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Toxic Toys

 

What's New

Coming November 2009: Trouble In Toyland: The 24th Annual Survey of Toy Safety

In late November, Maryland PIRG will release its 24th annual toy safety report, which will highlight hidden dangers on toy store shelves this holiday shopping season.

Maryland PIRG State Director Johanna Neumann gave a group of parents at St. Vincent's Head Start a sneak-preview of unsafe toys at a presentation on October 28th, 2009.

 

How You Can Help

If you suspect you have a toxic dangerous toy or any unsafe product (coffeemaker, lawn mower, etc), report the incident to the CPSC either online at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html or over the phone at Toll-free Consumer Hotline: 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270). Send a copy to us at info@marylandpirg.org



Overview

Maryland’s children are in danger because of toxic toys.

Chemicals linked to cancer, developmental problems and reproductive disorders routinely show up in our children’s toys and products, even though safer alternatives are available.

Health research suggests that because children’s bodies are still developing, exposure to toxic chemicals during childhood can have particularly harmful and lasting effects on their health.

We know that toy manufactures can make toys without toxic chemicals. Unfortunately  the chemical industry has a special interest in continuing to sell chemicals to toy manufacturers and they aren’t going to change voluntarily. Dow and DuPont continue to fight efforts pointed toward phasing out toxic chemicals since their product and livelihood IS toxic chemicals.

The time has come for Maryland to take action. Other states have passed legislation to protect their children from exposure to toxic chemicals and Maryland’s children deserve to be protected as well.

That’s why Maryland PIRG is working to pass a law to remove toxic chemicals from children’s products such as toys, teethers and baby bottles.



Neumann Formaldehyde Report Video

The last place you want to find toxic chemicals is your toddler's favorite toy. That's why Maryland PIRG is working to phase out the most dangerous chemicals from children's products.