http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/-dangerous-ducky-and-other-toxic-toys http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/-dangerous-ducky-and-other-toxic-toys Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:58:26 -0500 http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/-consumer-group-alerts-shoppers-to-hidden-toy-hazards Chicago, IL: Hazardous toys are still sold in stores across the country, according to the 22nd annual toy safety survey released today by the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG). "While we have seen progress after more than two decades of advocacy on behalf of America's littlest consumers, PIRG's researchers still found trouble in toyland on store shelves this month," said Illinois PIRG's Brian Imus. "But recent high profile product recalls have given us a chance to urge Congress to pass strong product safety reforms, and give kids the best holiday gift of all." According to the most recent data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), toy-related injuries sent almost 73,000 children under the age of five to emergency rooms in 2005. Twenty children died from toy-related injuries that year. For 22 years, the Illinois PIRG's Trouble in Toyland report has offered safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards. Illinois PIRG's 2007 research focused on several categories of toy dangers: toys that pose choking hazards, toys with powerful magnets, toys that contain lead, and toys that pose strangulation hazards. Most of the recalls this year have been for hazards identified in previous editions of the PIRG report, small powerful magnets, choking hazards and toys with excessive levels of toxic lead, Imus noted. Among the findings of the 2007 Trouble In Toyland: Lead in Toys and Children's Jewelry: Children exposed to lead can suffer lowered IQ, delayed mental and physical development and even death. In 2006, a four year old died of lead poisoning after he swallowed a bracelet charm that contained 99% lead. PIRG researchers went to just a few stores and easily found four children's toys or jewelry containing high, actionable levels of lead. One piece of jewelry we found was 65% lead by weight, or over one thousand times current CPSC action levels. "We've known for decades that lead poses serious health risks to children, yet consumers can still find lead-laden children's jewelry and lead painted toys on store shelves," continued Imus. Magnetic Toys: Toymakers have started using powerful magnets in building toys, magnetic jewelry and children's playsets. If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can attract each other in the body and cause a bowel obstruction or life-threatening perforation. A 22-month old boy died in 2005 and many others have needed life-saving surgery after swallowing magnets. This year, the CPSC has recalled popular Mattel toys, including Barbie and Polly Pockets, for poorly designed magnets that fall out. Listed in the report are several examples of sloppily-designed or poorly-labeled magnetic toys found by PIRG researchers this fall. Choking Hazards: In 1979, the CPSC banned the sale of toys for children younger than three if they contain small parts. The 1994 Child Safety Protection Act required an explicit choke hazard warning on toys with small parts for children aged between three and six. PIRG found toys for children under three with banned small parts and toys with small parts for children under six without the required choke hazard warning. Other toy hazards found this year included toys containing other toxic chemicals, excessively loud toys, and strangulation hazards. "Kids In Danger is proud to stand with Illinois PIRG in releasing this report," said Nancy A. Cowles, Executive Director of Kids in Danger. "In the past, the toy industry has attempted to discredit this annual report, but this year's landslide of recalls and deadly product defects shows the truth of PIRG's reporting. Children's products, including toys, must be tested by independent laboratories for safety before they are sold, that is the only way to keep our children safe." "The Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, is a little agency with a big job it simply cannot do," said Brian Imus. "Congress needs to give it the tools it needs to do that big job better." Illinois PIRG called on Congress to pass the strongest possible product safety reforms under consideration: • Congress should ban lead except at trace amounts. The PIRG-backed HR 3691, the SAFE Consumer Product Act, sponsored by Rep. DeLauro (Conn.)and 150 co-sponsors, would reduce all lead levels—in paint or in the product—to the level recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 40 parts per million or 15 times less than the current allowable level of 600 ppm. • Congress should increase the budget and staffing of CPSC as much as possible. CPSC has only one toy tester and a tiny force of 15 inspectors to check millions of toys at hundreds of ports of entry. • Congress should require companies to guarantee that their products have been subject to independent third party testing before they put them on toy store shelves. Congress should also give CPSC more tools to punish companies that break the law. Imus also reminded parents that the toy list in the PIRG report is only a sampling of the potential hazards on store shelves. "Shoppers should remember that no government agency tests toys. You should examine all toys carefully for hidden dangers before you make a purchase this holiday season, and watch for further recalls," Imus concluded. http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/-consumer-group-alerts-shoppers-to-hidden-toy-hazards Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:03:50 -0500 http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/statement-of-u_s_-pirg-consumer-program-director-ed-mierzwinski-on-latest-mattel/china-recall The unfortunate news that another 9 million toys tainted with lead http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/statement-of-u_s_-pirg-consumer-program-director-ed-mierzwinski-on-latest-mattel/china-recall Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:51:12 -0500 http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/consumer-group-statement-on-latest-mattel/china-toy-recall CHICAGO—"The unfortunate news that another 9 million toys tainted with lead paint were recalled today underscores many problems. First, parents