Following many toy recalls earlier this year, we've seen a lot of hype about toxins in children's toys. But a new resource will let concerned shoppers and parents breathe a little easier.

The Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition and Washington Toxics Coalition joined the Michigan-based Ecology Center in a multi-state effort to launch HealthyToys.org.

The online database makes it simple to check for toxins in toys you plan to buy, or toys you already own. 

The Washington organizations tested 250 of the 1,200 toys listed, which were purchased from a variety of stores, including Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, Toys R Us, Rite Aid, Bartell's and local dollar stores.

"Seventeen percent of the toys we tested contained lead above the federal recall standards for lead paint," says Erika Schreder, staff scientist with the Washington Toxics Coalition. Tests also screened for other chemicals and heavy metals including cadmium, arsenic, mercury and PVC plastic (which often contains phthalates).

Schreder says that because lead does not chemically bind to plastic in toys, it can leach back out as the plastics break down. Exposure can occur when a child puts the toy in her mouth or when the lead or chemicals build up in household dust.

Safer toys are being produced for markets like Europe and California, where laws regulate toxins like phthalates in children's products. But until laws keep toxic toys off our shelves for good, there are few ways to know for sure what's in the toys we buy.

In the coming legislative session, the Washington Toxics Coalition will work with Representative Mary Lou Dickerson on a bill regulating the sale of toxic toys in our state. Do you have thoughts on the issue? Email Governor Gregoire and state lawmakers.

Washington Toxics Coalition has worked with Seattle toy stores Planet Happy Toys and Top Ten Toys, and says both carry many safe toys. See the Healthy Toys site for the best and worst of the tested toys. To find out how you can get involved locally, contact Jim Dawson at Washington Toxics Coalition.