It is that time of year again where we are all wondering what toys to get for our children. When we shop for these toys all of us want to get what will make our child happy, but are all of us aware of the dangers that may come with these toys.

There has been enormous progress being made in the safety of toys, but there are still dangers and toxic toys found on the shelves around the United States. So what are the key findings that make some of these toys that our children love so dangerous.

• With a ban on toys and other childrens products that contain more than 0.1% phthalates (which has been linked to hormonal disruptions) several items have been found to exceed this limit. In one case, a baby doll was found to contain up to 30% of this substance.
• To avoid the risk of choking, toys for children ages 3 and under may not have small parts. However, several toys were found to contain small parts that pose a choking risk.
• There have also been toys found that included lead and antimony. Lead has been associated with a number of health problems, so be sure to have you child tested for lead. Antimony is classified as a carcinogen which is a cancer causing agent.

A complete overhaul of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has been a big part of the improvements made to toy safety this year. There authority has been expanded and thus gives them more control to ensure the safety of toys and children products. There is still more work to be done especially in the area of choking hazards and dangerous chemicals.

In conclusion, most of the toys that you will find on the shelves this year are completely safe, but there are still some dangers out there. Just be aware of what you are purchasing and not just doing it because it is what your child wants. Safety should always be our main concern as parents. A great way to be completely safe is to bless your child with kids books. Have a happy and safe holiday season.