A new report highlights the dangers you should watch out for when buying toys for children.
The annual " Trouble in Toyland " report from the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group points out a number of potential hazards with toys currently on the market. WISPIRG's Bruce Speight says the main concerns include choking hazards, the continued use of lead in children's products, and the presence of toxic chemicals known as Phthalates.
Speight says adults should look carefully for choking hazards on toys when shopping. An easy way to also test small parts is to use the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. If a toy can fit inside the tube, it's not suitable for a child under the age of four.
It's usually not practical to check for lead or other chemicals in toys yourself. However, Speight says you can check online for recalls on toys and any tests that may have been done on a particular product. He also adds that many of the products containing high levels of Phthalates were purchased at dollar store retailers.
WISPIRG has been publishing its "Trouble in Toyland" report for 23 years.
