Consumer Safety Group Compiles Annual Dangerous Toys List
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Child safety advocates said they've seen progress in recent years, but there's still "Trouble in Toyland" this holiday season.
For the 29th year, the consumer group Illinois PIRG has compiled a list of potentially dangerous toys.
Advocates said some toys are so loud, they pose a risk to a child's hearing. Others with small pieces present a choking hazard to very young children, some contain toxic materials, and still others contain small magnets that can be dangerous if swallowed.
Dr. Elizabeth Powell, a pediatrician in the emergency department at Lurie Children's Hospital,
"It's not a big deal in the stomach but, as they rotate through the intestines, if you get magnet one here and magnet two over here, and they come together, they can cause an obstruction, which can make a child very sick," she said.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said parents should check out available resources, and use common sense when buying toys for their kids.
"You see something that's really, really cute, and you want to buy it, but when you actually look, and it says you shouldn't be purchasing this for somebody under the age of 3," she said. "When you have somebody like that in your home, you really need to put the cute toy back on the shelf, and walk away, and find another really cute toy."
You can find more information about potentially dangerous toys at toysafetytips.org. To view the full PIRG report, click here.
In response to the the safety survey, Dollar Tree released a statement saying, "Consumer safety, especially relating to children, is a primary consideration regarding products we purchase from our suppliers. Our Company invests in a significant amount of independent testing to ensure supplier products meet all safety and legal standards. On December 1, we learned of a report indicating that several of our suppliers' products may not meet those standards. We are in the process of reviewing the identified products and our compliance testing results, and are actively working with our suppliers to ensure their products, sold by our Company, meet all applicable safety and legal standards."
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores also responded to the list of dangerous toys, which includes a Hello Kitty Bracelet and Hair Clips Accessory Set made by Jo-Ann. The plastic covering on the hair clips contained more than five times the allowed amount of phthalates, a chemical which has been known to potentially alter development of the male reproductive system and early puberty.
"The safety of our customers is our number one concern. Immediately upon learning of this issue, we took the necessary steps to remove the product from our stores. Customers can return the product to their local Jo-Ann store to receive a refund," the company said in an email.