Report names toys that could be potentially hazardous
Some children’s toys are hazardous, consumer group says
In 2004, nearly three-fourths of the 210,000 people who sought treatment in hospital emergency rooms were younger than 15, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sixteen children died in the United States from toy-related injuries last year.
They seem like perfect holiday gifts, but a Cuties Tipz ‘Ta Toez Polish Set and a Thomas the Tank Engine Rail Set could be potentially dangerous for children, according to a toy safety advocacy group.
The Florida Public Interest Research Group released its 20th annual toy safety report, “Trouble in Toyland.”
The report highlights dozens of toys and the various hazards – strangulation, choking and noise – they pose for kids. The information was researched and compiled by state research group’s staff across the country, according to Megan Stokes, campaign director for the organization.
“Even one toy-related death is too many,” Stokes said.
Stokes said researchers found phthalates, a class of chemicals used to soften otherwise hard plastic toys and teethers, in many of the toys surveyed in this year’s report.
Among the toys that could potentially pose this toxic risk are several nail polish and makeup kits from Claire’s Accessories and the Gloworm made by Hasbro.
A representative from Added Extras LLC, the manufacturer of the Tipz ‘Ta Toez Polish Set which contains the chemical toluene, could not be reached for comment.
“Children’s products simply should not contain toxic chemicals,” said Stokes, who encourages parents to buy wooden or cloth toys for infants and toddlers instead of toys made of PVC and plastics that contain phthalates. The Toy Industry Association Inc., which represents 500 North American producers and importers of toys, argues against the warnings.
“There is simply no solid, scientific evidence that any person has ever been harmed by the presence of phthalates in toys,” the association said in a statement. “In fact, there is considerable evidence to the contrary.”
“Trouble in Toyland” also highlights many toys that pose a choking hazard for young children, including a 113-piece play food set with miniature cereal boxes, canned food and french fries.
Stokes recommends parents try fitting such small toys inside a toilet paper roll. If the toy fits, it’s small enough for children to choke on, she said.
“The right thing to do is for parents to screen the toys others are giving them,” said Dr. John Wright, a pediatrician at Holy Cross Hospital.
Stokes says parents’ common sense is often the best safety measure they could take when buying gifts for their kids this holiday season.
“I don’t think toy manufacturers are out to get our children,” Stokes said. “Some just slip through.”