Choking and strangulation hazards, sharp edges, pinch points, toxic lead levels…who knew bringing toys home for our kids could put them in danger? The headlines have been filled with stories of imported Chinese toys made for big American toy sellers like Mattel, Hasbro, Fisher-Price and Playskool being recalled. Defective and potentially dangerous infant rattles, carriers, pacifiers and cribs, merry-go-rounds, play sets and stuffed animals have all been recalled in the past year.
The good news is that extensive press and media coverage and parental pressure on Congress has led to more scrutiny of imported toys as well as product design changes in many toy and children’s products.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) is entrusted with making sure the toys on the shelves in your community are tested and safe. They must police a $15 billion industry. The first line of defense is to make sure imports are meeting applicable safety standards before they are allowed in the country. The
US CPSC must be adequately funded and staffed to carry out their mandate. Parents should always read the labels on toys to make sure the toy is age appropriate. Here is a toy safety guide.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
