COLUMBIA, S.C. — The U.S. Public Interest Research group has released their 34th annual Trouble in Toyland report.
The goal is to guide parents when buying toys for their children, as some can pose safety threats. Prisma Health Children's Hospital is sharing the report to keep children in the Midlands more safe.
"The last thing that anyone wants is for a toy that was purchased, to bring joy to a child, to eventually end up harming them," says Prisma Health Pediatrician, Dr. Hollie Edwards.
Findings in the report list safety concerns like toxic chemicals, potential choking hazards, and smart toys with security threats. The PIRG found that many of these hazards can be detected just by looking at them and being vigilant.
In regards to choking hazards, medical experts have a rule. "If it can fit inside a toilet paper tube, it's too small for a three year old or less," says Prisma Health Pediatrician, Dr. Jeff Holloway.
The report shows there were high levels of lead detected in some products sold worldwide, which is why experts recommend buying items made domestically and sold in stores.
Many slime products seemed to contain a lot of Boron in it.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's data shows there were 251,700 emergency room visits caused by toys.
Click here to read the entire report along with specific toy brands listed as dangerous.