Product Safety In the News

11/25/2008

HARTFORD, Conn. -- With the arrival of the holiday shopping season, one Connecticut group is warning of toys that shoppers should avoid this year.

The Connecticut Public Interest Research Group unveiled its list of toys Tuesday that it considers holiday hazards.

"Over the past 20 years, our reports have led to over 130 recalls and other actions to get hazardous toys off the market," said Ilicia Balaban of the group.

This year's list includes a race car the group claims has lead paint, a pony made of plastic containing a potentially dangerous chemical, and a pet shop kit that poses a choking hazard.

Officials said some hazards are easier to spot, such has choking hazards. They said parents can use a toilet-paper tube at home to test whether a piece on a toy is too small.

"It's easier to see a choking hazard than it is to test for lead or phthalates," Balaban said.

The group recommends parents avoid toys made of soft plastics of PVC. Congress recently passed a law regarding chemicals in toys, but it doesn’t take effect until 1009.

"The American public should be outraged that these rules are not in effect this holiday and that they have to wait until future holidays for these protections to go into effect," said Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

Blumenthal pointed out that even simple things, such as a deflated balloon could pose a serious choking hazard. He advised parents to always be looking out for dangerous items.

For more information about toys deemed dangerous, visit PIRG's Web site.