The Vermont Public Interest Research Group says over the years there have been improvements in toy safety, but the group says it still found some problematic items when it went shopping at Vermont stores.
VPIRG says among the holiday gifts in the toy aisle are some that are in violation of existing standards designed to protect children and others that the organization says are unsafe, even if they aren’t breaking any laws.
VPIRG released the annual national survey of toy safety conducted by the U.S. Public Interest Research group at a news conference held at a Montpelier child care center. It also displayed a group of hazardous toys it says it found on store shelves in the Burlington area.
VPIRG’s Lauren Hierl says choking hazards continue to be the leading cause of toy recalls. She says the law requires prominent label warnings for toys with small parts that are dangerous to young children.
“We found numerous toys or toys that can break into parts that were improperly labeled,” Hierl says. “An easy test that we tell parents or caregivers is an empty toilet paper role is a great way to test. If a toy fits into that cylinder, it’s unsafe for a child under three.”
VPIRG says some loud toys, beyond being irritating to parents, also pose a health hazard because of their sheer volume.
Taylor Johnson of VPIRG says some toys sold in Vermont exceed government recommended noise limits of 85 decibels for long term exposure and 65 decibels for toys held close to the ear.
“On store shelves right here in Vermont, we found the Leap Frog Chat and Count Cell Phone and the Fischer Price Laugh and Learn Remote labeled for ages six months and up. Both are clearly intended to be held close to the ear and both exceed not only the 65 decibel standard but they both reach over 85 decibels,” Johnson says.
VPIRG says it found no toys in Vermont that contained lead in excess of state mandated limits.
But one item, a shiny plastic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pencil case purchased in Williston contained cadmium and 150 times the legal limit of a type of phthalate, which are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible.
Phthalate limits in children’s products are set by Vermont state law and the Attorney General’s office told VPR it plans to look into whether the pencil case is in violation of the law.
VPIRG says it would like to see more legislation addressing other chemicals found in toys, as well as limits on noise levels.
It says its report represents only a sampling of toys and it urges parents to examine toys carefully and read and heed warning labels and recommendations.
