Novant Health House Call: Holiday Toy Safety

The stockings may be hung by the chimney with care, but are the toys inside really safe for your kids?

In its annual Trouble in Toyland report, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group is issuing a warning about toys it found that posed potential choking hazards or others that contained toxic materials. Among problems identified by the nonprofit were toys containing chromium, a chemical that can cause cancer, and toys with higher-than-recommended levels of phthalates, a chemical that is linked to early puberty.

The consumer advocacy group urged parents to avoid toys that have small parts, small balls, balloons or magnets which can all pose a choking hazard in younger children. The organization provides a list online of toys it deems dangerous.

Novant Health pediatrician, Dr. Erin Washburn is here today to offer us tips on keeping the holidays fun for kids and not dampening the holiday spirits with a trip to the ER.