The FINANCIAL — One of the hottest holiday toys Zhu Zhu Pets' hamster could be unsafe for children. According to GoodGuide, which “provides the world’s largest and most reliable source of information on the health, robotic Zhu Zhu Pets contain high levels of chemicals, including tin and antimony that could cause health problems.
Antimony finds its most important use as a hardener in lead for storage batteries, and is a chemical used in such products as batteries, cable sheathing and matches, Test country reports.
According to various sites, antimony as well as its compounds is considered toxic. The symptoms of antimony poisoning are reportedly similar to that of arsenic poisoning, according to the same source. Small doses of antimony can cause headache, dizziness and depression; in large doses, antimony poisoning can cause violent and frequent vomiting and may eventually prove to be fatal.
GoodGuide, citing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, states that antimony should be limited to 60 parts per million in products, Dscriber.com. reports. In tests, GoodGuide found 103 parts per million in Mr. Squiggles' nose and 93 parts per million in his fur.
Dara O’Rourke an associate professor of environmental science at U.C.-Berkeley, and co-founder of goodguide.com said the toxic metals could be hazardous to human health, according to news. spreadit.
While cyberspace is full of questions about whether officials in the United States will force a recall, the manufacturer of Zhu Zhu Toys says there's no need, according to Dscriber.com.
The toy's manufacturer, Cepia LLC, released a statement and said the Zhu Zhu Pets are safe.
"We want to reassure you that we stand by the safety of our products and the methodology of our testing. As a family-owned business, we understand the utmost importance of safety and protecting your children – this is why we always test our products to the most rigorous standards," the release said, according to 10 TV.com.
Russ Hornsby, chief executive for Cepia LLC, went on the defensive, responding to GoodGuide's assessment, Dscriber.com wrote. In a statement to the press, Hornsby said: “We are disputing the findings of Good Guide and we are 100 percent confident that Mr. Squiggles, and all other Zhu Zhu Toys, are safe and compliant with all U.S. and European standards for consumer health and safety in toys."
The company also posted the results of its chemical testing on its Web site, 10 TV com informs.
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