The Florida Public Interest Research Group (Florida PIRG) says watch out parents – some of the toys that might brighten your child’s Christmas could contain hazardous substances. Florida PIRG released its “Trouble in Toyland” annual report on Tuesday, November 22. The group suggests the first thing you do before shopping for children’s toys is to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website (CPSC.com) which clearly lists the latest defective product recalls and comes complete with images of the toys in question.
According to an article in First Coast News, some of the more dangerous toys include:
- Plastic Groucho Marx glasses with about 42,000 parts per million (ppm) of phthalates, about 441,000 ppm over the government standard. The plasticizers that make toys more flexible come from solvents and additives and are linked to developmental delays in children.
- Hello Kitty eye shadow contained lead, which also has a profound effect on children’s ability to learn and is a neurotoxin. The eye shadow had 100 parts per million lead, but the American Academy of Pediatrics is pushing for a 40 ppm standard.
- ’A Little Hands Love’ book also had about 720 ppm lead, well beyond the 100 ppm limit.
Children will handle a toy and tend to put their hands in their mouth, leading to even greater exposure to phthalates and lead.
Another problem with defective toys is that some are too small and present a choking hazard. Over a ten-year period, ending in 2009, 200 children died from choking hazards in toys, according to the Fl PIRG news release. Some of those toys remain on store shelves.
Also, check the noise level of some toys which are known to exceed the hearing standards for safety.
Product Liability
A defective toy is one that was poorly made or designed, or a when a manufacturer fails to adequately warn the public about the defect. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from any defective toy or product, the child product recall attorneys in Jacksonville of Farah & Farah will offer you a complimentary consultation to discuss your options, which may include a product liability action. Our number is 1(800) 533-3555.
Source: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/florida/article/227904/4/High-Levels-of-Toxic-Chemicals-Found-in-Some-Christmas-Toys; http://www.floridapirg.org/news-releases/toy-safety/product-safety/annual-survey-finds-toxic-or-dangerous-toys-on-store-shelves
