Consumer Group PIRG found that online retailers are not posting safety warnings about the toys they sell. In an analysis of 44 online toy retailers, PIRG found that not one online retailer posted the CPSC statutory warnings and only three included any safety labeling. PIRG urged manufacturers to voluntarily provide Child Safety Protection Act warnings on the web and called on Congress to pass H.R. 604, the Internet Toy Safety Awareness Act, which would make Internet toy labeling mandatory.

In addition, the group warned that hazards posed by toys can still be found on store shelves across the country despite passage of the 1994 Child Safety Protection Act. PIRG cautioned consumers about toy hazards in five categories: choking hazards including balloons, toxic chemicals, hearing loss hazards, scooter dangers, and purchasing toys on the Internet.Choking on small toy parts, balloons and small balls continues to be the leading cause of toy-related deaths. The report suggests buyers check the CPSC Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov for information about recalled toys.

Three sites included in the study were Yahoo Shopping (11 toys examined), Amazon.com/ToysRUs (18 toys examined) and eBay (8 toys examined). The sample of toys on Yahoo Shopping and Amazon/ToysRUs all had age labeling, but none had consistent choke hazard warnings. The toys on eBay had no age labeling warnings and no consistent choke hazard warning. (Note that the study fails to point out that eBay itself does not complete the description information for the items sold on its site.)

1. S. PIRG is the national lobbying office for the State Public Interest Research Groups. State PIRGs are non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocacy groups. More information about the report can be found at http://www.toysafety.net