Summary

Introduction

Survey Findings

Choking Hazards

The Water Yo-Yo

Dangerously Loud Toys

Toxic Toys

Survey of Online Toy Retailers

Ineffective Toy Recalls

Loopholes in Toy Safety Legislation

Positive Trends in 2003

Survey Methodology

Attachments/Charts

Credits

Positive Trends in 2003

While NYPIRG identified some improvements in 2003, parents should still be vigilant, especially for potential choke hazards. NYPIRG identified several positive trends this year:

• Overall, most toy manufacturers are complying with the letter and spirit of the CSPA with regards to labeling their toys with statutory warnings, although NYPIRG researchers still identified toys with inadequate labeling.

• ASTM has developed standards for excessively loud toys, although they could be strengthened to better protect the hearing of young children.

• Many toy manufacturers have complied with the CPSC's request to voluntarily remove PVC and phthalates from teethers and rattles, although old stock remains on shelves.

• A few toy companies are beginning to label their toys as PVC and phthalate free.

• Since implementation of the CSPA, fewer banned toys or toys with obsolete labels remain on shelves, due to stock depletion.

• More online toy retailers than ever before are displaying some sort of choke hazard warning labels on their web sites.

NEXT: Survey Methodology