Even though the headlines read that Zhu Zhu Pets are found to be safe by the CPSC, a closer look at an article in The Wall Street Journal and the CPSC web site, reveals that though the CPSC states that the amount of antimony in these toys do not exceed federal standards they will continue to look into the safety of the toys. At question is the difference in the test used by the consumer group, Good Guide compared to the testing used by the CPSC.
Good Guide uses a surface test to check for harmful toxic materials such as lead and the material at question, antimony. Their testing found the levels of this substance high. According to articles, they use this form of surface testing because they believe the surface is the area children come in contact with most. However, Good Guide does not have any information on their website about the testing of this toy at this time.
The CPSC uses a solubility test that involves the tearing apart of the toy and testing the amount of the chemical that dissolves in liquid. The CPSC assures consumers that their standards are high for such substances and they will complete testing quickly. They also acknowledge the importance of consumer groups such as Good Guide and others who bring issues to their attention.
Comments
This feels vaguely familiar to anyone who covered the lead safety issues - it often becomes a battle of which test is used - leaving consumers to ponder why a toy should have high levels of toxins under any test. We require safety verification for lead and phthalates levels from companies submitting toys to our consumer organization, toyportfolio.com.
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