(Newser)
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Despite massive recalls, hazardous toys still crowd US shelves, warn consumer watchdog organizations. Dozens of toys pose choking hazards, contain toxic chemicals, or use dangerously strong magnets, according to an annual toy survey by the US Public Interest
Research Group released yesterday. Nine of 100 toys tested by the Center for Environmental Health had unsafe levels of lead. All were made in China.
"It's the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and it shouldn't be a minefield of lead hazards for parents," said the group's research director. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission "is a little agency with a big job it simply cannot do," said another watchdog. Congress is considering a bill raising the commission's budget from $63 million to over $100 million.
