Assemblymembers Ma and Caballero Urge Parents to Protect Children from Unsafe Toys During Holiday Season

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

In the Democratic weekly radio address Assemblymember Fiona Ma and Assemblymember Anna Caballero talk about the importance of toy safety when buying holiday gifts for your children.

Assemblymember Ma authored Assembly Bill 1108, one of the most significant toy safety measures now on the books. AB 1108 banned the use of some toxic chemicals in the manufacturing of toys.

In the radio address Assemblymembers Ma and Caballero say toxic chemicals are not the only toy danger, “Millions of toys – including some Thomas the Toy Engine and Barbie products – have been recalled, usually due to unsafe toxicity levels or choking hazards.”

You may listen in English or Spanish or read the full transcripts below.

Hello, this is Assemblymember Fiona Ma.

Walk through any mall in California or watch the commercials during any network television program, and one thing will be clear: the holiday shopping season has officially arrived.

This is an especially magical time for young children as they eagerly await toys wrapped with care in celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the other great holidays of the season.

But this year, millions of toys – including some Thomas the Toy Engine and Barbie products – have been recalled, usually due to unsafe toxicity levels or choking hazards.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown has even sued one prominent toy manufacturer for knowingly distributing toys with unsafe levels of lead.

For most parents, knowing which toys are safe to purchase and which are best avoided may seem a daunting task, but there are a few simple things you can do to better guarantee your child a festive and safe holiday.

While most toy manufacturers properly safeguard against choking dangers with warning labels, there are some products marketed to children three and under that still pose a choking risk.