There’s a lot of buzz out there about the CPSA act that goes into affect on February 10th 2009, and the ability to sell used toys.
It sounds like resellers can only sell toys they are certain do not contain lead amounts in violation of the act, but they’re not required to certify toys. All resellers should check the CPSC website before selling a toy to make sure it has not been recalled.
The report also says toy resellers should avoid toys that may contain high levels of lead, and offers these tips-
From the CPSC Website:
WHILE CPSC EXPECTS EVERY COMPANY …read more

Because of previous problems with lead in toys the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was passed last summer to help create guidelines for toy makers to follow. The problem? The Act mandates third-party testing and requires certification for all toys.
The problem is that these new laws will put a severe cost strain on all toy makers, even small American, Canadian, and European toy makers, who already have great self regulation in place. Jennifer at Tree Hugging Family has the whole scoop on what this legislation is doing to small toy makers, and how you can help save handmade toys. …read more

Razor USA has recalled two popular products for safety concerns. 
First, the Four-Wheeled Razor Dirt Quad Electric Powered Ride-on Vehicles were recalled due to a faulty control module for the throttle that can unexpectedly fail and cause the vehicle to surge forward causing harm to the rider and bystanders.  Abut 30,000 units are affected by the recall.  You can follow the link to get full details and determine if you own a recalled Razor Ride-on.

It’s July 4th which means people in the United States will celebrate Independence Day today.  With July 4th celebrations typically come fireworks, so I wanted to share information about two fireworks recalls from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Black Cat Fireworks (pictured below) have been recalled because unexpected debris can scatter that can hurt the user or bystanders.

Fireworks Over America fireworks (pictured below) have been recalled because the parachute connected to each unit can become entangled in power lines causing the potential for electrical shocks to the user and bystanders.

Follow the links above for more information about each …read more

The past year has been inundated with toy recalls primarily due to lead paint hazards.  I’ve had to get rid of several toys that my children had over the past year that have been recalled because of lead paint. 
As a result of the numerous recalls, handheld XRF analyzers are all the rage.  What’s a handheld XRF analyzer?  Simply put, it tells the amount of lead in any consumer product – including toys.
While handheld XRF analyzers are primarily marketed to supply chain distributors and manufacturers, some parents are buying them to test the lead paint levels in their kids toys.
What do you …read more

Toys R Us recently announced changes to its already rigorous quality assurance standards. These are the changes they are making:
1. Notification to manufacturers of increased quality assurance standards and oversight. They will let all of them know that any products shipped after March 1st must comply with these strict new standards.
2. Reduction of PVC use. By the end of 2008 all products must be produced without the addition of phthalates which have raised concerns about infant safety.
3. Elimination of nickel-cadmium batteries from all products.
Toys R Us wants to do everything they can to make their toys safe for our …read more

Another toy recall.
Spiderman Water Bottle from about 7,000 are being recalled from Sears stores around the country. Click here to see a picture of the water bottle.
What’s the hazard?
The screws under the bottle’s lid can come loose and fall into the cup, creating a choking hazard for the child.
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The Fun N Safe Magnetic Dart Board needs to change it’s name don’t you think? On February 22, 2008 about 250,000 units were pulled off the shelves in a recall at the Family Dollar Stores. Yet another magnetic toy that is not safe for our children.
There have been no reported injuries, but hopefully the recall will prevent any from having to be reported.
What’s the hazard of the toy?
“Small magnets at the ends of the darts can detach. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other …read more

The 2008 New York Toy Fair starts on Sunday, February 17th and goes until Wednesday, February 20th.
What will be a big part of the fair? Most likely toy safety. It’s estimated that 15,000 buyers from 7,000 retailers will be coming to the fair. Many of the manufactures will be spending a big chunk of their time on toy safety, as well as showing off their latest toys.
Check back here, at Play Library, for all the latest updates and happenings from the Toy Fair.
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I haven’t blogged about toy recalls in awhile and it is my intention to keep you all updated with the latest toy recalls. Here are the latest ones that I know of. Please, if you know of any others, let me know. Thanks!
Click on each link for a description of the recall.

"BabyTown" pacifiers
Kash N’ Gold Tinker Bell Lamps
Toy Wrestler Figures
InStep “Pathfinder,” Schwinn “Run About,” and Mongoose “Alley Cat” Trailer Bicycles
Metal Toy Wagons

Technorati Tags: toy recalls,toy safety