Government warns about inexpensive toys

“We always recommend to buy from reputable retailers,” said Alan Korn, director of public policy for Safe Kids Worldwide. “And that can be the big-box stores. But it can also be your local mom-and-pop, someone who really cares about the safety of the products.”

Last year’s record recalls spurred action this summer in Congress, which passed new rules aimed at ensuring nearly lead-free toys and children’s products. But the widely praised limits don’t kick in early enough to affect this holiday shopping season.

Mattel and Hasbro say their products are already rigorously tested for lead.

Both companies test the paint and other raw materials used in their toys before manufacturing. They then take test samples during the manufacturing process and later test the finished product. Mattel increased random inspections at Chinese factories amid a string of recalls last year, including a recall of more than 600,000 Barbie accessory toys.

Nord initially resisted the new consumer safety bill. She told Congress last fall the new lead limits would divert resources from existing enforcement, but has since praised the new law.

The current limit on lead paint on a children’s product is 600 parts per million. The new law will lower that to 90 ppm next summer. Children’s advocates say 600 ppm is dangerous, especially for young babies who often mouth toys.

There is no federal limit on the lead content within toys. The new law imposes one, phased in, beginning with a 600 ppm limit in February. That would drop to 300 ppm in August and then to 100 ppm, if the commission determines that’s feasible.

The new law also requires mandatory third-party toy testing; bans a type of chemical, called phthalates, widely used to make plastic products softer and more flexible; and strengthens the power of and authorizes increased funding for the commission.

The CPSC also cautioned parents about other toy-related risks:

• The importance of helmets and safety gear for scooters, in-line skates and skateboards.
• Avoiding toys with small parts and small balls for children under three.
• Keeping children under eight away from un-inflated or broken balloons.
• The danger of swallowing small, powerful magnets in building or play sets, which aren’t recommended for children under six.
• The need for adult supervision when toys require battery chargers and adapters.

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