The
U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) has released its 25th
annual survey of toy safety. The report lists safety guidelines for
consumers when purchasing toys for small children and provides examples
of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety
hazards.Here are some of the key findings and conclusions from this study:
Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons remains a leading cause of toy- related deaths and injuries.
Between 1990 and 2007, at least 196 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part; three children died in 2008 alone. The law bans small parts in toys for children under three and requires an explicit, prominent warning label on toys with small parts for children between the ages of three and six. In addition, balls with a diameter smaller than 1.75 inches are banned for children less than three years old.
Although most toys on store shelves are safe, this report still found some toys that may pose choking hazards. Specifically, their store visits found toys for children under three with small parts and toys with small parts for children under six without the required choke hazard warning label.
Lead in toys is still something to be aware of and concerned about.
Exposure to lead can affect almost every organ and system in the human body, especially the central nervous system. Lead is especially toxic to the brains of young children. Despite the fact that CPSC has recalled more than half a million toys or other children’s products for violations of the lead paint standard, some children’s toys and jewelry still contain unacceptable levels of lead.
In their latest study, they found examples of costume or novelty jewelry, painted toys, and Some metal toys that exceed the CPSIA’s lead paint standards.
Toxic chemicals in children’s products can leach into hands and into their mouths.
Many consumer products contain harmful chemicals. We are only beginning to understand their health effects, especially to babies and young children who are more vulnerable to these effects because their systems are still developing.
PHTHALATES are a class of chemicals used to make plastic softer. They are found in everything from raincoats to lunchboxes; from bath books to rubber duckies. U.S. EPA studies show that the cumulative impact of different phthalates leads to an exponential increase in associated harm. This year’s study found products that laboratory testing showed to contain levels of phthalates that may exceed limits allowed by the CPSIA.
Loud toys can contribute to long term hearing loss.
Almost 15 percent of children ages 6 to 17 show signs of hearing loss. In March 2007, the American Society for Testing and Materials adopted a voluntary acoustics standard for toys, setting the loudness threshold for most toys at 85 decibels, and for toys intended for use “close to the ear” at 65 dB. .
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSUMERS
- Be vigilant this coming holiday season. Read and heed age labels on toys.
- Remember that the CPSC does not test all toys, and not all toys on store shelves meet CPSC standards. Check labels carefully.
- There is no comprehensive list of potentially hazardous toys. Examine toys carefully for potential dangers before you make a purchase.
- Report unsafe toys or toy-related injuries to the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov.
We also invite you to join us from 11-12 on Monday, September 26, for an informative seminar on Toy Safety and Poison Safety. This seminar will be held at A Room Of Their Own, 2615 George Busbee Parkway, Kennesaw, GA, just across from Town Center at Cobb. The seminar will be conducted by representatives from Safe Kids Cobb County, and is being given in partnership with A Room Of Their Own.
