This is a print-friendly version of www.whitehutchinson.com/news/learnenews/2007/october/article102.shtml

White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

Toy Safety Is in the Spotlight this Fall

Recent recalls of millions of popular toys - from Easy Bake ovens to Thomas & Friends wooden railway - illustrate a hard reality: Just because a product is manufactured for children doesn't guarantee it is safe for children. Consumers must demand more information about the safety of materials used in toys.

During September, Mattel, Inc. announced several recalls of Chinese-made toys containing excessive amounts of lead-based paints. These toys included some from the Fischer Price division, such as Dora the Explorer, Big Bird and Elmo.

In June, toymaker RC2 Corp. voluntarily recalled 1.5 million railway toys and parts from its Thomas & Friends wooden railway. The same month, Hasbro recalled Easy Bake ovens.

We would like to think every item we see in early childhood catalogues is safe for young children, but such is not the case. The lesson from these recalls reinforces the concept of "buyer beware."

When purchasing any item for young children, you should ask what materials were used in making the product. The manufacturer's materials sheet should be available for every product you purchase.

We can not rely on others to do what needs to be done to protect children from harm. Become an advocate for toy safety, ask the right questions, and demand information with your purchases. When we begin to be better educated about our choices as consumers, manufacturers will be forced to use safer materials and put more emphasis on product safety for children.

© 1999 - 2026, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Inc.
The contents of this website and eNewsletters are protected by USA and international copyright law. Permission is granted to download and print single copites of any of the contents or articles for personal use. No other copies may be made. Educational institutions may obtain permission to make multiple copies for classroom use by e-mailing us with details. The contents of articles may be quoted provided credit is given to the "(author's name), White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA". All other rights for use or reproduction of the contents and articles are reserved.