Zhu Zhu Pets is not Out of Compliance

Zhu Zhu Pets do not violate safety standards, federal toy regulators said Monday, after concerns raised by consumer groups this weekend.

The toy is not out of compliance with a U.S. toy safety law that went into effect this year, a spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission told The Associated Press. The agency did not test the toy.

Source: NBC News

Alert: Zhu Zhu Toys May Contain Unsafe Levels of Antimony

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has opened an investigation into the popular Zhu Zhu Pet toy because it may contain higher-than-allowed levels of antimony, a heavy metal which if ingested can make children sick.
On prolonged exposure, antimony — which is used in textiles and plastics to prevent them from catching fire — can cause lung and heart problems, ulcers and diarrhea.

Source: NBC News

Toy Hazard Recall List

As we approach the holidays, toy shopping may be a big part of your Christmas preparation.
Before diving into the stores, take a look at the list of Toy Hazard Recall, compiled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Lead paint and choking hazard should be taken very seriously!

Source: cpsc.gov

For your Next Trip to a Toy Store

Christmas is coming and a common concern for parents of young kids is toy safety. Babies and toddlers tend to put toys in their mouths, making it a lot more dangerous. See below a few points, from the National Geographic "Green Guide", to be considered before your next trip to a toy store.

The worst plastic used in children's toys, including teethers, is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Considered "hormone disruptors" and linked with asthma and respiratory problems, phthalates can migrate out of toys and onto the hands (and into the mouths) of children. Fortunately, many companies are removing phthalates, and several states, including California and Maine, are initiating legislation that would ban the sale of any children's products containing problem chemicals.

Lead has also been found frequently in toys, including Barbie dolls, Fisher-Price locomotives and Thomas the Tank Engines, and have been recalled due to violations of lead paint standards. Lead is also found in the paint of some old wood and metal toys, especially in imports. Lead is associated with a host of learning disabilities and behavior disorders, and even low exposures can carry lifelong effects.

Look for plastics made without PVC. It's usually identifiable by the number 3, often with the letters "PVC" or the word "vinyl" next to the recycling symbol. You can also use the "smell test"; plastics made with vinyl usually have a plasticky smell, similar to that of a new shower curtain. If you aren't sure whether a product contains PVC or PVC parts, call the manufacturer.