should understand that the government itself does not test products to ensure that they comply with mandatory standards—that's left up to manufacturers. Second, those manufacturers cannot merely rely on relationships with and promises from foreign suppliers—they must trust, but verify that tough American standards are met. Third, the Consumer Product Safety Commission lacks the leadership, the money, the staff and the legal authority it needs to protect us from dangerous imported or domestically-produced products. This recall should be a lesson to all manufacturers that it can happen to anybody. It should also serve as a wakeup call to Congress that the headless CPSC needs a safety-oriented chairperson, more money, more authority and more staff." http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/consumer-group-statement-on-latest-mattel/china-toy-recall Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:53:08 -0500 http://www.illinoispirg.org/newsroom/health-care/health-care-news/health-care-test-release http://www.illinoispirg.org/newsroom/health-care/health-care-news/health-care-test-release Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:50:22 -0500 http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/consumer-group-alerts-shoppers-to-hidden-toy-hazards CHICAGO: Hazardous toys are still sold in stores across the country, according to the 21 st annual toy safety survey released today by the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG). "While we can report substantial progress after more than two decades of advocacy on behalf of America's littlest consumers, Illinois PIRG still found trouble in toyland," said Brian Imus, Director of Illinois PIRG. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), almost 73,000 children under the age of five were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2005. Sixteen children died from toy related injuries that same year. "Even one toy-related death is too many, because these deaths are preventable," continued Imus. Illinois PIRG was joined by Lisa Lipin, a Skokie mother who started a grass-roots effort in July 2003 to ban the sale of the Yo-Yo Water Ball after her son was nearly strangled to death by the toy when the cord wrapped three times around his neck as he was playing with it cutting off his airway. CPSC has recorded over 400 injuries to the eyes, face and neck since this toy came on the market three years ago. "I started to advocate for a national ban because I felt that the CPSC had not done their job of informing parents around the country about the serious dangers that this toy poses" said Lipin. "In my opinion, there is concrete evidence that the Yo-Yo Water Ball poses a high risk of strangulation and should be banned nationally. The CPSC should not wait until a child's death before taking action." Illinois PIRG called on CPSC to follow the state of Illinois's lead and ban the water yo-yo immediately. The 21st annual IllinoisTrouble in Toyland report offers safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards. Illinois PIRG's research focused on several categories of toy dangers: toys that pose choking hazards, toys with powerful magnets, toys that contain lead, and toys that pose strangulation hazards. Choking Hazards In 1979, the CPSC banned the sale of toys for children under three if they contain small parts. The 1994 Child Safety Protection Act mandated an explicit choke hazard warning on toys with small parts for children between three and six. • Illinois PIRG researchers found toys for children under three with small parts and toys with small parts for children under six without the required choke hazard warning. • Children continue to choke on toys that meet the letter of the law. In September, Playskool recalled the Team Talkin' Tool Bench after two children suffocated when the toy's oversized plastic nails became lodged in their throats. Illinois PIRG found several toys on store shelves that are shaped like corks or these toy nails that could pose similar suffocation hazards. "Toddlers put everything in their mouths," said Imus. "CPSC should make the small parts test more protective of children under three and consider warning labels for toys shaped like corks or the toy nails that caused two children to suffocate," continued Imus. Magnetic Toys Toymakers have started using powerful magnets in building toys and magnetic jewelry. If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can attract each other in the body and cause a bowel obstruction or life-threatening perforation. A little boy died last Thanksgiving and many others have had life-saving surgery after swallowing magnets from MEGA Brands' Magnetix toys. "Parents may not be aware of the dangers posed by small magnets," said Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids in Danger. "While the large number of incidents occurred with the Magnetix toy because of poor manufacturing quality, any magnet can pose a risk to a child. Don't buy toys with magnets for children under 6 and seek immediate medical attention if you think your child may have swallowed magnets." MEGA Brands has modified the design of Magnetix and placed a label on the toy's packaging warning parents about the dangers of magnets. Illinois PIRG called on CPSC to require a warning label on all magnetic toys that tells parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child swallows magnets. Lead in Jewelry Children exposed to lead can suffer delayed mental and physical development or even death. In February, a four year old died of lead poisoning after he swallowed a bracelet charm that contained 99% lead. Illinois PIRG researchers went to just a few stores and easily found four items of children's jewelry that contain high levels of lead, ranging from 1.8% lead to 34% lead by weight. "We've known for decades that lead poses serious health risks to children, so it is unacceptable that consumers can still find lead-laden children's jewelry on store shelves," continued Imus. Illinois PIRG called on CPSC to enact and enforce mandatory requirements for jewelry manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers to ensure their products do not contain lead. Phthalates Phthalates, a class of chemicals used to soften plastic toys and teethers, have been linked to a range of health effects, including reproductive defects and early onset puberty. Some manufacturers have started labeling their products as "phthalate-free." Illinois