MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Christmas shopping is in full swing and one group has released a list of toys it says parents should not be buying over the holiday season.
There are more than 20 toys on the 2014 “Trouble in Toyland” list from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
One of the items is a toy badge set sold at Dollar Tree stores.
According to the report, the badge set contains lead above the legal coatings limit.
PIRG says the metal cymbals in a Jake and the Neverland Pirates tambourine contain chromium that’s ten times the legal limit.
It was also sold at the Dollar Tree.
Also, a Dora the Explorer backpack sold at Walgreens landed on the list, because according to researchers, the plastic outside portion contains banned limits of phthalates.
Other concerns, according to the report, are toys with small parts, batteries, and magnets.
These all pose choking hazards for children.
Safe Kids Susan Helms says it’s important for parents to read labels on toys and pay close attention when children are playing.
“I think parents just need to think about their own child and the child’s age and ability and go with that. Obviously, if you have a baby or an infant or toddler you want to stay away from things with small parts because choking is a possibility, and you just want to stay within their abilities.”
The Toy Industry Association is disputing the results found in the report.
The association says PIRG didn’t use proper testing methods.