Trouble in Toyland Pt. 2

It’s December again, and that means it’s Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month! As we try to increase awareness about purchasing safe toys for your favorite kids this holiday season, we always like to take a look back at some of the most dangerous toys of the year according to the U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s Trouble in Toyland report.

Key findings from the report include:

• Toys with high levels of toxic substances are still in stores. For example, several toys with high lead levels including a toddler toy with 29 times the legal limit of lead (2900 ppm), play jewelry for children with 2 times the legal limit (200 ppm), infant play mat with high levels of the toxic metal antimony, and a child’s pencil case with high levels of phthalates and cadmium.

Monster High Skelita Halloween Costume wig contained 80 ppm antimony

Marvel Superhero Squad Soft Shield, often used as a part of costumes contained 2,900 ppm lead – 29 times the legal limit

• Despite a ban on small parts in toys for children under three, there are still toys available in stores that pose choking hazards.

Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop products contained small parts but do not display a choking hazard warning label for children under 6 years

• Toys that are potentially harmful to children’s ears and exceed the noise standards recommended by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders are still found in stores.

• Small powerful magnets that pose a dangerous threat to children if swallowed are still used in toys found in stores.

It’s important for adults to know what is a safe and appropriate toy to purchase for your favorite kids this gift-giving season. Review the suggestions Prevent Blindness Texas and Prevent Blindness America provide in order to ensure a safe and happy holiday.