Shopping for the right gift for a special someone is a big part of the holiday joy for many people.  But that special gift, during the holiday or after, may turn out to be more than you bargained for.

Each year, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) publishes Troubles in Toyland, a report to help consumers safely navigate the holiday buying season.  Personal injury attorneys understand better than most the danger that sometimes comes in pretty packages.

Even after the holiday season has passed, dangerous toys and presents are the gifts that keep on giving.  Hazards highlighted in the USPIRG report remain present after the holidays and beyond.  Consider these concerns:

• Toxic contaminants: Although lead in household paint, products for children and housewares was banned in 1978 in the U.S., lead is still present in far too many imported toys and goods. Lead and cadmium are used to soften plastic and are often mixed into toy or jewelry paint.  Virtually undetectable unless tested, both contaminants can impair intellectual development and cause long term, chronic health problems.
• Phthalates: Another toxic ingredient used to soften plastics, phthalates, are found in toys and plastic objects throughout the house and can cause injury including pre-term birth, birth defects, early onset puberty and low sperm count.

These are just two of the potentially dangerous components found not only in toys for children, but products for adults.  Shopping for a special person is fun but make sure you give the safe kind of gift. And if you or someone you love is injured by a toxic toy, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.