HealthyToys.org — Toy Safety

Even if a toy was found to have a LOW LEVEL rating for chemicals tested on HealthyToys.org, it does not mean the toy is safe for children. Poorly designed or manufactured products can cause falls, choking, strangulation, burns, drowning, and poisoning. For more information, check out http://www.uspirg.org/ issues/toy-safety and http://www.kidsindanger.org/.

For information on all product recalls, see: http://www.recalls.gov/.

If you suspect that a toy is unsafe, or to report an unsafe product, contact the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on the internet, or by phone: http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html or 1-800-636-CPSC. To receive email recall alerts from CPSC, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist. aspx

HealthyToys.org is an initial screening of chemicals in toys for a handful of hazardous chemicals. There are a number of chemicals of concern that the XRF and HealthyToys.org cannot detect. For example, there has been much concern recently about bisphenol A, a component of polycarbonate plastic. The XRF is not able to detect bisphenol A, nor can it identify polycarbonate. In addition, the XRF cannot detect phthalates, a family of chemicals of concern, although we have used the presence of PVC plastic as a surrogate for the likely presence of phthalates.

The only way to assure safe toys is to require the government to adequately regulate chemicals in products. Citizen pressure is important to make the government and toy manufacturers bring safer toys to market, so please refer to the Take Action link on this site for information on other ways to add your voice to the chorus asking for reform.

It is important to note that lead in toys is only one source of lead exposure for children. The largest source of lead for most children is still paint in older homes. For tips on reducing lead exposure for children and pregnant women, see: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh /lead/faq/tips.htm

Make sure to read the age label, warnings, safety messages, and assembly instructions for any toy that you purchase. Do not ignore these guidelines. Before giving any toy to your child, double check that there are no loose parts, broken pieces, or sharp edges. Be aware of wear and tear issues, and throw out any toy that is broken or falling apart.

General Tips on Buying Safer Products for Kids

Buy less! The easiest way to avoid toys with toxic chemicals is to buy less! For some tips on reducing gift buying, see: "Simplify the Holidays".

Avoid toys that list vinyl or PVC as an ingredient (#3 plastic). Soft plastic toys like bath toys, squeeze toys, and dolls are commonly made of vinyl. If you're not sure if a toy contains vinyl or PVC try looking it up in our database. If you see high levels of chlorine, it is likely that the product contains PVC. If the product you are curious about is not in our database, ask the manufacturer or consider an alternative product.

Steer clear of vinyl lunch boxes; choose cloth lunch bags instead.
Choose uncoated cotton bibs instead of vinyl bibs, or choose bibs made of non-PVC plastic.
Avoid diaper covers, rain gear, and backpacks made of vinyl (PVC).
Choose mattresses made of wool, cotton, or natural latex that don't have vinyl covers.
Choose wool changing pads or portable fabric changing pads that do not have vinyl linings.
For a guide to safer plastics, see: http://www.iatp.org/ foodandhealth/

When possible choose plastic-free toys such as fabric teethers, unpainted wooden toys or cloth and plush toys. Polycarbonate plastic (#7 plastic) should also be avoided. For a guide to safer plastics, see: http://www.iatp.org/ foodandhealth/

Avoid children's metal jewelry and toys with small pieces, particularly magnetic pieces. For more information, see CDC's website on lead in jewelry

Check recall lists regularly, and if a toy has been recalled, send it back to the manufacturer. To receive email recall alerts from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Take action! We can't just purchase our way out of this problem. We need Government and industry to make our products safer!