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.
To check the dangers of choking, NYPIRG recommends parents bring golf balls or toilet paper tube when shopping. If the toy is smaller than a golf ball or fit in the tube, it can cause choking hazards.
The parents also need to put toys into their ears to check the noise level, such as toys with loud sound can cause hearing loss, according to Shelton.
Posted on January 22, 2010