1 in 3 Toys Have Toxic Chemicals, Kids' Safety Group Study Finds

December 4, 2008

A new survey finds that about a third of popular toys on sale this holiday season have significant levels of toxic chemicals.

Researchers for the JustGreen Partnership -- a coalition of children's safety, public health and environmental groups -- tested more than 1,500 toys and found one in three contained medium or high levels of chemicals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic.

Lead was detected in 20 percent of the toys, and the group says levels in some far exceed the 600 parts-per-million standard set by the federal government for a recall.

Children's jewelry was the most contaminated product category, with items marketed by Disney and Christmas Tree Shops topping the group's "worst toys'' list.

A full list of the toys is available online at
www.HealthyToys.org.