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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Mt. Ashland Ski Area to open Sunday ... Gov. Brown declares state of emergency as Oregon storm damage mounts ... Shining a light on sex trafficking ... Mt. Ashland Ski Area to open Sunday ... Gov. Brown declares state of emergency as Oregon storm damage mounts ... Shining a light on sex trafficking ... PUBLIC SAFETY SOU group cites progress, but dangerous toys still available Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Nov. 27, 2015 at 8:44 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Nov. 27, 2015 at 8:44 PM » Social News In its 30th year of tracking down and exposing hazardous toys for children, Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group reports it no longer can find lead in toys, a big sign of progress, and it’s been able to spearhead the recall of 150 dangerous toys by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. However, says Sarah Lukins, Southern Oregon University campus organizer for OSPIRG, there are still plenty of potentially deadly toys on store shelves, from dollar stores to upscale chains, that can choke, poison and harm hearing. “We should be able to trust that toys in stores are safe, but until that’s the case, shoppers need to watch out for common hazards,” said Lukins in a news conference Tuesday at SOU’s Schneider Child Care Center. Especially menacing, she said, are small toys that expand when put in water, she said. If swallowed, the same thing happens inside the young body, with potentially lethal results. Balloons, as always, present the biggest risk and are responsible for more deaths of children under 3, by swallowing or blocking airways, than any other toy, she said. They are also nearly impossible to get off shelves. Small magnets can be deadly, including Bucky Balls, about the size of BB’s, she said. Anything small or anything that can break off a toy and become small, she adds, should be kept away from children. Chromium and phthalates are toxic yet continue to be found in many toys, she said. These may harm development of the male reproductive system or cause allergic reactions or cancer. Lukins demonstrated how all toys should be able to fit through a used toilet paper cardboard holder, to prevent choking. She singled out the Fun Bubbles jump rope for toxic phthalates, Magic Towels for small balls and many toys labeled safe for children younger than they should be. Attending the news conference, Ashland city Councilor Carol Voisin said, “This is a problem flying under the radar that is so essential to taking care of our children. I’m shocked at how many of these are on the market. We should put pressure on merchants who sell them and boycott if they don’t listen. This is incredible.” She invited citizens to ask the council for a resolution on the subject, which would “make it official.” OSPIRG’s “Trouble in Toyland” report for this year is at www.ospirg.org . Parents can find their list of unsafe toys, as well as tips for safe toy shopping this holiday season, at www.toysafetytips.org . John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Nov. 27, 2015 at 8:44 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501