Oregon Public Broadcasting

Dangerous toys are still in stores across the country.

The Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group, or OSPIRG, released its annual “Trouble in Toyland” report Tuesday.  KLCC’S Rachael McDonald reports.

A new law bans Phthalates, toxic chemicals found in some plastic toys -- effective in February of 2009. 

At a press conference in the Lane Community College Day Care Center, OSPIRG’s Colleen McCann said the Consumer Product Safety Commission is allowing more delays.

Colleen McCann: “But last week the CPSC issued a legal opinion telling manufacturers they could keep selling the remaining millions of hazardous toys until they run out which could take years.”

McCann says OSPIRG and some in Congress are fighting that decision.

She says some toys contain lead, which can be deadly if eaten. Also, McCann says a number of small toys pose choking hazards.

She says often warning labels are hard to see.

She says a good rule is to see if a toy fits through an empty toilet paper roll. If it does, it’s too small for a toddler.