Toy safety has improved since a 2008 law strengthened testing requirements and made recalls easier, but a California group still finds dangerous toys everywhere from dollar stores to big chains.
Members of the California Public Interest Research Group on Tuesday released their 30th annual toy safety report titled "Trouble in Toyland." They were joined by Sen. Mark Leno, D-CA, and Assemblyman David Chiu at UCSF Children’s Hospital.
According to Corinne Santoro, a campaign organizer for CALPIRG, these reports have led at least 150 recalls over 30 years. In the report’s most recent iteration, researchers have identified four potential problem areas in toys — toxic substances, choking hazards, magnetic toys and those that are excessively noisy.
"The message today is clear: we need to protect our youngest consumers from unsafe toys," Santoro said. "Parents and caregivers should watch out for common hazards when shopping for toys."
