|  The
2002 PIRG Trouble in Toyland Potentially Hazardous Toy List
Hazardous
toys can still be found on store shelves across the country despite
passage of the 1994 Child Safety Protection Act, according to a nationwide
survey recently released by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group
and Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
The annual PIRG
report, available at www.toysafety.net, has resulted in more than 100
recalls and other enforcement actions over the past 17 years. Along
with its 2002 report, U.S. PIRG released a new "Tips for Toy Safety"
brochure to help parents and caregivers avoid the most common toy hazards.
According to new
data released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2001 there
were an estimated 255,100 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital
emergency rooms. There were 25 toy-related deaths, including nine children
who choked to death on balloons, toy balls and small toy parts.
"Sadly, children
needlessly choke to death on toys and toys that pose dangers to children
can still be found on store shelves," said Diana Brazzell, Consumer
Organizer with U.S. PIRG.
PIRG's annual "Trouble
in Toyland" report highlights potential hazards posed by toys found
during a survey of stores in October and November. PIRG cautioned consumers
about five types of toy hazards: choking hazards including balloons,
toxic chemicals, hearing loss hazards, scooter dangers, and purchasing
toys on the Internet.
Rhonda Phillipi,
assistant in pediatrics at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and director
of Tennessee EMS for Children, urges parents to use caution and think
of safety when purchasing toys for their children in the upcoming holiday
season.
"It is important
for parents to realize there are toys out there which can harm their
children," Phillipi said. "This report can serve as an excellent
guide for parents to follow when looking over their child's [gift] list."
PIRG announced
plans to distribute a new brochure, "Tips for Toy Safety,"
highlighting ways parents and caregivers can reduce toy-related hazards.
The brochure, which will be distributed through the Internet and mailed
to childcare centers and pediatricians, is available from www.toysafety.net.
"Remember
that our toy list only provides a few examples of dangerous toys,"
Brazzell said, "The most important list for consumers is the Tips
for Toy Safety."
In an analysis
of 45 online toy retailers, PIRG found that none posted the warnings
required to appear on in-store products and only two of the 45 included
any safety labeling at all, and even these were not posted consistently.
PIRG urged manufacturers to voluntarily provide Child Safety Protection
Act warnings on the Web and urged Congress to pass H.R. 604, the Internet
Toy Safety Awareness Act, which would make Internet toy labeling mandatory.
"Shoppers
should examine all toys carefully for hidden dangers before they make
a purchase and should think about how a child will play with the toy,"
Brazzell said. "While most manufacturers comply with the law, parents
should not assume that all toys on store shelves are safe or adequately
labeled."
Highlights
of the Report's Findings
Choking Hazards — Choking on small toy parts, balloons, and small
balls continue to be the leading cause of toy-related deaths. According
to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 207 children
died from 1990 to 2000 playing with toys. In 2001, 25 children died
playing with toys, nine of those from choking. The 1994 Child Safety
Protection Act requires strict warning labels on toys intended for older
children if the toy contains small parts, marbles, or balls that are
banned for children under three. Balloon warnings must specify that
balloons should be kept away from children under eight. U.S. PIRG announced
plans to petition the CPSC to strengthen its rules so that rounded toys
that are not balls are tested with the more stringent small ball test,
rather than the small parts test (round objects can more fully block
a child's airway).
Mary Fran Hazinski,
assistant in surgery and pediatrics, Division of Trauma and Surgical
Critical Care and Trauma Prevention Specialist at Vanderbilt Children's
Hospital, said it is important for parents to pay attention to small
parts on toys that can cause choking hazards.
"Tragically
children continue to choke on balls and other round or cylindrical toys
that are small enough to block their airway," Hazinski said.
Toxic Chemical
Hazards — Phthalates are chemicals added to polyvinyl chloride
plastic toys as a softener. They are linked to liver and kidney damage,
are probable human carcinogens, and have already been banned by several
European countries in toys for children under three. The CPSC is expected
to vote soon to reject a petition by PIRG and other concerned groups
calling for a ban on phthalates in products intended for children under
5. The CPSC heard staff recommendations on Nov. 9, but postponed a vote.
Hearing-Loss Dangers
— According to a 1998 study published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, almost 15 percent of children ages 6 to 17 show
signs of hearing loss. No federal regulations regulate the noise level
of toys, but toys with a volume of 85 decibels or over can significantly
affect a child's hearing. Toy givers must be aware of the dangers posed
by loud toys.
The
2002 PIRG Trouble in Toyland Potentially Hazardous Toy List
Category 1: Contains Small Parts. No CSPA Warning/Non-statutory
Warning.
“Sully and Boo” doll. Item # DN 18602;
Bar code: 41202224048
Manufacturer: Disney Store: The Disney Store
City: Pentagon City, VA Price: $19.50
PROBLEM: Contains small parts that fit inside the choke tube; has play
value for children under 3; has no CSPA choke hazard warning. This toy
is being voluntarily recalled by Disney as of November 12th.
