More than 250,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to toys in 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
Many toys still contain dangerous levels of toxins like lead, according to the 26th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report.TRENTON — They range from shiny Hello Kitty key chains and Tinker bell watches to plastic sleep masks and fake gold medallions. But as innocent as these toys may seem, safety advocates say they pose a serious threat.
The 26th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report, unveiled today at a news conference held by the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group, found that many toys still contain dangerous levels of toxins like lead.
"While most toys are safe, our researchers still found toys on the shelves that pose choking hazards and other stories that contain hazardous levels of toxic chemicals including lead," said Gideon Weissman, a spokesman for the group.
Weissman said that federal legislation passed in 2008 to place stricter limits on toxins and toys, and to give more money and authority to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has greatly improved safety.
More than 250,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to toys in 2010, according to the group. State Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd said parents need to be vigilant this holiday season.
"Just reading the labels of the products your purchasing can ensure you’re choosing a toy that's appropriate for the age of the person playing with it," O'Dowd said.
For more information on toy safety and recalls, people can visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
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• Mattel's recall heightens fears over toxic toys