry Due to High Levels of Cadmium, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10297.html

We should all know better than to buy any sort of shiny trinket made in the People's Republic of Misfit Toys. Even my seven year old will flip over a potential purchase and think twice if she sees "China". I have nothing but good feelings about the people and culture of China, but I do have some misgivings about their manufacturing standards and government regulation of same.

If your child requires something shiny and inexpensive, get thee to the jewelry case at Wal-Mart and buy her something in a nice sterling silver.

On the other hand, while cadmium is generally toxic, most warnings involve ingestion. If a 10-13 year old is eating her earrings, perhaps a parent has more to worry about than reading government recalls.