U.S. Public Interest Research Group Releases Annual List Of Hazardous Toys

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group has released its annual list of toys shoppers should avoid buying.

The playthings listed in the 29th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report have one thing in common: All were found to be potentially hazardous to children through laboratory testing. Some toys contained lead or plastic-softening chemicals called phthalates, while others were loud or presented a choking hazard.

“We found these toys everywhere — at dollar stores, but also big name stores like Wal-Mart and Target and Toys ‘R’ Us. Also at online retailers like Amazon.com,” said Peter Skopec of the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group.”

Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned small, powerful magnets that some children were swallowing.

Consumers can see which products have been recalled by going to this CPSC website. Shoppers can find acceptable toys to give to children at the U.S. PIRG Education Fund website.