Shoppers Warned Over Hazardous Toys
December 10, 2009
Washington — Amid the holiday season, a consumer group has warned shoppers that several toys have been found to have small parts which may result to choking accidents while some have high levels of lead or phthalates which can adversely affect the health of children.
In its annual report titled “Trouble in Toyland", the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) said hazardous toys are still prevalent in the country despite strict federal standards.
“Before buying any toys, consumers should look for any potential hazard. This includes toys that produce loud sounds, contain high levels of toxic chemicals, and have small parts”, the group said.
PIRG also said that many toys have wrong product labels, especially those with small parts which pose choking risk. According to the safety organization, a toy which can fit inside the tube of a toilet tissue is too small for a 3-year-old child.
Reports show that choking accounted for majority of toy-related deaths and injuries in the US.
In response to this report, some retail groups said the toys sold in the US are safer compared to last holiday season, adding that PIRG “has ignored and misinterpreted some facts”, causing “unnecessary panic among parents.”
Meanwhile, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said it is “monitoring the safety of toys, especially those that produce loud sounds and those with lead and phthalates.”
