Dec 5, 2007 12:00 pm US/Eastern
New Toy Recall Warning List Released
More Toys Containing Lead Found On Store Shelves
(WBZ)
A new list of dangerous toys was released Wednesday, after testing by watchdog groups in several states found an alarming number of toys containing unsafe levels of lead still on store shelves.
The Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan along with the national Center for Health, Environment and Justice and groups in eight other states, did tests on hundreds of items made for children. Of the 1,268 children's products tested, 23 were among the millions of toys recalled this year because of lead.
Now, just in time for Christmas, the group has released the "Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys." It shows which unsafe toys are still lurking on store shelves.
Among them, a Hannah Montana card game case, Nick Jr.'s 'Go Diego Go! Backpack, the Tatiti Brush Your Teeth Robot, Elmo's Take-Along card games, and the My Pasture Play set.
Other high concentrations of lead were found in plastic jewelry for kids. Jewelry products were the most likely to contain the high levels of lead, with 33.5 percent containing lead levels above the federal standard. The amounts of lead and other harmful chemicals found would trigger further testing by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and possibly lead to more recalls.
Only 20 percent of the toys and other products had no trace of lead or harmful chemicals.
Combined with all this year's recalls, charities that are gearing up for Christmas are having some difficulties. Some are refusing toys, while others – like the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots drive - are devoting extra time to inspect them before they are distributed. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help them sift through their donations.
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