Personal Injury Law

Consumers Warned of Toxic Toys and Toy Dangers

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (IPIRG) has issued its annual Survey of Toy Safety. This year?s report focuses on toxic toys and it particularly warns against toys that contain phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics. Phthalates are often used to make the plastic in teething toys, bath books and rubber duckies soft and flexible, but the chemicals are suspected of causing reproductive and developmental problems, especially in boys. Congress has passed legislation this year, to take effect on February 1, 2009, that bans 6 types of phthalates.

The group also warned of toys that pose choking hazards and those that contain lead and magnets. The Illinois Attorney General warns that if more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract to each other, causing severe personal injuries such as intestinal perforations or blockages which can result in permanent intestinal damage and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

To check the safety of your children?s toys, check the Illinois Attorney General?s 2008 Children?s Product Recall Guide, by clicking here. View the IPIRG report, by clicking here. To read the full story, click here.

Full post as published by Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog on November 27, 2008 (boomark / email).