Well, toy safety is in the news again.
One company has decided to make safe toys its mission. HealthyToys.org has created a "Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys." Through a simple test, the organization can determine what chemicals are in a toy, and they're making those results public.
Already the site has generated some controversy, with some saying that the test doesn't indicate whether a child would ever be exposed to the toxic chemicals inside a toy. The claim is that some of the dangerous chemicals are not readily accessible to a child and the child would never be exposed to them.
Personally, I'd rather not take the chance with younger kids. My 14 year old probably won't bite into a toy and release the toxic chemicals inside, but a younger child most certainly will. Kids under three are very likely to bite into a toy, and some will bite hard enough to expose whatever is inside.
Also, as any parent knows, kids don't always use toys in the way that they are intended to be used. I can remember my brother (who was probably eight or nine years old at the time), taking toys apart. I'm sure that he uncovered all sorts of things that the toy manufacturers never thought would be accessible to a child.
At least with the HealthyToys.org, parents will be aware of any toy dangers and able to make an informed decision.
What about you? Are you concerned about chemicals in toys?
Leave us a comment and let us know.
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Tracked on: December 7, 2007 9:17 PM | Permalink to Trackback