Recently Recalled Toys
Keeping up with the list of recently recalled toys is overwhelming already holiday-stressed parents. Recently recalled toys have included almost 19 million units from Mattel and the hazzards have ranged from lead paint, to small loose parts (such as magnets) that can be easily swallowed.
To add to the trouble in toyland from the growing list of recently recalled toys (see list below, from just the last two months), there’s another toy toxicity matter about which to fret. That’s the phthalates in many plastic children’s toys.
Why do we care? Because studies have shown that phthalates in plastics are "hormone disrupters". We’ll spare you the fun health science details, but suffice to say little Bobby doesn’t need his testosterone levels altered so early in life.
Are we over reacting like doomsday holiday scrooges? Perhaps, but consider that Europe has already prohibited phthalates from children's toys. And through the market’s invisible hand, Euro kids aren’t going without toys this holiday as Chinese producers have responded to the ban by producing phthalate-free versions for the European market.
So with the US government maintaining a reactive liaise faire approach, what’s a concerned but busy parent to do? Well, at least one company HealthyToys.org has made safe toys its mission. HealthyToys.org has created a "Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys" where the company tests and publishes the chemicals in a toy.
This toxic testing move is not without controversy. Critics charge that the tests don’t reveal whether a child would ever be exposed to the toxic chemicals inside a toy. This is where judgment and parenting discretion must take over. A toy for a stick-anything-in-mouth 3 year old must be scrutinized differently than one for a 12 year old (except for those reverse-engineering-minded kids who take everything apart).
Eco-Toy Shopping
But all is not toxicity, gloom and doom as news of recently recalled toys has accelerated the rise of a whole new world of eco-toy shopping. Without too much work, you can find fun, non-toxic and safe toys (and gifts) from e-retailers like Taraluna. For concerned parents and gift-givers, Taraluna suggests asking the following questions before buying that toy/gift:
• Have I chosen a toy or gift made with organic materials, non-toxic (lead-free) paint or varnish or one that is toxic?
• Does this toy have small, easily swallowed parts?
• Is the packaging dangerous? The plastic protection bags toys come in should always be disposed of under adult supervision.
• Is the toy "age appropriate"?
• Does this crib gift have a string longer than 6 inches that could strangle an infant?
• Does this toy meet U.S. safety standards or better yet higher European standards?
• Are they mindful or mindless? Do they educate as well as entertain?
• Are there sharp edges?
So, how concerned are you about toxic toys? Will you shop for eco-toys and gifts this holiday? Pipe in with your comments below.
Recently Recalled Toys: November, 2007
* Ribbit Board Games (SimplyFun)
* Elite Operations Action Toys (Toys “R” Us)
* Galaxy Warriors Toy Figures (Henry Gordy)
* Laugh & Learn Kitchen Toys (Fisher-Price) death of one child
* Skippy Pool Toys Swimways
* “Big Red” Wagons (Northern Tool & Equipment)
* Pull-Back Action Toy Cars (Dollar General)
* Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning Top (Schylling Associates)
* Aqua Dots (Spin Master) Two cases of comatose children
* Curious George Plush Dolls (Marvel Toys)
Recently Recalled Toys: October, 2007
• Mini Zooper Doll Strollers (Pottery Barn Kids) Finger tip severed
• Plush Boy's Rattle (Target)
• Wooden Wagons & Toys (KB Toys)
• Baby Einstein Discovery and Play Color Blocks (Kids II)
• Children's Decorating Sets (Toys R Us)
• Dinosaur Toys (Kipp Brothers)
• Princess Magnetic Travel Art Sets (Cracker Barrel)
• Winnie-the-Pooh Play Sets (JC Penny)
• Deluxe Art Sets (JC Penny)
• Tabletop Puppet Theaters (Guidecraft)
• Toy Pirate Swords (Gymboree)
• "Cars" Backpack Magnetic Pieces (Target)
• Go Diego Go Bath Toy (Fisher Price)
For the latest list of recently recalled toys check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website
If you want to learn more revealing stuff about toys check out Mark Schapiro book Exposed which is also excerpted in the article "Toxic Toys" on the website of The Nation.
SEE Eco-Friendly Hanukkah Gift Ideas.
Let's not let doom and gloom in toyland make us forget our sense of humor. If the news about recently recalled toys is getting you down, check out this hilarious Ken and Barbie spoof video here.