Clifford the Big Red Dog Wind-Up Toy. No Item #.
Manufacturer: Toy Island Manufacturing, Made in China Store: KB Toys
City: Tyson’s Corner Center, McLean, VA Price: $1.99
PROBLEM: Contains small parts that fit inside the choke tube; has play
value for children under the age of 3; has no CSPA choke hazard warning.
“Lovely Kids” jewelry set. No Item #.
Manufacturer: Unknown. Made in China. Store: Value Mart
City: Silver Spring, MD Price: $1.50
PROBLEM: Contains small parts that fit inside the choke tube; has play
value for children under the age of 3; has non-statutory choke warning.
“Play Doh party Pack with Cutters.” Item
# unknown.
Manufacturer: Hasbro Store: Family Dollar
City: New Mexico Price:
PROBLEM: Contains small parts that fit inside the choke tube; has play
value for children under the age of 3; has no CSPA choke hazard warning.
“Educational Toy IQ 200” 136-piece building
block set. Item # 709.
Manufacturer: Unknown. Made in China. Store: No name Variety Store
City: Washington, DC Price: $5.00
PROBLEM; No CSPA choke hazard warning; contains small parts that fit
inside the choke tube; has play value for children under 6.
'Hello Kitty' 5-piece stamp set. No item #.
Manufacturer: Sanrio Co., Ltd Store: Flights of Fancy
City: Washington, D.C. Price: $ 5.99
PROBLEM: No CSPA choke hazard warning; no ASTM non-toxic label on ink
pad; contains small parts that fit inside the choke tube; has play value
for children under 6.
Lego racing car 25-piece building set. Labeled 1251:
item # 4153053.
Manufacturer: The Lego Group Store: KB Toys
City: Tyson’s Corner Center, McLean, VA Price 3/$5.00
PROBLEM: Non-statutory choke hazard warning; has play value for children
under six.
Category 2: Balloons
'Happy 1st Birthday' balloons. Item #55905
Manufacturer: Unique Industries, Inc. Store: Yuhai Dollar Plus
City: Washington, D.C. Price $1.00
PROBLEM: Has proper statutory choke warning, but is inappropriate because
the targeted audience is younger than 8.
'Happy 2nd, 3rd, 4th… Birthday' balloons. With
“Eldo/Auto IK 01030” on package.
Manufacturer: Pioneer Balloon Company Store: Party N’ Paper
City: Chevy Chase, MD Price:
PROBLEM: Has proper statutory choke warning, but is inappropriate because
the targeted audience is younger than 8.
Assorted balloons
Manufacturer: Unknown Store: The Paper Store
City: Chevy Chase, MD Price: $1.00
PROBLEM: Sold loose in bins without choking hazard labels.
Category 3: Small Ball Ban Violation
Hello Kitty Super Bouncy Ball. With 300 [92466-1] 3.25
on package.
Manufacturer: Sanrio Co., Ltd. Store: Zany Brainy
City: Alexandria, VA Price: $3.25
PROBLEM: ball fails the small ball test, packaging lacks CSPA choke
hazard warning.
Foam baseball. No Item #.
Manufacturer: Coolballs, Made in China Store: Claire’s Boutiques
City: Tyson’s Corner Center, McLean, VA Price: .99
PROBLEM: ball fails the small ball test, sold unlabeled in unlabeled
bins.
Two-color striped rubber balls
Manufacturer: unknown Store: Flights of Fancy
City: Washington, DC Price:
PROBLEM: ball fails the small ball test, sold unlabeled in unlabeled
bins.
Multi-colored bouncy balls.
Manufacturer: unknown Store: Massachusetts Rest Area
City: N/A Price: $.25
PROBLEM: ball fails the small ball test, sold unlabeled in unlabeled
vending machine.
Clear ball with ring
Manufacturer: unknown Store: Massachusetts Rest Area
City: N/A Price: $.25
PROBLEM: ball fails the small ball test, sold unlabeled in unlabeled
vending machine.
Category 4: Near-Small Parts
Lil’ Chefs 50-Piece Play food set. Item # 9252.
Manufacturer: Geoffrey, Inc. Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Seattle, OR Price:
PROBLEM: This toy was included in the 2001 PIRG Toy List because it
contains round plastic fruit that barely passes the small part test
and fails the small ball test.
Lil’ Chefs Play Food Oversized Bucket
Manufacturer: Geoffrey, Inc. Store: Toys ‘R US
City: Seattle, OR Price:
PROBLEM: This toy was included in the 2001 PIRG Toy List because it
contains round plastic fruit that barely passes the small part test
and fails the small ball test.
