In 2007, more than 20 million toys were pulled off the shelves as a result of more than 60 recalls -- more than twice the number of alerts the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued in 2006. While toy manufacturers have increased product testing in order to reduce the number of unsafe toys on the market, dangerous toys continue to be sold in the U.S.

So far in 2008, the CPSC has issued recalls on more than 50 toys for the threat of lead poisoning, choking, burns and other hazards. However, the CPSC notes that less than 20 percent of recalled toys actually make it back to the manufacturer for proper disposal or repair.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice on toy safety this holiday season:

RECALLED TOYS: The CPSC keeps a list of recalled toys on its Web site at www.cpsc.gov. Consumers can also subscribe to its e-mail list (www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx) or RSS feed to receive updates on recalls as they occur. The Toy Industry Association also provides extensive information on toy safety and people can scroll through photos of recalled toys in an easy-to-use index on its Web site (www.toyinfo.org).

WHAT TO DO: The CPSC negotiates the specific resolution over a recalled toy with the toy manufacturer -- usually resulting in a refund or an exchange for a different toy. Parents can consult the CPSC Web site for specific resolutions and instructions.

Shoppers can also try returning a recalled toy directly to the retailer -- rather than dealing with the manufacturer. Shoppers should note that many major toy outlets have their own return policy for recalled toys, and policies may differ.

While some recalled toys can cause noticeable injury to a child, toys that contain too much lead can have a less obvious, although still dangerous, effect. The CPSC warns that at-home lead-level testing kits are inaccurate, so parents worried about lead poisoning should first talk to their pediatrician about conducting a blood test.

SHOPPING ONLINE: Most large retailers are quick to pull products off the shelf, and, as a secondary precaution, flag the bar codes, so if the item is scanned at checkout, the cashier knows to not let consumers purchase the item. While online auction sites or bulletin boards may have policies against selling recalled toys, according to researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children's Hospital, recalled toys and other unsafe products are often sold to unknowing parents. It's very important to check with the CPSC and the Toy Industry Association before buying a new or used toy or product for children online.

AGE APPROPRIATE: Toy safety isn't only about avoiding recalled products; gift-givers also need to make sure they are buying appropriate toys based on the age of the child.

NUMBERS TO CALL:

Consumer Products Safety Commission: (800) 638-2772

Toy Industry Association: (888) 888- 4TOYS

Mattel: (800) 916-4498

Fisher-Price: (800) 991-2444

Toys R Us: (800) 869-7787

For more advice to keep children safe and secure this holiday season, go to www.bbb.org.

KELVIN COLLINS IS PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF CENTRAL GEORGIA & THE CSRA INC., SERVING 41 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL GEORGIA AND THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA. THIS TIPS COLUMN IS PROVIDED THROUGH THE LOCAL BBB AND THE COUNCIL OF BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS. QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT A SPECIFIC COMPANY OR CHARITY SHOULD BE REFERRED DIRECTLY TO THE BBB AT 1 (800) 763-4222, WWW.BBB.ORG OR E-MAIL: INFO@CENTRALGEORGIA.BBB.ORG OR INFO@CSRA.BBB.ORG.