Toy safety on parents’ minds

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - A trip to the toy store isn’t what it used to be, says Kate Canada, a Baltimore mother of 7-month-old Lily Canada.

That’s because this year’s series of toy recalls and increased public scrutiny on toy safety has made holiday shopping a little more stressful for parents.

“It’s becoming harder and harder for parents to do their job, given the fact the toy manufacturers aren’t doing their own,” Canada said. “There’s no way for me to tell when I go to the store if a toy has a lot of lead in it.”

Toys with hazards like lead, magnets and small parts are still sold in stores across the country and should concern parents, according to the 22nd annual toy safety survey released Tuesday by the Maryland Public Interest Research Group.

Toy-related injuries sent almost 73,000 children under 5 to emergency rooms in 2005, and 20 children died from toy-related injuries that year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“The best holiday gift Congress can give to America’s littlest consumers is strong product safety reforms,” said David Kosmos, a program associate with Maryland PIRG.

The CPSC has recalled 61 toys totaling more then 25 million product units this year, according to acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord.

The organization warns parents to be aware of ride-on toys like skateboards and in-line skates; toys with small parts; toys with magnets; projectile toys; and toys with chargers and adapters.

“A young baby will always want to stick a toy in his or her mouth,” Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said. “Companies need to make sure the toys our children play with every day are safe.”

TOP 10 DANGEROUS TOYS

1. Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boat

2. Sticky Stones

3. Jack Sparrow’s Spinning Dagger

4. Dora the Explorer Lamp

5. Lil “Giddy Up” Horse

6. Spider Man 3 New Goblin Sword

7. Hip Hoppa

8. B’Loonies Party Pack

9. My Little Baby Born

10. Rubber Band Shooter

Source: World Against Toys Causing Harm

acannarsa@baltimoreexaminer.com