‘Trouble in Toyland’ Report Cites Toys To Avoid
By HealthDay News: 'News For Healthier Living' // November 29, 2013
CAPT. AMERICA SHIELD TOPS LIST WITH DANGEROUS LEAD LEVELS
ABOVE VIDEO: WPRI Channel 12 in Rhode Island reports on the recently released annual U.S. Public Interest Research Group’s “Trouble in Toyland” report.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Surprisingly, despite increasingly strict regulations, there are still toys on retail shelves that pose safety risks for children. The annual “Trouble in Toyland” report from the the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) chronicled below on HealthDay’s “News For Healthier Living” sites playthings that can not only choke or poison a child, but also toys that threaten a child’s hearing.
HEALTH DAY NEWS — Toxic or dangerous toys can still be found on store shelves despite tough new federal regulations, according to a report released Tuesday.
Researchers found toys for sale that contained toxic levels of lead, cadmium, antimony and phthalates, said this year’s “Trouble in Toyland” report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).
One vinyl toy, the Marvel Super Hero Squad Soft Shield, contained 29 times the legal limit of lead.
“That toy is recommended for ages 2 and up,” said Andrew Fish, a program associate with the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. “It really shouldn’t be recommended for anyone at that level.”
A Lamaze-brand infant play mat contained high levels of antimony, a toxic metal that has been classified as a cancer-causing agent. A Ninja Turtles Pencil Case contained high levels of phthalates and cadmium. Phthalates are chemicals suspected to cause developmental health effects. Cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause learning disabilities and kidney problems.
U.S. PIRG researchers also found the following:
- Toys that still pose a choking hazard, despite a ban on small parts in toys for children under 3 years old
- Toys that are potentially harmful to children’s hearing
- Toys containing small powerful magnets that can be dangerous if swallowed
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