Editorial: Tainted gift giving?

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007 | 7:11 a.m.

It has been a tough year for toys made in China; millions of them have been recalled from U.S. store shelves because they contain lead or other toxic chemicals.

At least eight toys, including stuffed Curious George dolls, a music box with ducks on top, a wagon and the popular Aqua Dots bead craft set, were recalled Wednesday and Thursday. All were made in China and imported by American companies - four of them by the same Massachusetts-based importer.

Frankly, adults would be hard-pressed to find mass-produced toys that aren't made in China. Just because a toy comes from China, however, doesn't mean it is tainted with lead paint or other chemicals.

Still, with the increasing number of recalls it is difficult for adults to remain confident about the safety of the playthings they will give their children this holiday season or donate to charities.

But there are a few precautions adults can take to preserve what, for many, is one of the season's joys.

Certainly, read the labels. Toys manufactured in the United States probably are a safer bet, even though they often are more expensive. It is better to pay more for fewer toys and be safe than to hit the local dollar discount store and buy a large number of toys from nations with laxer standards.

At home, adults can log on to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site (www.cpsc.gov) and check the toys they have purchased against the agency's recall lists. The commission keeps a running tally of recalled toys and the names of toy manufacturers that have had items recalled.

Adults buy toys for children out of generosity and with the best intentions. The recent recalls don't have to spoil that. They should, however, inspire us to do a little more homework and shop more carefully.