Queens Group Tracks Down Dangerous Toys

Representatives from the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) joined with parents and children at Queens College on Tuesday to release the results of a statewide toy safety survey in NYPIRG’s 1998 Toy Safety Report. The survey revealed that more 100 hazardous toys can be found on the shelves of 67 stores across the state. The results of local Queens’ research was released as well.
The annual toy safety report includes NYPIRG’s 1998 list of dangerous toys which features 20 of the 100 dangerous toys discovered during the statewide safety survey. The list includes toys that pose choking, strangulation, entanglement and laceration hazards.
"NYPIRG works to eliminate children from becoming potential victims of carelessly made toys," said Rachel L. Fox, NYPIRG’s project Leader for Toy Safety, "even though there are regulations for safe toys it is impossible for the CPSC to monitor every single toy that is in the market. That is why NYPIRG conducts surveys each year."
Surveyors identified toys in Queens’ toy stores that include brand name toys like Maui Glow Bounce Ball Combo and Playskool’s Go! Go! Dino Pull. These toys featured on the list could pose choking and strangulation hazards to children.
"As a mother I have had my own experience with dangerous toys. Our goal is to find these toys and get them off the market before anyone gets seriously injured, since safety is not a priority with the manufacturers — it’s the money that counts," Bryna Eisenberger of Flushing said.
The NYPIRG toy safety survey did reveal some good news. The vast majority of toys include tough new choke hazard warnings on small parts, balls, marbles and balloons as required by the 1994 Child Protection Act (CSPA) regulations.
"It’s important that this information is seen by the public, especially parents so that they can protect their children," said Dave Palmer of NYPIRG.
PIRGs across the country have lobbied to implement regulations that would eliminate the risk of death and injury due to unsafe toys. NYPIRG is a not-for-profit, non-partisan research and advocacy organization established, directed and supported by New York State college and university students.