This browser does not support the Video element.
Shining a spotlight on potentially hazardous toys this holiday season
Shining a spotlight on potentially hazardous toys this holiday season
MILWAUKEE -- The holiday season is nearly upon us -- and for many of you, that means toy shopping for the kids in your life! But before you plunk down your cold, hard cash, heed this message from the Contact 6 team.
It's time for the annual "Trouble in Toyland" report -- which shines a spotlight on potentially hazardous toys.
"Most everything that children learn comes from hand to mouth behaviors. So a lot of things in the environment, including toys, is a choking hazard," said Jeanne Hewitt of the WISPIRG Foundation.
WISPIRG officials say they focused on toys recalled within the last two years. They were recalled for reasons that include choking hazards, high levels of lead or noise, and batteries or chargers that can overheat.
"So, our researchers searched online for recalled toys -- and of the 44 recalled toys they were able to find, 16 that are available for sale online," said Ethan Jacquart.
Take these pulls toys for example, which WISPIRG says have wheels that can break off and pose a choking hazard.
A pencil case with magnets that can come off is another red flag. If those magnets are ingested, they can cause serious internal injuries.
"We also have to look at the materials that are used," Hewitt said.
The report says a glockenspiel has high levels of lead on its pink bar.
The Toy Industry Association dispute that there is trouble in toyland. Officials say many of the toys that were recalled because of ongoing regulatory vigilance. It said in a statement:
To check to see if your child's toy is a choking hazard, simply drop it through an empty toilet paper roll.