Groups Issue Lists of Toys Deemed Unsafe, Violence-Oriented

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Puppy Pal; “Scream,” a female action figure who uses her hair as a weapon; small plastic basketballs and animal-shaped balloons--these are some of the hazardous or violence-oriented toys awaiting children at holiday time.

“Toys should bring children pleasure and joy. Instead, too often toys cause injuries and death,” said Janice Shields of the Public Interest Research Group, which released its annual report on hazardous toys.

The government reported 134 toy-related deaths from 1990 through 1995, over half caused by choking on balloons, balls, marbles and small toys or parts. Since there is no required reporting of fatalities from toys, the actual number is thought to be much higher, Shields said.

The Washington, D.C.-based consumer watchdog group each year identifies those toys in stores that could choke a baby or toddler and other toys that could strangle or injure any child. Balloons posed the greatest danger, with 35 choking deaths in the six years through 1995.

One on the “Trouble in Toyland” list this year was an old favorite to a generation of children, Fisher-Price’s Little Snoopy. It has a pull cord longer than the recommended 12 inches. There is no government rule on length of cords.

At the same time, Bethesda, Md.-based Lion and Lamb Project released its “Dirty Dozen” list of toys that organizers say glorify violence.

Among them: Talking Street Force by Tara, large action figures that say “Don’t move, Hot Shot” and “Don’t even think about it,” followed by the sound of submachine gun blasts; Scream by Toy Biz Inc.; and GI Joe Extreme by Kenner.

“As millions of people shop for toys during this season of Peace on Earth, many will be buying gifts that glorify violence,” said Daphne White, the project’s executive director.

What to buy instead of “Evil Mutant X-Men?” The Lion and Lamb Project recommends the classic Yahtzee dice game by Milton-Bradley, Tick Tock Design a Clock by Creative Arts Activities, and Ghost Writer Mystery Game by University Games as some of its preferred toys.

Shields, U.S. PIRG’s consumer research director, said parents must first think about their child and his behavior in choosing an appropriate toy, regardless of age.

Any toy with small parts must carry a warning label stating the hazard of choking for children under age 3. Toys for children under 3 must not contain small parts.

But often toys with small parts, such as the Dalmatian puppy, appeal to toddlers, Shields said.