According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal consumer product safety watchdog, 17 toy-related deaths occurred in America in 2010. In 2009, more than 250,000 American children received emergency room care due to toy-related injuries.
It can be difficult for consumers to spot the defective product risks which are presented by some of the newest toy options. However, the Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group (PennPIRG) has offered a solution for a number of years: the Trouble in Toyland report.
Trouble in Toyland
For over 25 years, the Harriburg-based group has offered safety reports on countless children's products, which have resulted in at least 150 recalls and the removal of millions of dangerous items from stores. The PennPIRG report highlights several safety issues. Lead, which is harmful to the brain and other organs, continues to be a hazard in toys, as do Phthalates, chemicals that can cause liver, kidney, lung and reproductive organ damage. This season's toy offerings still have small parts, balls, marbles and balloons, which can present a choking hazard and at least one noise hazard.
Items specifically named in the group's report included a soft book, "Little Hands Love," which contained high levels of lead; Hot Wheels Rat Bomb, which exceeded recommended sound levels; and a pair of toy glasses, which had 42 times the recommended levels of phthalates.
Exercising Caution
The CPSC recalled 34 toys during the 2011 fiscal year. This number was down from 46 recalls in the previous year. Many believe that the significant drop in recalls indicates that toymakers and sellers are being more diligent in producing safer children's playthings.
Parents should also be mindful to exercise safety habits as well. Remove loose plastic and packaging after toys are opened and monitor playtime. When they purchase defective or dangerous toys, parents have a right to receive recovery for injuries to their child or themselves.
Today, more than 80 percent of the toys sold in the United States are made abroad and standards vary. Playtime can be happy and healthy, but only when toys are safe and appropriate.
