[IMG]http://simplefeed.consumerreports.org/rsrc/i/1/_/this_week_in_safety_toys_toys_toys__306807981/4.gif?f=3dcb3160-01dc-11dc-32a2-0019bbc55f7f&s=AewyNia7NTvDvhaDemju5DEsbnVsbCwwLDA *[/IMG] This week in safety: Toys, toys, toys
Just before parents hit the stores on Black Friday?and beyond?comes news about toys from several fronts. In its 23rd annual survey of toys, U.S. PIRG advises parents to remain vigilant about what they buy their children because tougher new federal safety laws have not yet taken effect. A group called WATCH (World Against Toys Causing Harm) issued a 10 worst toys list and MSN questions whether toys have become safer and features a photo gallery of all the toys recalled this year.
Trouble in Toyland: The 23rd annual survey of toy safety
U.S. PIRG
The recall of 45 million toys and other children?s products in 2007 and continued recalls in 2008 reminded Americans that no government agency tests toys before they are put on the shelves. Read more ...
2008 '10 worst toys' list
W.A.T.C.H.
W.A.T.C.H.'s?World Against Toys Causing Harm?annual "10 Worst Toys" list nominates representative toys with the potential to cause childhood injuries, or even death. Read more ...
Bad toys: What went wrong with recalled toys?
MSN
Nothing sucks the joy out of holiday toy shopping like a fresh batch of gruesome safety warnings. But 'tis the season when "choking hazard," "chemical burn risk" and the classic "violation of lead paint standard" dance in parents' heads. Read more ...
Toys with phthalates can be sold after U.S. ban takes effect
USA Today
Stores may continue selling plastic toys made with hormone-like chemicals next year, even after a law that was supposed to ban them takes effect, according to a legal decision from the federal agency that oversees consumer safety. Read more ...
Vendors urge relaxed lead-safety rule
The Wall Street Journal
Before new laws even take effect, manufacturers and retailers of children's products are asking the government to relax a requirement that they stop selling any inventory that doesn't meet tough new lead standards, beginning Feb. 10. Read more ...
BPA leaches from 'safe' products
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Products marketed for infants or billed as "microwave safe" release toxic doses of the chemical bisphenol A when heated, an analysis by the Journal Sentinel has found. The newspaper had the containers of 10 items tested in a lab. Read more ...
Keep bathroom chemicals locked up

U.S. News
If you are expecting little visitors over the holidays, the bathroom may be full of potential dangers and temptations. Here are suggestions to prevent little hands from getting into bathroom chemicals or medications. Read more ...
Counterfeit holiday lights pose hazards for consumers
International Business Times
Counterfeit Christmas lights?including those with fake Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) labels?pose a threat to consumers for their potential inability to meet electrical safety and fire codes. The traditional holiday decorations are part of the rapidly growing crime of counterfeit electrical products. Read more ...
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