When buying toys, check for toxicity, small parts

In its annual review of toy safety, the Public Interest Research Group says there are plenty of toys out there for young children that have small parts and present a choking hazard. Moreover, the fact that the item is meant for an older child won't stop a young sibling from gobbling down, for example, a miniature shovel.

But it's not a simple question of size, the advocacy group said Tuesday in news conferences held at Tucson Medical Center and Phoenix Children's Hospital.

In the Phoenix session, group volunteer Katie Ala pointed to a plastic gun now available on the market. Its exterior has tested positive for antimony, a chemical linked to possible lung and heart problems. She said the level on the handle was particularly high.

And there are items for sale that have lead compounds, like a tiara found by Public Interest Research Group shoppers.

Ala acknowledged that the consumer group takes a much narrower view than federal laws and regulations about the level of chemicals allowed in toys.

"Regardless of how old our children are, there shouldn't be any toxics in our toys," she said. "Scientists haven't specified a specific amount of what is considered safe and unsafe when it comes to lead."

Ala said parents should be especially cautious when buying anything with very soft plastics because of the possible presence of phthalates, a group of chemicals often used in such items.

She said shoppers for the group tested a Dora the Explorer backpack and found a version of the chemical to be part of the decorations at levels 10 times higher than considered safe for human consumption but still legally considered safe for an item like this.

"No, it's not intended for a 3-year-old," Ala said. But she said younger children could get their hands - and mouths - on it.

The debate over phthalates has put the chemical industry on the defensive.

In a news release earlier this month, the American Chemistry Council said phthalates are "tightly bound in the structure of vinyl" and that exposure from release of the chemical is "minimal." The organization also said there are more than a dozen types of phthalates, each with it its own chemical and toxicological properties.

On the subject of choking hazards, Ala said some hazards may not be obvious by looking at a box, particularly the presence of small parts.

"If you're not sure what's in the box, open it up, have the store take a look at it," she said.

Ala said the quickest way for consumers to check if a part might be a hazard is to take along a cardboard toilet-paper roll: If the item fits into the tube, it will fit easily into a child's mouth.

FOR MORE INFO

Shoppers can get the group's specific list of dangerous toys and purchasing tips at www.toysafety.mobi