Free Testing Tonight For Toxins In Toys

GROSSE POINTE PARK (WWJ) - Could there be something harmful in your child's favorite toy?

Metro Detroit parents are invited to find out at an event Monday evening in Grosse Pointe Park.

Melissa Sargent, with Local Motion Green at the Ecology Center, says you'd be surprised which toys -- and how many toys -- have "toxic problems."

"A small purse that has a Hannah Montana motif -- the sequins on the purse had high levels of one chemical, while another part of the purse had high levels of another chemical," Sargent said. "You know, it's very easy ... like, a strap of the purse -- a kid might put that in their mouth, or just constantly rubbing and, you know, put their hand in their mouth."

Sargent said it takes only one minute or less to test a toy.

"It can detect heavy metals or other chemicals, so if there's bromine that could indicate brominated flame retardants. If it picks up chlorine, that could indicate PVC or polyvinyl chloride," she said. "It can also detect lead or arsenic or cadmium -- so, these are some chemicals that we'd like to avoid in our child's toys."

The free toy testing will take place Monday, May 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Grosse Pointe Library – Ewald Branch, 15175 E. Jefferson Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park. Parents can bring toys, beach gear or any other product they would like tested.