Watch CBS News

Report Warns Parents About Toxic Toys

As holiday shoppers prepare to fulfill their children's gift lists, the Public Interest Research Group In Michigan released their 25th annual "Trouble In Toyland" report that highlighted dangerous and toxic toys that can still be found in stores.

Despite a ban on small parts in toys for children under three, Meghan Hess of  PIRGIM says there are many toys on the market that can still pose a hazard for young children. She pointed to a wooden toy train with pegs that met the standards for choking, but could still be swallowed by a child.

"A Washington D.C. parent contacted our organization because she watched her child swallow this piece and had to perform the Heimlich maneuver to save his life," she said.

PIRGIM's report also found higher than acceptable levels of toxins in some toys that are sold. And while lead and other metals have been severely restricted in recent years, PIRGIM researchers found toys containing those very substances.

"The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is doing a good job under its expanded authority, but there is still more to be done," Hess said.

Donna Bucciarelli is the Trauma Program Injury Prevention Coordinator for Beaumont Hospitals, also as part of Tuesday's presentation at Safety City in Royal oak. As an ER nurse, she has seen many a child come through their doors.

"When a child is choking, they have two or three minutes before brain damage occurs," Bucciarelli said. "We so worry about small pieces from toys. Supervision when your child is playing is so important. But we must also give them the toys that are the safest."

The Troubled in Toyland report has safety guidelines for buying toys for small children. CLICK HERE to download the full report (.pdf format).

  (Copyright 2010 WWJ Radio.  All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.