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Although the process of getting dangerous toys off store shelves has improved in recent years, a consumer group says there are still far too many toys on store shelves that pose a health risk to children. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group says some toys contain toxic chemicals and many are choking hazards.
The government agency that regulates toy makers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), says toy-related injuries sent more than 250,000 children to emergency rooms and 12 of those children died in 2009 because of toy-related injures.
Below is a list of the toys the group thinks are dangerous and a link to a WebMD article about the study. If you or someone you love is hurt by a dangerous product or drug, call my office at 702-240-0000 or go to www.edbernstein.com.
The report identifies the following toys as potential dangers:
- A stuffed animal monkey made by Play Pets that contained lead slightly above recommended levels.
- The surface coating of toy plastic handcuffs sold at Toys “R” Us, which had excess antimony, many times higher than allowable.
- The red handle of a baby book sold at Toys “R” Us containing antimony that was above the allowable limit.
- The coating on the surface of a wild range toy gun sold at Family Dollar, which had more antimony than allowed.
U.S. PIRG says that because there is no comprehensive list of potentially hazardous toys, parents should carefully examine items before buying them.
The report also lists the following as posing dangers for kids:
- Small parts on toys that can detach and pose choking risks.
- Small balls, which are easy to swallow. Balls with a diameter of less than 1.75 inches are banned for kids under age 3.
- Balloons, which cause more choking deaths than any other kids’ product.
- Marbles. Toys with marbles must containing warning labels.
- Drawstrings on clothing can lead to deaths or injuries because they sometimes catch on cribs, doors, or playground equipment.
The U.S. PIRG report lists the following products as containing potentially toxic amounts of lead or other hazardous chemicals:
- Princess Expressions Tiara and Jewelry set, made by Almar Sales and sold by Kmart.
- Monkey in Banana, made by Play Pets and sold at Uncle Fun stores.
- Baby Doll, also sold by Uncle Fun. U.S. PIRG says the manufacturer of the doll was unknown.
- Dora the Explorer backpack, made by Global design Concepts and sold by Claire’s retailers.
- Bright stars travel book, sold at Toys “R” Us.
- Plastic handcuffs, sold at Toys “R” Us.
- Wild ranger toy gun, made by Polyfect Inc. and sold at Family Dollar stores.
The report lists two examples of toys that pose potential choking hazards:
- Lokmock/Baby’s first train, made by Haba, sold by Sullivan’s Toys Let’s Get Building!
- Construction Playset (Handy Manny Big Construction Job), made by Fisher-Price and sold at Target.
Report Warns of Toys With Health Risks
Consumer Group Says Dangerous Toys Can Still Be Found on Store Shelves
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Nov. 24, 2010 — Though progress has been made in recent years in making playthings for children safer, far too many toys remain on store shelves that pose serious risks to America’s kids, a consumer watchdog group says in a new report.
Find article at: WebMD
