Tis the season. While waiting for Bush and his merry band to fall into the ashcan of history, caution is in order when buying children's toys this year. One would have to be brain dead to rely on the Consumer Product Safety Commission to safeguard what comes into the country at the present time.
Co-Op America recommends (1) avoiding painted toys made before 1978 because lead was common in paints in the U.S., (2) avoiding painted toys from developing countries as they have higher lead risk because of poor regulations. (Toys manufactured in the U.S., Canada or EU are better choices.), (3) watching out for toys with flaking paint, (4) avoiding cheap painted pearls or children's jewelry found in vending machines or given away as party favors.
Avoid any toys made from PVC & Phthalates, identifiable by a #3 or "V" symbol. Try and choose toys made from FSC-certified wood, natural fabric, or plastics #1, 2, 4, 5.
Try to choose baby bottles and spill-proof cups made of glass or polyethylene (#1, #2, #4 recycling symbols), or polypropylene (#5).
When in doubt throw it out. Demand that stores sell quality and demand that this country has grown-up regulatory agencies--across the board.
A resource definitely worth checking out is Smart Plastic Guide.
If you want to find out about toy recalls go to Recalls.
