Toxic chemicals were found in popular children's toys, including the holiday must-have Hannah Montana gift, U.S. environmental health groups said Wednesday.

The Ecology Center, a non-profit organization in Ann Arbor, Mich., and other groups, released test results for 1,200 children's toys, the center said in a news release. Results were posted at www.HealthyToys.org.

"The government is not testing for toxic chemicals in toys, and too many manufacturers are not self-regulating, so several non-profit organizations created the nation's first toy database to help inform and empower consumers," said Tracey Easthope, director of the Ecology Center's Environmental Health Project.

Some toys had high levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic, while others were free, the organizations said. Researchers tested for specific chemicals because they were linked to health problems and because they are in children's products.

Testers detected a lead level of more than 3,000 parts per million in a Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Pack. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended a level of 40 ppm of lead as the allowable maximum.

"Toxic chemicals have no place in children's toys, period," said Ted Schettler, Science and Environmental Health Network science director. "Even low-level toxic chemical exposures can have lifelong impacts." // Copyright 2007 by United Press International


Publication date: 05 December 2007   

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