TRENTON - The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group today joined forces to alert consumers to the potential hazards of children's toys as the holiday shopping season begins in earnest.

"The holidays are always a fun and busy time, filled with errands, gift shopping and gathering with family and friends. But it is also a time to be extra vigilant when shopping for toys for children,” said Consumer Affairs Acting Director Stephen B. Nolan. “Not all toys are safe for all children and, consequently, we are working hard to make New Jersey shoppers aware of the potential hazards involved so we can help make this year's holiday season safer than ever for kids throughout the state."

During a toy safety news conference with NJPIRG in Trenton, Acting Director Nolan distributed a list that "red-flags" some of the more hazardous toys that have been voluntarily recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Investigators from the Office of Consumer Protection and county consumer affairs agencies throughout the state will be visiting toy stores during the holiday season to ensure that stores continuing to sell these items post the CPSC voluntary recall notice for 120 days, as required by law. A complete list of toys that have been voluntarily recalled is available on the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

"While notices should be posted in stores selling these toys, many stores may not take this important step and unknowing consumers may purchase the toys without having the benefit of critical safety information," said Acting Director Nolan. "We will be canvassing the state throughout the holiday season to make sure that stores are complying with the law."

Additionally, Acting Director Nolan recommended that shoppers follow these common-sense tips for toy safety, both before and after purchasing gifts this holiday season:

When selecting toys, shoppers should:

* Avoid toys that have objects that can be shot or propelled.
* Avoid toys that make loud noises, like cap guns, because they can damage a child's hearing.
* Make sure strings and ribbons are no longer than 6 inches to prevent strangulation, and
* Avoid toys with sharp points or edges.

After purchasing toys, consumers should:

* Spot check toys regularly for minor damage and urge children to let you know when a toy needs repair.
* Throw away all toy packaging, such as plastic, cellophane and Styrofoam.
* Make sure batteries in toys are properly installed and never allow your child to sleep with a battery-operated toy.
* Teach your child to use every toy properly.

"We teach our children to use common-sense and we should follow that same advice when shopping for toys this holiday season," concluded Acting Director Nolan. "The health and safety of our children depends on it."

###

ALEX Super Cooking Sets (manufactured by Panline USA Inc. dba ALEX, of Northvale)
Hazard: Lacerations
Sold at: Discount department and specialty toy stores.

Firestreet Scooters (manufactured by Target)
Hazards: Bone fractures, lacerations and bruising
Sold at: Discount department stores.

“Ideal” and “Brighter Vhild” Brand Science Kits (manufactured by School Specialty Publishing)
Hazards: Burn
Sold at: Educational stores and bookstores nationwide

Air Hogs RC Skywinder Radio-Controlled Airplane (manufactured by Spin Master Toys)
Hazard: Burn
Sold at: Retail toy stores.

Jet Streamers™ Water Blasters Pool Toys (manufactured by Wild Planet Toys, Inc.)
Hazard: Impalement
Sold at: Discount department stores, toy stores nationwide and internet retailers

Learn-Around™ Playground Activity Center (manufactured by LeapFrog Enterprises Inc.)
Hazard: Scratches
Sold at: Department stores and toy stores nationwide

LEGO EXPLORE Super Trucks (manufactured LEGO Systems, Inc.)
Hazard: Puncture wounds
Sold at: Discount department stores and toy stores nationwide

Team Talkin' Tool Bench (manufactured Playskool)
Hazard: Suffocation
Sold at: Retail toy stores and various other stores nationwide

Suave Kids Bath Set (manufactured by Almar Sales Co.)
Hazard: Choking
Sold at: Discount department stores

Baby Cookie Monster Plush Toys (manufactured by The Betesh Group of New York)
Hazard: Choking
Sold at: Discount department stores

Flashing Pacifiers (manufactured by Rhode Island Novelty, of Providence, R.I.)
Hazards: Choking/Aspiration
Sold at: Novelty shops, toy stores, carnivals, amusement parks nationwide

Toy Keys (manufactured by RC2 Brands Inc.)
Hazards: Choking
Sold at: Department stores and independent toy stores nationwide

Heartwood Creek Turtle Sprinkler (manufactured by Enesco Group Inc.)
Hazards: Laceration
Sold at: Specialty Gift Stores

"Cars" Toy Chests (manufactured by Delta Enterprise Corp.)
Hazards: Lead poisoning
Sold at: Retail toy stores

Woodles™ Acitvity Toys (manufactured by Gund's Inc.)
Hazards: Choking
Sold at: Independent Specialty stores nationwide

Remote Control Helix Micro Helicopter Toys (manufactured by Spin Master Toys)
Hazards: Burn
Sold at: National Retailers

"Kool Toyz" Truck Carry Case (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint and Sharp Points
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Tiny Playground Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint and Sharp Points
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Dream House Play Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint and Sharp Points
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Discovery Dinosaur Habitat (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Command Center Action Figure Play Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Sharp points
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Aircraft Carrier Figure Play Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Sharp points
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Air, Land, and Sea Defense Play Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Tank Action Figure Play Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Helicopter Action Figure Play Set (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Lead Paint
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Kool Toyz" Remote Control Trucks (manufactured by Toy Century Industrials Ltd. of Hon Kong)
Hazards: Sharp points
Sold at: Discount department stores

"Play Wonder" Puzzle Table (manufactured by Sunrise of China)
Hazards: Choking and Laceration
Sold at: Discount department stores

###