Unsafe Toys and How to Avoid Them

Just a few years ago, millions of unsafe toys were recalled because of unusually high levels of lead. There were also major recalls because of badly designed toys on the market that posed choking hazards. So the question is, are our kids toys any safer now than they were a few years ago?

How Unsafe Toys Are Getting To Our Children
Federal regulators have said that they believe toys meant for U.S. markets are safer than they were several years ago. Most of the leading toy manufactures would agree. However, several watchdog organizations have reported that they have found many toys on store shelves to either present a choking hazard or may contain dangerous chemicals. Also on the list were toys that presented audio sounds much too loud for small children and they could induce hearing loss.

Federal Safeguards for Unsafe Toys
There is an assumption that just because federal authorities in 2007 executed their huge recall, toys are safe. Most consumers as well as toy merchants believed that the government implemented various safety measures and that most toys were now safe. However, with millions of containers of toys coming through U.S. ports every year, regulators cannot inspect all of them.

Vendors Self-Regulate for Unsafe Toys
Many toy manufactures rely on overseas vendors to supply them. These manufactures are relying on these oversea vendors to meet U.S. government safety standards. However, the only way that happens is if they are verified by the manufacture. Many of the top tier toy manufactures and retailers do take that precaution, yet there are many retailers, distributors, and importers that do not operate on that level. With a weak economy and recession weary consumers looking to save money; these lower tier toys are more widespread. Government intervention not withstanding, these toys will always seem to make to our U.S. markets.

The Buyer Needs to Beware of Unsafe Toys
So what is a parent to do when faced with this dilemma? Should we all stop buying toys for our kids? This holiday season as in seasons past should make us, a buyer beware sense of attitude. When shopping for your children you should always remember to inspect a toy carefully. Look for hidden dangers in that toy before you buy it. Be aware of the places you shop and the brands that you buy.