Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

Trying to figure out what toys to buy for your children this holiday? A report issued by the Ecology Center, a Michigan-based Environmental Group, reveals that it might be more difficult than you think.

The group tested over 1,500 toys for traces of dangerous chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and PVC. Results of their research show that one third of toys tested, many of which can be found in popular chain stores such as Toys R Us and Wal-Mart, contain medium to high levels of toxic chemicals.

Disney and Nintendo were among the worst culprits, as were toys manufactured in China, the U.S. and Canada.

Lead, a known neurotoxin, was found in 20% of the toys tested, of which 3.5% had levels that exceeded the U.S. federal limit (600 parts per million). Findings also show that children’s jewelry is five times more likely to contain lead above safe levels compared to other toys. The study states that although lead percentages in toys are lower than last year, there has been an increase in other chemicals, including mercury, arsenic and flame retardants.

To read the full study, and to find safety rankings for toys, visit www.healthytoys.org.

Visit the Ecology Center website here.

Sarah