Watch Out for These Recalled Toys, Children’s Products

The Illinois Attorney General’s office is warning parents that hoverboards can overheat and catch fire in the recently released 2016 Safe Shopping Guide. (Urbanwheel.co / Flickr) The Illinois Attorney General’s office is warning parents that hoverboards can overheat and catch fire in the recently released 2016 Safe Shopping Guide. (Urbanwheel.co / Flickr)

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. As consumers make their holiday gift lists, they’re being urged to check them twice for toys that have been recalled over the past year.

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Some of the toys that have been recalled for lead, powerful magnets or other hazards are still available for purchase online, according a new report by the Illinois Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.

A toy glockenspiel that was recalled in February 2016 for high levels of lead was still available to purchase at online retailers, according to the Illinois PIRG Education Fund. A recalled pencil case whose magnets can detach was also still available online. 

“Choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children aged 3 years or younger. Food, coins, and toys are the primary causes of choking-related injury and death,” said Dr. Elizabeth Powell, attending physician of emergency medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Toys that have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from January 2015 through October 2016 are listed in the new report, Trouble in Toyland.

“We should be able to trust that the toys we buy are safe. However, until that’s the case, consumers should understand two things: first, not all recalls may be well-publicized so you should check your house for previously recalled toys and second, some toys that are recalled may still be available online,” said Abraham Scarr, director of Illinois PIRG Education Fund.

Consumers can also check Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s 2016 Safe Shopping Guide for information on hazardous toys, children’s products and household items that were recalled over the past year.

Since January, there have been 84 recalls of children’s products by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, according to the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

This holiday season Madigan’s office is warning parents to keep an eye out for baby rattles that can break and cause a choking hazard, toys and jewelry with excessive levels of lead, and hoverboards that can overheat and catch fire.

“I appreciate how busy and overwhelmed parents are, so I hope my Safe Shopping Guide helps families make sure their homes are free of unsafe toys and products,” Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said.

The Toy Industry Association called the Trouble in Toyland report misleading because many of the items recalled are juvenile products and not toys. The industry said safety is a “top priority every day of the year,” and parents should shop at reputable stores and online retailers when buying toys. 

Follow Kristen Thometz on Twitter: @kristenthometz


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