Parents fond of the phrase “don’t put that in your mouth” may read the latest report from the California Public Interest Research Group as avidly as a suspenseful page-turner.
CalPIRG released its annual list of toxic toys on Tuesday. It found some potentially dangerous stuff on shelves ahead of the holiday buying spree. The list is not comprehensive; the organization visited retail stores and just looked for potentially dangerous items.
CalPIRG Consumer Advocate Jon Fox said the three biggest sources of danger from toys are choking, toxic ingredients and loud noise-making that could hurt children's ears.
A simple way to prevent choking hazards, Fox said, is to use something most families already have in their homes: A toilet paper roll can be used to determine if a toy is too small to be safe. If it’s small enough to fit, it’s too small for a three-year-old.
See the full Trouble in Toyland (PDF) report here.