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Ohio group warns shoppers of toxic toys
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
An advocacy group has issued its annual warning to holiday shoppers to be careful when buying toys, after it identified products with high levels of toxic material or that include small parts that could choke children.
The Ohio Public Interest Research Group’s 2011 Trouble in Toyland Study includes two dozen specific toys considered dangerous, along with tips for avoiding other potentially hazardous products.
The group has compiled the report for the past 26 years. It released its latest issue this week in Cleveland, in advance of the busiest shopping day of the year, the Friday after Thanksgiving.
“Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons is still a leading cause of toy-related injury,” Ohio PIRG’s Marites Velasquez said.
“Between 1990 and 2009, over 200 children have died. While most toys are safe, our researchers still found toys on the shelves that pose choking hazards and other s containing hazardous levels of toxic chemicals including lead.”
PIRG’s report focused on:
Toxic materials: The group found a number toys with potentially dangerous levels of lead or phthalates (chemicals used to make plastic products), including a “Little Hands Love” book, a Tinkerbell watch and a Hello Kitty eye shadow keychain.
Choking Hazards: Ohio PIRG identified 11 toys that could pose choking hazards, including an Oscar the Grouch stuffed toy and a wooden blocks set.
Too Loud: Several toys made sounds that were loud enough to damage a child’s hearing.
, including an Elmo’s World talking cell phone and a Hot Wheels “super stunt” vehicle.
Additional information about the study and unsafe toys is available online at www.toysafety.mobi.