Tracking safe toys online

I don't have any children, so before I buy any toys for my nieces and nephews, I turn to sites like HealthyToys.org. Sadly, there are many toys out there not considered safe for children. One recent study, for example, tested 1,500 new children's toys, and found that one-third of them contained significant levels of lead, flame retardants, and arsenic.

You don't have to be a scientist to shop for toys, but it would be a good idea to check sites like Good Guide before heading to the nearest toy store this season. The site has put together a list of the Top 10 Safe Healthy Toys which are free from toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, bromine, and phthalates. The site teamed up with several nonprofit organizations such as the Center for Health and Environmental Justice before putting together this list, so it should be a reliable guide.

What I like about Good Guide is that it has an extensive database of products that range from toys to hair care products. You can spend a good amount of time here, to at least ensure products coming into your household are safe and free of harmful chemicals. Good Guide has launched an iPhone application, so make sure you download it before heading to the mall.