NYPIRG representatives gave some tips to help parents choose appropriate toys this holiday season.

According to Shelton, parents must be careful with toys made in China. “If a toy painted, if a toy is a soft plastic, if the toy has a sharp odor and is made in China, then parents should be more cautious when choosing toys for their children,” he said.

Many toxic products have been found coming from China recently, including toxic gypsum board and food products contaminated with melamine, which is often used in plastics and adhesives.

Shelton said that if a toy could be problematic painted, because paint may contain lead. Although U.S. law passed in 1977 banned paint containing lead, sometimes found in toys.

Soft plastic can also be indicators that phthalates are used. “Phthalates are often used to soften plastic products,” said Shelton.

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Toys lined up on the table – from the characters Buzz Light year doll puppy to a luxurious and daughter necklace, all can kill or harm the children, according to a report Trouble in Toyland 2009 from the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).

The findings of the annual reports issued during a press conference on Wednesday (2 / 12). Some problematic toys on display at the press conference, which all found on store shelves in New York last two weeks.

Earlier reports have resulted in the withdrawal of 130 toys and other measures to get dangerous toys from store shelves, according to NYPIRG consumer attorney Tracy Shelton.

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Have your doctor test your family for lead. It’s a simple finger or toe prick. Lead accumulates and can cause brain damage, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, kidney damage and even death. It can be removed – but only if you know it is there. For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control lead prevention site.