Rep. Kathy Castor Cautions on Holiday Shopping for Kids

With a display of toys, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor identified toys and the lack of oversight of the toy industry that could turn a holiday gift into a tragic event. Trouble in Toyland was the title of the event conducted at Tampa General Hospital with Brad Ashwell, Consumer Advocate with the Florida Public Interest Research Group, Dr. Reinhart of Tampa General Hospital Pediatrics, and Rep. Castor.

Specific concerns centered on lead content of toys and jewelry. Many toys have been banned due to small parts. Some possible threats can require immediate medical attention. Dr. Reinhart called for gift purchasers to pay attention to age recommendations on toys purchased. He further emphasized the danger of choking on toys by those 3 years of age and under.

Bicycle helmets, that fit, and concerns about cuts and scrapes topped Dr. Reinhart’s list of issues, but he cautioned that lead poisoning is a worry with some of the recent toy recalls. Additional toys identified as risks included sparkling nail polish that can contain dangerous chemicals, lead content lunch boxes, and even some well known toys under the name of major American manufacturers.

Brad Ashwell identified www.toysafety.net as a location for toy safety information.

At this time with over 22 million toys being produced, only one US Consumer Public Safety Council (CPSC) inspector oversees these manufacturers according to Rep. Castor. By co-sponsoring legislation calling for more oversight and accountability of the industry, Rep. Castor indicated it was the “least we can do to keep families safe.” She called for additional inspectors and called for the resignation of Acting CPSC Chairperson Nancy Nord. Acknowledging that the Bush administration had been a roadblock in adding these protections to “keep our families safe”, she further identified the providing of trips sponsored by toy industry groups to the people who regulate them as improper and a practice that should be stopped.

Rep. Castor promoted safe holiday purchases: passes to the Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Florida Aquarium; books; and athletic equipment as family and health builders that eliminate some of the risks of today’s toys.

Get more information about the the Florida Public Interest Research Group at www.floridapirg.org
And the US Consumer Public Safety Council at www.cpsc.gov
Contact Rep Kathy Castor at http://castor.house.gov/

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