The Consumer Federation of America partnered with the U.S. Public Interest Group to conduct it’s 29th Annual Survey of Toy Safety. In the study’s findings, they reveal a list of toys that should be avoided, or made sure they are not put in the hands of young children, because they pose a serious health risk to them.
It’s unfortunate that there are children toy manufacturers who don’t adhere to the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This survey just reminds parents and caregivers that it is important to be aware of the toys you allow your children to play with, and to throw them away if you notice signs of wear and deterioration.
Below we’ll share the hazard, why it is harmful, and the toys that should be avoided. Follow this link to read the study, “Trouble in Toyland.”
Standards for toy safety are enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Safety standards include limits on toxics in children’s products, size requirements for toys for small children, warning labels about choking hazards, measures to keep magnets and batteries inaccessible, and noise limits.
Lead
Childhood exposure to even low levels of lead can undermine development, damaging academic achievement and attentiveness.
Unsafe levels of lead found in:
Sold at: Dollar Tree, also found on Amazon.com ($1.00)
Item Number: 186445-16750-1306
Manufacturer/Distributor: Greenbrier International
Label on toy: 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The sheriff’s star and the “Special Police” badge contain lead above the legal coatings limit of 90 parts per million (ppm), measuring above 110 ppm.
Chromium
Skin contact with chromium can cause severe allergic reactions, which can include anything from skin redness and irritation, to swelling, to ulcers. Chromium compounds are also carcinogenic.
Unsafe levels of chromium found in:
Sold at: Dollar Tree ($1.00)
Item Number: 187254-23285-015-1403
Manufacturer/Distributor: Greenbrier International
Label on toy: 2+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The metal cymbals contain 580 ppm chromium, above the standard 60 ppm.
Phthalates
Exposure to phthalates at crucial developmental stages can harm or hinder the development of the male reproductive system, and can be linked to the early onset of puberty.
Unsafe levels of phthalates found in:
Sold at: Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores ($3.00)
Item Number: 1342-8966
Manufacturer/Distributor: H.E.R. Accessories/Joann Stores Inc.
Label on toy: 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The plastic covering of the hair clips contains 5,100 ppm of the phthalate DEHP, above the legal limit of 1,000 ppm.
Sold at: Walmart ($0.97)
Item Number: Not Known
Manufacturer/Distributor: Infantino
Label on toy: 2+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The duck contains 1,400 ppm of the phthalate DINP, above the legal limit of 1,000 ppm.
Sold at: Walgreens ($4.99)
Item Number: k56684-AN-012411
Manufacturer/Distributor: FAB Starpoint
Label on toy: 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The plastic portion of the backpack contains 200,000 ppm of the phthalate DEHP and 3,000 ppm DINP, both of which are banned above 1,000 ppm. The backpack may not be considered a toy, and therefore, it may be exempt from the standard. Regardless, the U.S. PIRG Education Fund believes that all children’s products should be held to a standard that keeps children safe.
Small Parts and Pieces
Small parts and pieces can block a child’s airway and become a choke hazard. For children, especially under the age of three, this can be a potentially deadly hazard.
Toys containing small parts:
Sold at: Purchased by researchers from both a boutique toy store and Amazon.com ($34.99)
Item Number: Cat. No. 716080
Manufacturer/Distributor: Edushape
Label on toy: 2+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The smallest semi-circular foam blocks in the set fit into the choke test cylinder. Not every set that was purchased in the survey contained these small parts, but small parts are not permitted in toys for children under the age of three.
Sold at: Target and other stores ($31)
Item Number: 08609130
Manufacturer/Distributor: Maison Joseph Battat
Label on toy: Non-standard choke hazard warning; 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The yo-yo included with the doll fits into the choke test cylinder. The toy should have a CPSC small parts warning label, as required for toys containing small parts and intended for children ages three to five.
Sold at: Amazon.com and other retailers ($13.84)
Item Number: B00BQD7LU2
Manufacturer/Distributor: Disney Store
Label on toy: Non-standard choke hazard warning; 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The figurines can be broken off their bases, creating small parts that fit into the choke test cylinder. The toy should have a CPSC small parts warning label, as required for toys containing small parts and intended for children ages three to five.
Small balls less than 1.75 inches in diameter
These balls can be a hazard for children three years old and younger.
Toys containing small balls:
Sold at: Dollar Tree ($1.00)
Item Number: 119208-10062-001-1207
Manufacturer/Distributor: Greenbrier International
Label on toy: 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: The ball is larger than the choke text cylinder but smaller than the small ball tester. The toy lacks a small ball warning, required for any small ball intended for children over the age of three
Balloons
Balloons can be easily inhaled while attempting to inflate, and potentially can become stuck in a child’s throat. According to the survey, balloons are responsible for more choking deaths among children than any other toy or children’s product.
Toys containing balloons:
Sold at: Party City ($5.99)
Item Number: No. 392656 or UPC 48419 93287 1
Manufacturer/Distributor: Amscan
Label on toy: Statutory balloon warning (Children under 8 can suffocate), the statutory small parts warning (Not for children under 3), and the 3+ label
Why the toy is a potential hazard: Balloons are dangerous for children under 8, but the package is labeled for 3+
Magnets
The study warns that when two or more powerful magnets are swallowed, they can have fatal health consequences as their attractive forces draw them together inside the body.
Toys containing powerful magnets:
Sold at: Zen Magnets online store ($12.65)
Item Number: None Available
Manufacturer/Distributor: Zen Magnets
Label on toy: Lengthy disclaimer
Why the toy is a potential hazard: Comparable toys have been subject to recall by the CPSC. Zen Magnets is fighting the CPSC’s efforts to recall its products
- Buckyballs
Sold at: Buckyballstore.com ($20)
Item Number: UPC 8 56590 00322 4
Manufacturer/Distributor: Maxfield & Oberton
Label on toy: Lengthy disclaimer
Why the toy is a potential hazard: This toy is subject to recall by the CPSC. It is illegal to sell it in the U.S.
Batteries
If batteries are ingested, chemical reactions can burn through the esophagus and blood vessels, causing fatal internal bleeding.
Toys containing battery hazards:
Sold at: 99c Century among other retailers ($6.99)
Item Number: B698A
Manufacturer/Distributor: Hua Cai
Label on toy: Non-standard choke hazard warning; 3+
Why the toy is a potential hazard: Children can remove the batteries, which are near-small parts. The toy has already been recalled for this reason in Australia. In addition, under mild abuse, the toy broke into small parts that fit into the choke test cylinder, and it does not have the CPSC warning label