By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – There have been a number of toy recalls in recent months. But just because a toy is still on a store shelf doesn't mean it's safe. The New York Public Interest Research Group revealed yesterday what its staffers discovered at toy stores just ahead of the holiday rush.
There's trouble in toy land again this Christmas. NYPIRG's Buffalo coordinator Tim Duch said staffers found 39 dangerous toys on store shelves in New York.
On the list of dangerous toys is a Bob the Builder Dancing Bob that a NYPIRG staffer purchased at a K-B Toy Store in the Buffalo area. The toys hammer top twists off, posing a choking hazard in small children. Several Hot Wheels toys are on the list because they can break into small parts. And Curious George toys that were found on store shelves locally had lead levels at more than 10 times the legal lead paint limit.
After these discoveries on toy shelves and the scary rash of recent recalls, consumer advocates say it's long overdue for Congress to get tough. NYPIRG says the biggest gift Congress could give kids is to pass a toy safety law that will protect them from dangerous toys.
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