Community Chat

[on the bay]

Well, I shouldn't be surprised but I am and mad!

Polystyrene has now definitely been proven to be a cancer causing chemical. It is used to make styrofoam and many decorations, even but especially childrens toys!

I bought these cute squishy colorful dinosaurs at Michaels the other day for my grandson-$3 each.

When I got home I looked up the polystyrene beads on the tag.And made in China.

It says don't puncture or heat. If a child bit into these (hopefully they wouldn't), it could be lethal.Even if they didn't bite into them I don't want them playing with a cancer causing and toxic chemical!

Look up polystyrene and all the dangers.

The Popular Play Foam sold at Kohls and many other stores is also made from polystyrene foam.

And yes many decorations use this of course.

I am returning them tomorrow and also going to alert the manager and hope they do the right thing and take them off the shelves!

Actually I think I'll call them now.

Just like another thread re makeup and beauty products that should not contain toxic material or ingredients. Of course many of our food still does too.

Its upsetting that the FDA seems to be a worthless organization many times and does not protect the public, esp the children.

Sadly, greed still rules when it comes to making products for the cheapest way possible, even when they are toxic!

I just wanted to alert, esp. parents and grandparents buying for children during this holiday season.

[maestra]

This is a cautionary tale!

[BirkiLady]

Parents need to be cautious when buying all toys. Small beads imbedded in the toy would have been a red flag not to buy! Any child could swallow those beads and have one or more lodge in their windpipe = potentially dangerous situation.

Doesn't matter if the beads are glass, plastic, rubber, cotton, cancer-causing or whatever.  The saying, "Let the buyer beware" is for the buyer's own good IMO. Don't blame other people for what you should/could have noticed. 

Calm down. Return the product nicely and without making a scene. 

[on the bay]

@BirkiLady-

You could not see or feel any beads at all! It was just a soft squishy colorful not see thru material.I of course would not buy a toy for a small child with small beads in it that you could see or feel! 

There is a difference between matters that one doesn't need to "make a fuss", but not when you can do some good and let others know, including the store about the dangers

of a product that is seemingly innocent.

Do you not have children or grandchildren? I only hope that may be why you consider this something to walk away from and ignore.

Unfortunately, too many people are like that these days and only concerned when something affects them.

I hope I can make a difference to even one parent or child. 

I hope you will too in the future if you see or know something that is just wrong.

And I hope I won't ever "calm down" when its something I may be able to do something about.

[on the bay]

I guess New York made an even bigger "fuss" than me!

They banned the substance!

Way to go NY!

[Marp]

---

@on the bay wrote:

I guess New York made an even bigger "fuss" than me!

They banned the substance!

Way to go NY!

---

I believe it is single use EPS that NY, along with a number of other places, has banned; items like beverage cups, take-out containers, etc..  I believe it is still available for construction items like insulation panels, ceiling tiles and similar durable uses, perhaps even coolers.  Polystyrene beads are used in beanbag chairs, pet beds, pillows, cushions--all durable products.

[qbetzforreal]

---

@on the bay wrote:

Well, I shouldn't be surprised but I am and mad!

Polystyrene has now definitely been proven to be a cancer causing chemical. It is used to make styrofoam and many decorations, even but especially childrens toys!

I bought these cute squishy colorful dinosaurs at Michaels the other day for my grandson-$3 each.

When I got home I looked up the polystyrene beads on the tag.And made in China.

It says don't puncture or heat. If a child bit into these (hopefully they wouldn't), it could be lethal.Even if they didn't bite into them I don't want them playing with a cancer causing and toxic chemical!

Look up polystyrene and all the dangers.

The Popular Play Foam sold at Kohls and many other stores is also made from polystyrene foam.

And yes many decorations use this of course.

I am returning them tomorrow and also going to alert the manager and hope they do the right thing and take them off the shelves!

Actually I think I'll call them now.

Just like another thread re makeup and beauty products that should not contain toxic material or ingredients. Of course many of our food still does too.

Its upsetting that the FDA seems to be a worthless organization many times and does not protect the public, esp the children.

Sadly, greed still rules when it comes to making products for the cheapest way possible, even when they are toxic!

I just wanted to alert, esp. parents and grandparents buying for children during this holiday season.

---

The Food and Drug Aministration (FDA) doesn't police toxic toys.  Don't be mad at them.

Channel your distain to:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent U.S. government agency, administers two federal laws that play a role in regulating lead, and all toxins, in children's toys: the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).

[on the bay]

@qbetzforreal-

Thank you!

I actually had just been looking them up and how to file a report or complaint and just saw your post. Thinking alike!

I didn't know about the FHSA so thank you too for that! 

(Oh, I see now that they have the same report to file and PH#).

[phoenixbrd]

Children's toys!!!! An agency is not doing its job,

[mintedrose]

Perhaps this is a great one for class action lawsuit lawyers to go after. It seems only after that do these companies start being considerate to consumers.