Strict federal toy safety standards prohibit the use of certain powerful magnets (usually rare earth magnets) in any toy part that is small enough to be swallowed and is intended for children under 14 years old.
Though toys comprise less than 1 percent of the typical household waste stream, there is an industry-wide understanding that everyone has a role to play in support of sustainability.
Working alongside medical experts and government officials, The Toy Association helped establish the first federal standards for lead in children’s products nearly 40 years ago.
Safety is the toy industry’s top priority. All toys sold in the United States must conform to stringent federal safety standards such as the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Not only do these toy safety standards contain tough flammability requirements, they also restrict the use of substances known to be harmful to children and to which children might be exposed.
Batteries – especially small button- and coin-size batteries – can pose a serious health hazard if swallowed. If they lodge in the esophagus, the results can be life-threatening and immediate medical intervention is needed.
Evidence shows that X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology is an acceptable screening mechanism for detecting the potential presence of certain substances in toys – as long as prescribed test methods are followed and the appropriate standard reference materials are used. A “positive” XRF result merely indicates that further comprehensive testing must be done by a government-accredited lab to confirm the presence of the substance.
Toys* sold in the United States are prohibited from containing heavy metals or any other substances that can result in harmful exposure to children. By law, toy companies must ensure that their products comply with all relevant standards, regulations, and tests – including applicable heavy metal limits – before they can be sold in this country.
Consumers have every reason to trust the safety of the three billion toys sold in America each year. All toys sold in the U.S., regardless of where they are made, must comply with strict U.S. standards.
The Toy Association and its members are proud of the important, life-shaping role that toys, games, and play have in the development and growth of children. Play is an integral component of an educational, happy, healthy, and well-rounded childhood.
The Toy Association recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI), internet-connected products, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and services are becoming increasingly common in all types of household products, including those offered by toy companies.