Parents warned of dangerous toys in 2016 'Trouble in Toyland' report

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's that time of the year when the kids are making their wishlists for Christmas. But buyers beware: there's a handful of toys out there that can pose a danger to your children.

Parents and caregivers were warned Tuesday to be on the lookout for recalled toys, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

The Public Research Interest Group examined 44 toys that have been recalled in the past year and a half and found 16 of them still available online.

"Today's message is clear. We must protect our youngest consumers from recalled toys and children's products," said Abe Scarr, Illinois PIRG.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan stood with the Public Interest Research Group that released its annual Trouble in Toyland report.

"Oftentimes, it is online sellers and certainly sellers in the secondhand market who are not removing recalled items from their inventory, so please, you need to do a little bit of work to make sure that your home or your caregiver's environment is a safe one," Madigan said.

Some of the recalled toys included a toy glockenspiel with high levels of lead paint, a remote-controlled flying toy that can overheat and a pencil case with two magnets that, if swallowed, could link together inside a child's body.

Doctors at Lurie Children's Hospital said parents need to be aware of small, round toys.

"Small, round things. It's not a particular toy. It can be small balls. Small parts. Small round things are the biggest hazard," said Dr. Elizabeth Powell.

Click here to read the full Trouble in Toyland report released Tuesday.

Toy Industry Association Statement Re: U.S. PIRG's 2016 Trouble in Toyland Report

U.S. PIRG calls their annual report "Trouble in Toyland" - but their 2016 report doesn't indicate any trouble at all. In fact, many of the items previously recalled as a result of ongoing regulatory vigilance and named by the group are juvenile products and NOT toys (e.g. hoverboards, children's jewelry, pacifier clips, etc.). The inclusion of these products in a supposed "toy" safety report undermines the toy industry's deep and ongoing commitment to ensuring that toys are among the safest consumer product categories found in the home. U.S. toy safety requirements are among the strictest in the world, with more than 100+ standards and tests in place to ensure that all toys found on store shelves are safe.

Parents and caregivers should always shop at reputable stores and online retailers that they know and trust, and exercise caution when buying toys at flea markets, garage sales, second-hand / thrift stores, etc., as these vendors may not be monitoring for recalled products. Families are also encouraged to stay up-to-date on toy recalls to ensure that all recalled products are kept out of their homes - and out of children's hands.

Safety is the toy industry's top priority every day of the year. For information on recalls, toy safety and ways to ensure safe play, families are invited to visit www.PlaySafe.org, the Toy Industry Association's safety resource for parents and caregivers.