In yet another recall, Mattel today has asked parents to return almost 19 million toys made in China due to safety threats they pose from tiny magnets or lead paint. This action follows the millions of toys Mattel has already recalled in two earlier actions this summer (see July 8 blog, below) due to the  hazards the toys create for children.

One Chinese toy company manufacturer has supposedly committed suicide over the scandal. Mattel is taking out full-page newspaper ads claiming it has “one of the most trusted names with parents” and is “working extremely hard” to address parents’ concerns and “continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children.” Meanwhile, parents worry whether any toy made in China can be trusted.

What can you do?

* Call Mattel at 888-597-6597 for information about the recalled toys with magnets, or 800-916-4997 for information about other recalled items.

* Contact your member of Congress. Urge the federal government to do a better job inspecting toys that are imported from China and other countries.

* Tell your local toy store (Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, KayBee) you no longer intend to buy any toy imported from China.

* Find local toy manufacturers whose businesses you can support.

If you send me the name of local toy manufacturers who can show they use non-toxic materials in crafting their products, I’ll list the safe companies here so other parents can find them.

The post Third Toy Recall Makes for a Grim “Hat Trick” appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Because of this negligence, thousands of children are getting sick. One 4-year-old boy who swallowed a charm coated with lead died a horrible death after suffering seizures, vomiting and respiratory failure.

Scott Wolfson of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, says “We want to get to a point of not having to do recall after recall and simply make the marketplace safe.” Good idea.  As my blog yesterday (see below) reports, legislation is in the works, but it will no doubt take months before any law is passed to protect our kids.

We don’t have to wait that long. First, stop buying toys made in China right now. There are plenty of safe toys being made in the U.S. and elsewhere. Second, let toy stores know they’ll lose your business unless they demand safe products from their manufacturers. Let store managers know in person, where you shop, or call corporate headquarters of the major toy retailers (names and phone numbers in my blog below).

Here’s the link to the most recent NY Times story.

Check out these safe toy tips from WhattoExpect.com.

The post Lead in Kids’ Toys a Crisis appeared first on Big Green Purse.