Avoiding 25 Million Dangerous Toys

Dec. 7, 2007 — -- Twenty-five million toys -- the majority made in China -- were recalled this year.

"That's a record number of recalls," said Don Mays of Consumer Union.

Consumer groups say they found on store shelves toys that contained illegal levels of lead. The government warns that further recalls are under way, which is a sign that dangerous toys are still on shelves.

For Arlene and Robert Gilmore, lead paint, dangerous magnets and toxic chemicals have changed the way they shop for their grandchildren's presents this year.

Robert Gilmore said, "To me, it's almost overwhelming to the point where you just almost disregard all this information."

"We don't really have a lot of choice," Arlene Gilmore said. "Especially with dolls."

Parents no longer ask themselves if a toy is simply fun. They want to be assured that the toy is safe.

Kinder Haus Toys owner Sue Pyatt said, "We do get questions such as, 'What have you here in your store that is not made in China?'" And so Pyatt has labeled the toys in her store that are made in places other than China.

Despite efforts by individual store owners and the continuing stream of recalls, the toy industry says shoppers are not avoiding the 80 percent of toys made in China.

Are you trying to avoid toys made in China? ABC wants to hear your story.

Consumer expert Mays concedes that parents have ample reason to be confused and overwhelmed by toy shopping this year but says there are ways consumers can significantly reduce the risk of buying dangerous toys.

According to Mays, toy dangers boil down to three problems: lead, toxic chemicals and small magnets. Below, Mays shares some easy-to-follow tips on how to navigate the toy stores this year:

Check Recalls Online

Mays said it's important to get as much information as possible about toys and recalls. If you recognize a potentially dangerous brand at the store, ask where it was made.

Check www.recalls.gov to find out if a toy on your wish list is also on a recall list.

Receive Recall Alerts

Be the first one to find out about recalls by subscribing for online alerts at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Do-It-Yourself Testing

Mays offered consumers this handy rule-of-thumb: "Reds and yellows are more likely to be lead paint than other colors."

Check for a 'CE' Logo

Am I Ever Totally Safe?

Following these steps may not completely eliminate the risk of buying a dangerous toy, but it can lessen the probability.

Karin Luthy is a mother of two young children who successfully bought safe toys. "You have to know what you are shopping for before you go," she said. "I went online and found out of they used safe paints before I bought any more."

Additional Resources

A consumer action guide to toxic chemicals in toys: www.HealthyToys.org

The Toy Industry Association's resource for toy safety: www.ToyInfo.org