Florida PIRG Report Identifies Toys to Avoid This Holiday Season
It may have been the subject of a 1976 “Saturday Night Live” comedy skit in which Dan Aykroyd portrayed fictitious toy manufacturer Irwin Mainway defending such “harmless playthings” as “Bag O’ Glass,” “Johnny Switchblade,” and “Teddy Chainsaw Bear,” but the hazards of some toys that may find their way under your tree this holiday season can be serious—even fatal.
On November 22, 2011, the Florida Public Interest Group (“PIRG”) released its 26th annual “Troubles in Toyland” report on dangerous toys. Among other dangerous propensities, the PIRG report identifies toys containing lead, noting that a number of toys found in stores exceed the strict limits (300ppm) on lead amounts imposed by Congress in 2008. According to the report, lead and phthalates have been linked to developmental delays in young children. Toys found to potentially toxic include Hello Kitty eyeshadow, a Honda toy motorcycle, and a Disney Tinkerbell watch.
Additionally, toys with small parts, particularly balls and balloons, are a leading cause of toy-related injuries, the PIRG press release. These include a set of wooden blocks by Timeless Toys, Sesame Street Oscar doll, and a Dinosaur Multi-Pack. Noisy toys, such as the Elmo Talking Cell Phone and Hot Wheels Super Stunt RAT BOMB, were also flagged as a major cause of hearing loss in children.
The PIRG report also makes recommendations for Congress and toy manufacturer for greater regulation and compliance with toy safety standards in the United States.
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