Safety group issues holiday toy warnings

Consumer advocates say if a toy fits inside the tube from a roll of toilet paper, it’s too small for tiny tots.
   
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group has issued its latest report on hazardous playthings, called “Trouble in Toyland.“ It focuses on three hazards: small parts that can choke children younger than three, toys that are tainted with lead, and soft plastic toys that contain chemicals called phthalates (THAL’-ayts).
   
As for lead-contamination, the group says parents should absolutely avoid children’s metal jewelry.
   
In urging parents to be careful, the public interest group notes that tougher consumer protections approved last summer are not fully in effect yet.
   
The Toy Industry Association, meantime, says ensuring safe toys is its highest priority and says parents should not be “needlessly” frightened by the toy hazard report.