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(via click2houston.com)

Toys are a popular item for under the tree, but a research group said there are nine that should be avoided at all costs.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group releases a Trouble In Toyland report each year.

Researchers found two toys that exceeded the U.S. law’s lead paint standards.

Other toys contained the chemical phthalates, which has been linked to reproductive defects and premature infant deliveries.

PIRG found some toys that exceeded the legal limit of antimony, which is a chemical that has been classified as a potential carcinogen.

Choking hazards have been a concern for small children for years, but PIRG found two toys that have parts small enough to block a child’s airway, even though they don’t violate the letter of the law.

Here is the list of the nine toys to avoid this holiday season.

  • Princess Expressions Tiara and Jewelry Set, sold by Kmart: PIRG said, “87 parts per million of lead does not violate the law’s standard, but comes close.”
  • Monkey in Banana, sold by Uncle Fun: PIRG said, “exceeded the lead standard on the surface of the banana.”
  • Baby Doll, sold by Uncle Fun: PIRG said, “is a so-called mouthing toy for which phthalates are regulated. Yet, the face contained two different kinds.”
  • Dora the Explorer backpack, sold by Claire’s: PIRG said, “carried heavy amounts of phthalates not covered by the law on its mouth.”
  • Bright Star Travel Book, sold by Toys R Us: PIRG said, “sports a red handle whose surface has double the law’s limit for antimony.”
  • Plastic Handcuffs, sold by Toys R Us: PIRG said, “have double the law’s limit for antimony on their surface.”
  • Wild Ranger Toy Gun, sold by Family Dollar: PIRG said, “registered high levels of antimony on both the silver surfaces and the handle.”
  • Lokmock, Baby’s First Train: sold by Amazon.com: PIRG said, “contains pegs that are about one centimeter longer than the choke tube, but does not violate the law. PIRG was alerted to the toy’s dangers by a consumer, however, who had to perform a Heimlich maneuver on her one-year-old after he swallowed one of the pegs.”
  • Let’s Get Building! Construction Playset (Handy Manny Big Construction Job): sold by Target: PIRG said, “was found to be hazardous by PIRG because it contains a small warning on the back that small parts may be generated.”

 

PIRG urged adults to follow these principles when purchasing toys to ensure they are safe:

  • Stick to toys made with natural materials, for example, unpainted wood, cotton or wool, or items painted with nontoxic dyes or paints.
  • Avoid costume jewelry for children. It usually contains lead or other damaging chemicals.
  • Avoid toys made of PVC or brightly colored plastics.
  • Don’t buy toys with small parts (anything that can pass through a toilet paper tube) for kids under 3.
  • Heed manufacturers’ age-level recommendations.
  • Don’t give young kids small balls or balloons because they can can completely block airways. Balls for children under 6 years old should be bigger than 1.75 inches in diameter.