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Survey Finds Toxic or Dangerous Toys on Store Shelves

We just released the 26th annual Trouble in Toyland report. We've made progress, but there are still some dangerous toys on the shelves.

The report reveals the results of laboratory testing on toys for lead and phthalates, both of which have been proven to have serious adverse health impacts on the development of young children. The survey also found toys that pose either choking or noise hazards.

Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons is still the leading cause of toy-related injury. Between 1990 and 2010 over 400 children died from toy-related injuries, but more than half choked on small parts, balloons or balls. While most toys are safe, our researchers still found toys on the shelves that pose choking hazards and other toys that contain hazardous levels of toxic chemicals including lead.

For 26 years, our Trouble in Toyland report has offered safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children and provided examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards. We've also launched a mobile website with tips for safe toy shopping.

In 2008, Congress placed strict limits on concentrations of lead and phthalates in toys and children articles in a law that also gave greater authority and funding to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC has a new database of both potential hazards and recalled products.

The CPSC is doing a good job, but it doesn’t test all toys on the shelves.  The message of today is clear. We cannot, must not, weaken the most basic safety rules that protect young children, America's littlest consumers.

Our staff organized press events in Trenton, Hackensack, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City. We were joined by many guests, including Congressman Rush Holt, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O'Dowd, Deputy Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs Cindy Miller, and the Lead Outreach Coordinator of the Monmouth County Health Department.

“For the past 26 years, NJPIRG has helped consumers make educated decisions about the more than 3 billion toys they purchase each year in the United States.  Despite recent strides in Congress to crack down on dangerous toys, today’s report proves that we must do more to keep our children safe, as potentially harmful toys are still available on store shelves across the country.  At a time when too many in Washington are seeking to roll back basic public health and safety rules, I thank NJ PIRG for their important work to ensure the safety of our children.”         -Congressman Rush Holt

We were covered by News 12, Bergen Record, Star Ledger, NJ101.5, The Breeze, ABC7, and My9

Check out some of our media hits:

Bergen Record: With Holiday Season Approaching NJ Group Warns of Dangerous Toys
Star Ledger: Some Childrens Toys Still Contain Toxic Chemicals, and are Choking Hazard, Report Finds