PIRG commissioned an independent laboratory to test 10 children's toys and childcare articles with this label. Two of these products tested positive for phthalates. Illinois PIRG urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate manufacturers that may be misleading consumers with the "phthalate-free" label and renewed its call for the CPSC to ban phthalates in all products intended for children under age five. "Children's products simply should not contain toxic chemicals," said Imus. Imus reminded parents that the toy list in the Illinois PIRG report is only a sampling of the potential hazards on store shelves. "Shoppers should examine all toys carefully for hidden dangers before they make a purchase this holiday season," Imus added. -30- Illinois PIRG is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest organization dedicated to public health, consumer rights, and good government. The full report is available at www.illinoispirg.org Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, is recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country and is rated number one in Illinois in rankings published in U.S. News & World Report. As the pediatric educational facility for Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, our physicians saw more than 100,000 patients last year. http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/consumer-group-alerts-shoppers-to-hidden-toy-hazards Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:11:05 -0500 http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/consumer-group-alerts-shoppers-to-hidden-toy-hazards2 CHICAGO—Hazardous toys continue to be sold in stores across the country, according to the 20th annual toy safety survey released today by Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG). “While we can report substantial progress after 20 years of advocacy on behalf of America’s youngest consumers, we are still finding trouble in toyland,” said Justin Kreindler, Consumer Associate with Illinois PIRG. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), three-fourths of the 210,000 people who sought treatment in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2004 were younger than fifteen. Sixteen children died from toy related injuries last year. “Even one toy-related death is too many, because these deaths are preventable,” continued Kreindler. The 20th annual Illinois PIRG "Trouble in Toyland" report, available at www.toysafety.net, offers safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards. Illinois PIRG’s research focused on four categories of toy dangers: toys that contain toxic chemicals, toys that pose choking hazards, toys that are dangerously loud, and toys that pose strangulation. Highlights of the report’s findings include: Toxic Chemicals: Phthalates, a class of chemicals used to soften plastic toys and teethers, have been linked to a range of health effects, including reproductive defects and early onset puberty. Some manufacturers have started labeling their products as “phthalate-free.” Illinois PIRG commissioned an independent laboratory to test eight children’s toys and childcare articles—all labeled “phthalate-free.” Six of these eight products tested positive for phthalates. “Instead of helping parents, these labels are deceiving parents,” stated Kreindler. Illinois PIRG’s national office submitted a letter to the Federal Trade Commission and the CPSC, asking them to investigate the validity of “phthalate-free” labels. Illinois PIRG also renewed its call for the CPSC to follow the European Union’s lead and ban phthalates in all products intended for children under age five. “Bottom line, children’s products should not contain toxic chemicals,” said Kreindler. Choking Hazards: Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons remains a leading cause of toy-related deaths and injuries. Illinois PIRG researchers found: • Toys manufactured and sold for children under three with parts smaller than the 1979 Consumer Product Safety Commission size regulation and toys with small parts for children under six without the choke hazard warning required by the 1994 Child Safety Protection Act. For example, the You & Me Baby made by Geoffrey, Inc. includes removable parts smaller than the size regulation. • Some toy manufacturers are over-labeling toys by placing choke hazard warnings on items that do not contain small parts. This could dilute the meaning of the warning labels, making them less useful to parents. • Mattel, a large toy manufacturer, now includes a vague warning on some of its toys, saying “Small parts may be generated.” If a toy contains small parts or can break easily into small parts that pose a choking hazard, the company should use the warning required by law. Toys without small parts should not include this confusing label. Dangerously Loud Toys: In 2003, the American Society for Testing and Materials set voluntary acoustics standards for toys to protect children’s hearing, advising that most toys should not produce a sound louder than 90 decibels when measured from a distance of about 10 inches. Illinois PIRG researchers, however, found and tested several toys that exceed the 90 decibel standard including the toy truck Road Rippers made by Toy State Industrial Ltd. Prolonged exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or higher can result in hearing damage. Strangulation Hazards: In June 2005, Illinois became the first state to ban the water yo-yo because of incidents in which the toy wrapped tightly around children’s necks or caused other injuries to the eyes, face and head. Illinois PIRG called on CPSC to not just ban this toy in Illinois, but ban sales of all water yo-yo ball products immediately. “CPSC should not wait until a child dies to protect children from the dangers posed by playing with this toy,” said Kreindler. Kreindler noted that the toy list in the Illinois PIRG report is only a sampling of the potential hazards on store shelves. “Shoppers should examine all toys carefully for hidden dangers before they make a purchase this holiday season,” Thomas added. “While most manufacturers comply with the law, parents should not assume that all toys on store shelves are safe or adequately labeled.” http://www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/product-safety/product-safety-news/consumer-group-alerts-shoppers-to-hidden-toy-hazards2 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:24:35 -0500