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The Story behind the story: David Bruser -
The Toronto Star
The 2008 Michener Award finalists talk about their
award winning stories and the people who helped make them happen -
Michener Awards Ceremony, June 10, 2009
David Bruser
Toronto Star |
Scientific tests conducted by the Toronto Star resulted
in a series of stories on the high level of lead in toys being sold
in Canada. This led to the largest series of product recalls in
Canadian history after federal officials confirmed the Star’s
findings. The federal government vowed swift action (announced in
the fall Throne Speech) to toughen toy safety laws to protect
consumers and their children.
Congratulations to the other nominees. I’m honoured to be in your
presence. Thank you very much (your Excellencies) for having us.
It’s very cool to be here.
This was easily my most dangerous assignment.
I mean, the story proposal seemed harmless. Could we find a way to
test a wide range of children’s products for lead? And if so, what
would we find?
Weeks after it was published and done I was in a doctor’s office
dealing with it still.
At the start of the reporting, I set about town, buying everything
from dollar store loot bag filler to high-end brand name toys from
big chain toy stores.
Next I had to test the stuff for lead, which, if you don’t know, is
a cheap, toxic metal often used by manufacturers to cut costs. It is
especially dangerous to young children who could suffer serious harm
if they swallow or suck on the lead-tainted toy.
I had heard about this fancy machine made by a U.S. company. It was
compact, easy to use and relied on technology I did not understand
to test the surface of a toy for lead. It also cost $40,000. I got
the company to loan it to the Star for a few weeks.
The company rep came to our newsroom to set it up, he tested a
couple items to demonstrate how to use it, then casually mentioned
that the machine emits a low level of radiation, but if you keep the
lid of the testing station closed you should be fine, he said.
Then he handed me a freaking Geiger counter. And left.
That afternoon my editor Kevin Donovan saw me using the machine from
as great a distance as possible, my arms stretched, my fingertips
barely able to reach the controls.
During one of the tests, I waved the Geiger around the machine and
it beeped with increasing frequency.
I became nearly hysterical.
I told Kevin that I was really nervous because as I wanted to start
a family in the near future I was concerned that this story was
going to fry my testicles.
A born problem solver, he went down to the dentist who rents space
in our building and got one of those heavy bibs you wear when you
get a mouth x-ray.
So for the next couple weeks I spent my time in the newsroom putting
toys in and out of a space-age machine while wearing a blue bib.
We found some pretty shocking stuff:
A high level of lead in the mouthguard part of a dollar store
pacifier – a baby pacifier. We found there is no federal limit on
lead in pacifiers.
Lead in a jewelry making kit that said right on the package “lead
free.”
So much lead in a penny-sized dollar store scrapbook charm that
swallowing it could have meant death for a child.
And lead in the brown belt of a stuffed teddy bear dressed as an
RCMP officer. I bought this overpriced toy at Pearson airport. This
toy and others from the same line were recalled after our story. It
was the largest recall in Canadian history.
We also found a flawed inspection and recall system that was not catching
dangerous products.
Shortly after the recalls, the federal government announced plans to
beef up its consumer product safety law.
Meanwhile, weeks after our original report, I built up the nerve to
get tested myself.
It was an indignity, the details of which I will spare you.
But the doctor said I was fine.
Thank you very much.
David Bruser
Michener Awards Ceremony
June 10, 2009
Back to 2008 Award Winner
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