Category 5: Lacks warning labels
Musical Mobile. No Item #.
Manufacturer: Unknown. Made in China. Store: Distribuidora El Salvador
Del Mundo
City: Washington, DC Price: $12.99
PROBLEM: No ASTM warning to remove mobile when child reaches 5 months
old or begins to push self up on hands and knees.
Category
7: Projectile Toys
'Special Agent' set with dart gun, whistle, baton,
badge and handcuffs. No Item: Bar Code has “KK-042” above.
Manufacturer: Unknown. Made in China Store: King Discount
City: Washington, D.C. Price: $1.00
PROBLEM: the rubber suction cup can break off the darts, creating a
sharp, hard projectile.
Category 8: Toxic Toys:
Sanrio pink glitter nail polish. No item #.
Manufacturer: Sanrio Co., Ltd Store: Flights of Fancy
City: Washington, D.C. Price:
PROBLEM: contains dibutyl phthalate. Studies have linked dibutyl phthalate
to reproductive damage, mutations, and eye and skin irritation.
'Yob' Cosmetic Set
Manufacturer: Geoffrey, Inc. for Toys ‘R Us Store: Toys ‘R
Us
City: North Carolina Price:
PROBLEM: Contains xylene, which can cause skin, eye, nose and throat
irritation in the short term; in the long term, xylene can affect memory
and concentration and damage the liver and kidneys.
Little Squirt’s Little Fire Truck
Manufacturer: Random House, Inc. Store: Kramerbooks and Afterwords
City: Washington, D.C. Price:
PROBLEM: Made out of PVC plastic, which contains phthalates.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Manufacturer: Random House, Inc. Store: Marshall’s
City: Silver Spring, MD Price: $ 3.99
PROBLEM: Made out of PVC plastic, which contains phthalates.
Hello Bee, Hello Me #871
Manufacturer: Sassy, Inc. Store:
City: Price:
PROBLEM: Made out of PVC plastic, which contains phthalates.
Who Loves Baby? Photobook #844
Manufacturer: Sassy, Inc. Store:
City: Price:
PROBLEM: Made out of PVC plastic, which contains phthalates.
Peek-a-Boo Book
Manufacturer: Sassy, Inc. Store:
City: Price:
PROBLEM: Made out of PVC plastic, which contains phthalates.
Category 9: Hazardous Noise Levels
Electronic Nursery Rhyme Bus
Manufacturer: Tek Nek Toys International, Inc. Store: Toys ‘R
Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $19.99
Decibels: 97
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for hearing loss. Noise levels between 90 and 100 decibels
can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Electronic School Bus
Manufacturer: Tek Nek Toys International, Inc. Store: Toys ‘R
Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $19.99
Decibels: 96
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Fix It Motorcycle
Manufacturer: Empire Industries Inc. Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $19.99
Decibels: 97
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Growing Smart Lap Top Computer
Manufacturer: Fisher-Price Little People Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $29.99
Decibels: 100
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Learning Lessons Computer
Manufacturer: Fisher-Price Blue’s Clues Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: Unknown
Decibels: 95
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Cyclone Fazer & Saber
Manufacturer: Power Gear SRM Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $12.99
Decibels: 101
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 100 and
110 decibels can cause hearing loss over 2 to 15 minutes of exposure.
Typhoon Fazer & Saber
Manufacturer: Power Gear SRM Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $9.99
Decibels: 102
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 100 and
110 decibels can cause hearing loss over 2 to 15 minutes of exposure.
Star Blaster Set
Manufacturer: Power Gear SRM Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: $19.99
Decibels: 100
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 100 and
110 decibels can cause hearing loss over 2 to 15 minutes of exposure.
Buzz Lightyear Blaster
Manufacturer: Mattel-Disney-Pixar Toy Story 2 Store: Toys ‘R Us
City: Wisconsin Price: Unknown
Decibels: 96
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Puppy Phone
Manufacturer: Leap Frog Store: KB Toys
City: Wisconsin Price: $6.99
Decibels: 94
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Musical Lights Phone
Manufacturer: Fisher Price 123 Sesame Street Store: KB Toys
City: Wisconsin Price: $15.99
Decibels: 95
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Laser Rifle
Manufacturer: Agglo Store: KB Toys
City: Wisconsin Price: $10.99
Decibels: 95
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Pulsating Fazer
Manufacturer: Power Gear SRM Store: KB Toys
City: Wisconsin Price: $7.99
Decibels: 96
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Fire Engine Flashlight
Manufacturer: Playwell Store: KB Toys
City: Wisconsin Price: $6.99
Decibels: 99
PROBLEM: The National Academy of Pediatrics lists 85 decibels as the
threshold for dangerous levels of noise. Noise levels between 90 and
100 decibels can cause hearing loss over 1-2 hours of exposure.
Posted 11/27/02
at 10 a.m.
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