Dear Santa, All I Want For Christmas Are
Safe Toys to Enjoy!

Little Johnny wants a truck and Susie wants a doll, Larry wants computer games and Mary wants a teddy bear. Ah Christmas – there was a time when you could just go to the store and pick up whatever Little Johnny and Susie Q wanted, now you have to be more selective, because not everything in Santa’s sleigh is safe.

Like the song says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year not only are you going over your list and check it twice, you now have to do research to see if the toys and games that the children on your list asked Santa for meet the standards to keep them safe.

An Ann Arbor Environmental Center tested a number of toys and baby products that were purchased most often from chain and independent stores in Michigan. Their study found that 17% of toys tested have lead levels that exceed federal standards for paint on toys.

The kicker is that the paint standards don't apply to the lead and other metals or chemicals found in a lot of the toys because many of the toxins were embedded within the products. This raised questions about whether or not tougher rules are needed.

The risk is greatest for children younger than 6, who are most likely to put toys in their mouths or play with toys and then put their hands in their mouths. Ann Arbor's Ecology Center checked more than 1,200 items and presented its findings to federal regulators. The center said it is one of the most extensive private surveys of toxic materials in toys ever conducted.

Overall, their tests found lead in more than a third of the sampled products. Lead levels were especially high in metal jewelry from dollar stores. The testing also showed high levels of cadmium, mercury and arsenic in some toys, as well as polyvinyl chloride, which often has chemical additives that can leach out of the plastic. Just 28% of the toys were free of metals and chemicals sought in the tests.

Government officials expressed concerns several months ago as there were several recalls of toys containing lead paint that were made in China. In the Ecology Center’s test some of the toys with high levels of lead were made in the U.S.

The Ecology Center cautioned that the results aren't definitive, since different batches of the same toy, or toys made at different times, may have different suppliers. Most testing was done this year.

Here is something of note: Some companies voluntarily recall toys when they become aware they have high levels of lead or chemicals, but except for lead paint, it's not required by law.

Tips for Purchasing Safe Toys

To help you become smart toy shoppers, Sharon Swindell, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatrician at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital offers these five tips to pick the safest and most appropriate toys for the kids on your list this holiday season.

1. Don’t worry, but be vigilant. The toy recalls have raised concerns about a number of features on imported toys. Check online for up-to-date recall information before heading out to the stores. Look for warnings about small parts, breaking, fire and choking hazards, as well as information about lead paint. Even made in the U.S.A. does not mean it is a safe toy, so make sure to check all labels and recalls.

2. Be cautious when shopping online. While it may be more convenient, you are not able to hold the toy and examine it as effectively as you would in-person. If you prefer online shopping, Dr. Swindell recommends reading product reviews from multiple sources — by other customers and independent panels — to make sure the toy is safe.

3. Choose toys wisely to make your children wiser. Toys that promote healthy behavior or require children to use their imagination should always be top picks. Toys such as a new bike, a puppet or doll, a book, or anything that involves the active engagement of the child’s mind are good ways to promote mental activity and healthy habits.

4. Inspect toys carefully and always read the labels. Toy testing is only done when the toy is intact, so even a safe toy can become dangerous. Broken toys must be thrown away, & before you purchase a toy, make sure it is well constructed. When pieces break off a toy, it can leave a sharp edge or cause a possible chocking hazard. When selecting a toy, make sure it is age-appropriate. Age recommendations are made by independent review panels that look at the size of the parts, strangulation and choking hazards as well as the ability of children to use the toys according to their motor skills.