Consumer watchdog releases most dangerous toy list
Just in time for holiday shopping, the US-based Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) announced this year's list of unsafe toys.
Last week, the consumer watchdog group noted that while the majority of toys are safer than they used to be, hazardous toys to avoid include noisy toys that can damage hearing, toys with tiny parts that may cause choking, toys that contain toxic chemicals, and toys containing powerful magnets that can be fatal if swallowed.
According to WebMD, The Toy Industry Association, a toy maker trade group, claims that the report is off the mark, noting that most of the products on the list comply with strict safety standards in the US.
While the report doesn't claim to be an exhaustive list of dangerous toys, the PIRG does list a few toys sold in the US that it deems dangerous.
Too noisy toys
• Fisher-Price's Dora Guitar was found to emit more than 85 decibels (dB); noise over 80 dB may damage children's hearing.
• CAT Car Wheel/Horn, manufactured by Toy State. Emits more than 85 dB
• FunKeys Car Keys, manufactured by Maison Joseph Battat Ltd. Since the toy can be held to the ear, the PIRG notes its 80 dB range is too high. Toys held at the ear can damage hearing at more than 65 dB.
Choking hazards
• Dragster Cars, by Z-Windups
• Bowling Game, by Cool Novelty Products
• Ball on a stick launcher, manufactured by R T Toy Factory
• Play Food, manufactured by Wal-Mart Stores Inc
• Super Play Food Set, by Geoffrey LLC
• Baby's 1st Birthday Balloons and Baby's 2nd Birthday Balloons, manufactured by Unique Industries Inc
• Golfing Game, manufactured by Aoxing Toys Factory
Chemical-filled toys
• Dora backpack, manufactured by Global Design Concepts Inc., is said to contain phthalates.
• Morphobot, manufactured by GreenBrier International Inc., contains 180 parts per million (ppm) of lead, which the PIRG says violates the 100 ppm standard.
Magnet dangers
• Snake Eggs, manufactured by GreenBrier International Inc., has a shape for easy swallowing and is said to be designed for children as young as four.
Access the report: http://www.uspirg.org/blogs/blog/usp/trouble-toyland
