Last week we shared some ideas about waste which children and parents can use to make safe toys. We also looked at some waste items we should avoid using for toys. This week we'll continue our look at these harmful items in more detail.

Old motor vehicles

Children have been known to go missing and be found in old/unused motor vehicles where they died before help could reach them. Children should not be encouraged to use these vehicles as a playground. Additionally, rats and other creatures harmful to children can make their homes in these vehicles and bite or otherwise injure them.

Old containers larger than themselves

These include drums, water tanks, barrels, etc. These may seem like fun to explore but care must be taken to ensure that the children are not endangered. Any of these containers in which water can collect can be dangerous, as small children can drown in them. Also, care must be taken to ensure that harmful chemical residues are not in them. Children love to put their hands to their mouths and they can transfer these chemicals unknowingly through contact with their skins and mouths. They may also fall in and be unable to get out without adult help.

Lead batteries

These are extremely dangerous to children. Research has shown that children's brains, learning ability and organs can be damaged from continued exposure to lead. Do not allow children to play with these batteries or any parts or contents of them. It will make them sick and can result in problems lasting a lifetime. Unfortunately, Jamaica has had a number of cases of children being poisoned from lead. Let's prevent it happening again.

Used containers

Those which stored paint, thinner, insecticides, pesticides, rat poison, acid, pool chemicals and similar material. These containers should not be given to children for their use, even if you have carefully washed them out. They are dangerous to children.

Harmful chemicals

Don't allow them to play with old gas cylinders, used motor vehicle oil, fluorescent bulbs (especially if they are old and broken) and light switches. Mercury and other harmful substances and gases from these items can cause great damage.

Many of the waste items that are harmful to children are also harmful to adults. Children, however, depend on us to guide them away from danger, and this includes the harmful waste around them.

Ann Marie Rodriques
PeaceWater Services
Send questions or comments to peacewaterservices@yahoo.com