Toxic toys, solutions for shoppers this holiday season - Western Mass News - WGGB/WSHM
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On Tuesday, The Massachusetts Public Interest Group, known as MASSPIRG, released its findings from its annual Trouble in Toyland report. The report identified toys, sold in stores, that are dangerous to kids.
"Choking hazards are the biggest danger of all the toys presented today," said Lindsay Jakows, a campus organizer at MASSPIRG.
Other toys presented as hazardous in the report were those containing lead and other dangerous chemicals, including the Dora the Explorer backpack, and the action figure, Morphobot.
The Dora the Explorer guitar was also on this year's list because MASSPIRG said its it contains audio levels too loud for kids ears.
Since choking is one of the biggest threats, MASSPIRG has an inexpensive tip that shoppers can use to make sure the toys they buy or, even toys they already have at home, are choke- proof.
"What we recommend for choking hazards is just the paper towel, toilet paper roll test that people can do at home," said Jakows. "Parents can see if the toy fits completely in a toilet paper roll, but we always encourage parents to be cautious if it nearly fits, because children have choked on a ton of toys that barely don't pass."
Although there are many methods to search for safe toys, some experienced toy shoppers have some suggestions.
"They have to keep their eyes open, and they have to pay attention and read all of the labels. Especially if they come with all different types of parts, and if they need adult supervision with them while they're playing with their toys. I highly recommend it," said Lydia Morales of Springfield.
To find out about toys that have been recalled, toy tips, and how to report a dangerous toy, MASSPIRG encourages people to go to www.toysafety.mobi.
Copyright 2012 WSHM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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