Parents Urged to Research Toys for Recalls

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Warnings have been issued for lead-tainted toys. Millions of toys were recalled last Christmas when it was discovered they contained high levels of lead.

Since last year's massive recall, industry changes have been made, but parents can still find the government's latest recalls online.

In the past month, two kinds of toys have been pulled after excessive levels of lead were discovered.

Although the recalls continue, there is some good news to report.

"I certainly think we are much better at this point than we were," Shannon Holcombe of Oklahoma Poison Control Center said. "They've really toughened up industry standards."

When buying toys, Holcombe suggested parents stay with the brands they know and also suggested buying from manufacturers who are members of the Toy Industry Association.

"Make sure they're suitable," Holcombe said. "If a label says a child under the age of three shouldn't have it, then choose a different toy."

Experts recommend parents don't panic, but remain aware of the problem.

They also said be skeptical of do-it-yourself lead testing kits. They said the kits often don't detect the lead since the amount is so low.