Toy Safety In The News

Toys are a lot safer than they used to be, but Tuesday a public interest group warned the public about some toys to avoid this holiday season.

Like many parents, Julia Ledesma will spend the next few weeks walking up and down aisles of toys, where the choices are endless.

"They're watching TV and they're showing me things that they want," she said.

But what kids want may not be they need.

Tuesday, the Texas Public Interest Research Group released this year's toy safety survey, and it found trouble in Toyland.

According to the group, there were more than 200,000 toy-related injuries in 2004, which is the last year reported.

Sixteen children died, mostly from choking on toys. The group warns parents to shop with the youngest in mind.

"It's always hard because my 3-year-old still puts things in his mouth and my 5-year-old doesn't, so I have to make sure whatever I buy is safe for both of them," said Julie Bennett, who is shopping for toys.

Take one baby doll and carrier designed for older toddlers. While the doll, itself, is safe, removable parts of the bottle fit in what's called the 'choke tube.'

You can use a toilet paper roll to test toys for yourself.

Toys that are too loud can also cause harm.

You can quiet them by putting tape over the speaker.

"Damage to a child's eardrum at a younger age can lead to serious ear problems later on in life," said Jeff Zethmayr, TXPIRG.

Another potential hazard is cancer-causing chemicals such as phthalates.

"Phlates are a class of chemicals used to soften otherwise hard PVC plastic found in a number of consumer products," said Zethmayer.

It found phthalates in products such as the gloworm and some children's nail polish sets.

For a complete look at the report, www.toysafety.net.