Some recalled toys still available for purchase online

TAMPA (FOX 13) - As you shop the internet looking for the perfect present for the little ones, you might want to think twice before clicking that purchase button. You may be buying something that's been recalled.

At a press conference at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Susan McGrath, executive director of the Florida Consumer Action Network said her group was able to purchase items recalled months ago.

Examples listed in the 2016 PIRG Trouble in Toyland Report included a toy glockenspiel (xylophone) recalled in February due to high levels of lead in the pink paint, and a remote control flying toy recalled in June because of a faulty cord that can overheat. Both toys were bought online through a popular shopping site.

In addition to new products, consumers should also be on the lookout for recalled toys already purchased or that you might buy at a consignment store or yard sale. Information found on the websites http://www.saferproducts.gov/ and http://www.recalls.gov/ can help both parents, friends and family members identify unsafe toys.

According to John's Hopkins All Children's Emergency specialist, Dr. Wassam Rahman, many hazards also come from toys that haven't been recalled. Injuries from riding toys, like bicycles, scooters, and skate or hover boards, top the list. He says many head injuries from falls, like facial lacerations or trauma, could be avoided with the proper use of helmets.

Petra Vybiralova, Florida Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition supervisor, advised those purchasing gifts for infants and young children to test objects using an empty toilet paper role. If the object can fit inside, it represents a potential choking hazard.

U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor also discussed the importance of the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that tightened lead limits and phased out other toxic chemicals in toys. She hopes under the new administration, those safeguards will remain in place.