Fox news 44: Potentially Hazardous Toys Still on the Shelf

We all know what the holidays are about, at least for the kids.

“As a mom of 2, I can tell you that parents have a lot to worry about. Whether or not we’re buying harmful or toxic toys shouldn’t be one of them,” says Katy Farber, a parent and also the creator of Non-Toxic Kids.net

The naughty and nice list is out on this years toys. Vermont’s Public Interest Research Group  (VPIRG) has released its annual report, Trouble in Toyland. The report calls out potentially dangerous toys for children, that can still be found on the shelves.

The list includes toys containing potentially toxic chemicals (such as lead and phthalates), choking hazards, or those just too loud for children.

“Say ‘Hey, do I think this is going to pose a danger to my child?’, and if it does, then don’t buy it, that’s our advice,” says Charity Carbine of VPIRG.

After the lead paint scare on several Chinese made toys in recent years, The U.S. passed laws in 2008, banning the production of toys containing lead and other toxic chemicals. Many of those chemical are linked to reproductive defects,early onset of puberty, and and other health hazards especially in children.

One such item, the Pretty Princess Puppy Purse is one such toy containing phthalates, that can still be found at your local stores.

“VPIRGs report shows that not all toy manufactures are complying with the law,” says Nicole Mace of Voices for Vermont’s Children. “We know how dangerous small parts in toys can be, and yet VPIRG still found toys [in stores] that pose choking hazards to children.”

VPIRG points out My First BABY Learn by BABY Born, which has small pieces just barely passing the choking size standards.

“Use a toilet paper roll. If any part of your child’s toy fits inside this toilet paper roll, it shouldn’t be given to a child under 3,” says Carbine.

Just this year, more than 5 million toys have been recalled for choking hazards, and over 1 million for lead.

That’s why VPIRG says parents should stay up to date on the latest recalls to keep their children safe this holiday season.  There is also a new website VPIRG points out to keep up on recalls and reports. The website is smart phone accessible, so you can refer to it while you shop. Click here for that website.

For more information on the Consumers Product Safety Commission and recalls, click here.

For the 2009 Trouble in Toyland report from VPIRG, click here.

Kerrin Jeromin – Fox News 44