Gillibrand Joins Advocacy Group For Release Of Dangerous Toy List

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) joined an advocacy group Sunday to call for new regulations to protect children from toxic toys.

Outside Gillibrand's Midtown office Sunday, the New York Public Interest Research Group released its annual "Treacherous Toys" report, warning consumers about toys that are toxic and where they are being sold in New York state shelves.

Read The Report

The report includes toys that may be choking hazards, neodymium iron born magnets that can be dangerous when ingested, and toys with toxic chemicals.

As 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported, leaded paints have been banned for decades because if chips are ingested by children, it can affect their brains.

But believe it or not, according to Megan Ahearn of the New York Public Interest Research Group, there are still toys containing lead and other toxic chemicals.

"Some of the most dangerous hazards posed by toys that we see these days is those that contain toxic substances like lead, cadmium and phthalates," Ahearn said.

Phthalates are used to make plastic pliable, which critics warn is an encouragement for children to put plastic items in their mouths and chew.

As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, Gillibrand wants phthalates banned for all products.

"There is no greater duty than to protect those who are unable to protect themselves," Gillibrand said.

The "worst toys" on the NY PIRG list this year included:

• The Big Rock & Roll Ball Pit from Little Tykes, which the group says has a potential for impact injuries;

• The Max Steel Interactive Steel with Turbo Sword from Mattel, which the group says has a potential for impact injuries;

• The N-Strike Jolt Blaster from Hasbro, which the group says has the potential for eye injuries;

• The Disney Baby Snow White from Tollytots Limited, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• The Princess Wand from Greenbrier International, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• The Littlest Pet Shop Sunil Nevla from Hasbro, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• The Littlest Pet Shop Seal and Dolphins from Hasbro, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• The Littlest Pet Shop Candyswirl Dreams Collection from Hasbro, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• Gobble Gobble Guppies from SwimWays, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• The Fisher-Price Loving Family Outdoor Barbeque Set from Mattel, which the group says poses a choking hazard;

• The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pencil Case from Innovative Design, which the group says contains cadmium and phthalates;

• The Marvel Superhero Squad Soft Shield from Disguise Inc., which the group says contains lead;

• The Lamaze Take and Tidy Activity Mat from TOMY, which the group says contains antimony;

• Sonic Sound Sizzlers Noise Magnets from JA-RU Inc., which the group says contains two high-powered magnets that are near small parts.

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