The Ebb and Flow of Toxic Toys
Have you noticed the number of toy recalls in the news has declined? Should we trust the issue has been handled and we can do our holiday toy shopping with ease? Perhaps these recalls are still out there but have been downgraded by the news industry because of the hubbub of the recent elections. Or perhaps there has been less toxic toys put on the shelves. The answer to all of these questions is most definitely a resounding, “no.”
Legislation has made efforts to put bans in place to prevent toys with heavy amounts of lead and other toxins from being sold. Washington, Vermont and California have already put laws in place banning the sale of toys containing phthalates.
Consumer advocates and some members of Congress are outraged that toymakers and retailers are rushing to sell the contaminated toys rather than destroy them.” ~ Consumer Affairs Article, Oct. 2008
Phthalates is the chemical additive in plastic (toys) to make them soft, and pliable. Arguments against this chemical have been mounting for years (European countries placed bans on it years ago) because medical studies show it to be an endocrine disruptor, affecting the hormones and reproductive organs of children. Think of that soft squishy rubber duckie in the tub. It is fair to say unless it has a big sticker on it saying, “non-toxic,” it is probably filled with phthalates.
Phthalates is not the only dangerous substance, as we already know. There is still an active concern about dangerous levels of lead in toys. Lead poisoning is especially harsh on the developing bodies of our children. Think that toy manufacturers have learned their lesson in lieu of the massive recalls of yester-year, no. Within the last month there were two recalls that I know of for toys laden with dangerous levels of lead filled paint [*see the CPSC Recall Press Releases below].
So what are we (the Consumer) supposed to do or look for this holiday season? Toy manufacturers are not required to list ingredients of their toys and it is fair to say most Retailers don’t have a clue what is in them. Large toy stores have begun to put corporate policies in place to do third party testing and other quality assurance standards in place.
Regardless, the most prudent thing for parents to do this holiday season is to assume that if squishy toy in your hand has not been labeled non-toxic by the manufacturer, there may be (even the slight) possibility there is toxins in it. And those cheap toys in the bargain bin? There is a reason why they are so cheap and it is not because they are eco-friendly or non-toxic. So when in doubt, shop at the retailers that explicitly have strong safety practices in place or (of course), buy them a sweater.
Sited Links:
Wikipedia | Phthalates
Wikipedia | Lead Poisoning
Consumer Affairs | Soon-to-be Banned Plastic Toys Flood the Market
CPSC Press Release | Toy Xylophones Recalled by King Import…
CPSC Press Release | OKK Trading Recalls Toy TVs Due to…
Toys R’ Us | Safety Practices
Related Links:
Christian Science Monitor | End of Toy Story: Where do Lead-tainted Toys Go?
November 14th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
We banded squeezy plastic bath toys from our children’s bath time because of the worry of what that water inside would absorb from the plastic, especially if it hasn’t been drained properly.
I have also found it interesting that a great deal of the recalls for lead content is from licensed brands. I guess the difference one is paying in a licensed toy like Elmo or Dora is coming out of the quality and going it the paying of licensing and advertising to our children via TV.
What does a picture of Dora on a backpack have anything to do with the function of the backpack other than to help sell the show and all the Dora accessories?
March 12th, 2009 at 3:39 am
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