Trouble in Toyland 2009

In addition to our work to make all products safer, every year VPRIG releases our annual Trouble in Toyland report highlighting potential hazards in childrens' toys.  This year Trouble in Toyland, along with a new interactive tool accessible via smart phone or computer at http://toysafety.mobi, will help parents and other toy-buyers avoid some common hazards this holiday-shopping season.  

VPIRG found that some progress has been made on toy safety in the past year, thanks to a new law overhauling the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  In addition to expanding the agency’s budget and staff, the law gave the CPSC more tools to speed recalls of dangerous toys, banned toxic lead and phthalates from children’s products, and established mandatory testing of toys and other children’s products.

But there’s no magic wand to fix the CPSC, and making products safer won’t happen overnight.  The findings in this year’s Trouble in Toyland highlight the need for continued improvement in order to protect American’s children:

•    Despite a ban on small parts in toys for children under three, there are still toys available that pose serious choking hazards.

•    Some toys tested exceeded 85 decibels sound level, which is the volume threshold established under American Society for Testing and Materials standards. Almost 15 percent of children aged 6 to 17 show signs of hearing loss.

•    VPIRG found children’s products that exceeded the legal limits of phthalates, a toxic chemical used to soften plastic.

•    Researchers found lead-laced toys on store shelves. One preschool book contained lead paint far above the new limits.

Because these findings include only a sampling of hazardous toys, parents should remain vigilant when shopping this holiday season.  Parents should beware of small parts that could pose choking hazards, they should read and heed warning labels, and they should stay informed of recalls.  Parents can also have toy safety at their fingertips by using our interactive, mobile site at http://toysafety.mobi.