Trouble In Toyland: Consumer Group Releases Hazardous Toys Report

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — An annual report released Tuesday by the California Public Interest Research Group identified more than a dozen toys that violate federal safety standards for lead, chemicals and choking hazards.

"Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons is still a leading  cause of toy-related injury," said Austin Price, CALPIRG's health care  associate. "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."

Over 200 toys were surveyed for the 26th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report. Toys with potentially toxic lead levels include a Hello Kitty key chain and eye shadow set, Honda toy motorcycle and a Tinkerbell watch.

KNX 1070's Vytas Safronikas reports.

A wooden block set, Sesame Street Oscar doll and balloons were listed as other potentially hazardous toys.

In 2008, Congress limited allowable concentrations of lead and  phthalates in toys and children's articles and gave more regulatory authority  to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC has a database of hazards  and recalled products at saferproducts.gov.

"Parents and toy givers need to remember that while the CPSC is doing a  good job, it doesn't test all toys on the shelves," Price said. "Consumers  should also keep in mind that other toys that are not on our list of examples  could also pose hazards. The message of this report is clear. We must not  weaken the most basic safety rules that protect young children, America's  littlest consumers."

The CALPRIG report also warned parents of other toys that did not violate the law, but can cause hearing damage.

The CALPRIG report has led to about 150 recalls over the past years.

To read the "Trouble in Toyland" report, click here. Or for a smart phone friendly list while you shop, click here.

For more guidelines on toy safety, log onto CALPRIG.

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