Trouble in Toyland: Parents Still Need to be Vigilant about Toys

Last week I had the honor to be part of the Vermont Public Interest Group's release of the Trouble in Toyland report. Every year, VPIRG and USPIRG tests several toys for safety, and offers tips and information for parents about how to keep kids safe from toxic, harmful and unsafe toys. I read a statement at the VPRIG press conference last week.

And this year, things are a bit different. We've finally banned phthalates and lead in toys. That's progress. But according to VPIRG, we still have a lot to be concerned about.

The researchers at VPRIG found toys on shelves in Vermont (and nationwide), that violate standards for lead, phthalates, sound, and choking standards.

These are toys you would find in any mainstream retailer or online. In fact, a few were the same brands of toys we had and have given away (I never would have given them away if I knew they were not safe!!) . What do you do with unsafe toys? I am paralyzed. I don't want to throw them away--- to the landfill? Not good. I don't want other children to have them, so I just put them in the basement.

For example, my super generous mother in law gave us this phone. It is really loud, and I got rid of it for that reason. And the child is supposed to hold it directly to their ear! Soooo loud, and damaging to little ears.



And this book? I thought cloth books were harmless. Not so much. VPRIG found lead in a red patch of cloth. Unbelievable. I have a different book by the same brand, but I am in consumer paralysis with it now.



Be very, very afraid of the store Claires. Lots of cheap, toxic, China made jewelry and trinkets. A cell phone charm purchased by VPRIG contained 71 percent lead. That is enough to cause accute lead poisoning which is fatal, if a child were to chew and suck on it. Claire's claims they don't sell this product anymore.



The take home message? Parents still need to pay attention to toy safety. The CPSC and manufacturers are doing more than ever to keep toys safe, but it is still not enough. There are lots of unsafe toys still on the market this holiday season.

VPRIG and USPIRG has made it easier to get information about toy safety while shopping. You can visit toysafety.mobi or toysafety.net from your smart phone to get information while shopping. Using this service, consumers can also report unsafe toys.

Thanks VPIRG and USPIRG! I appreciate your care and advocacy for our children's safety.