Dangerous toy list released for 2007

Thursday, a local consumer advocate put out her annual list of dangerous toys. Judy Braiman, of the empire state consumer association, outlined toys which pose risks of cuts, choking, aspiration and toxins. However, this year, the dangerous toy list was so long, Braiman could not display all of the items.

“Of all the years that I have been doing toy survey, this has been the worst year ever in 36 years,” says Braiman.

Mattel and Fisher-Price have recalled a litany of toys for lead poisoning. Braiman’s group also found another serious toxin this year: cadmium.

A popular discount children’s bracelet called "Sassy Chic" bracelet tested positive for high levels of the cancer-causing heavy metal.

“We found 227,000 parts per million in this item,” says Braiman.

While many of the toys on this year’s list were purchased at discount or dollar stores, just as many can also be found in large chain stores. So what can parents do to protect their children this holiday season?

 “It's very difficult for parents to know which product has a toxic in it because you can't tell by looking at it,” says Braiman.

Braiman suggests shopping this year as you would for healthy food in a grocery store. While she warns against purchasing toys made in China, the reality is that the majority of toys on the market are currently made in China. Parents should look for where the toy is made, age-appropriate labels on the toy and any warnings the toy may have. Some toy labels warn of choking hazards, others of small parts and some even discuss magnet hazards.

“There are no standards for magnets whatsoever.”  

Parents can find a complete list of toy recalls in the chain stores either in the toy department or by guest services. There is also the internet where Mattel's website and Consumer Reports give safety information. Visit those websites:

www.mattel.com or www.consumerreports.org

On December 5^th, a coalition of consumer advocate groups across the U.S. will release a master website of all recalled or potentially hazardous toys on the market.