CPSC Finds New Samples Of Komfy Kid Dolls Are Not Hazardous

After testing the new samples of Komfy Kid dolls during the past two weeks, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff continues to believe that the dolls do not present a health hazard. The CPSC conducted additional testing after the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services announced in late December that Komfy Kid dolls contained hazardous chemicals.

CPSC's test results on the new samples were similar to test results obtained when the CPSC first tested the Komfy Kid dolls in November of 1985. The CPSC's new samples were obtained from the distributor, Abernathy and Closther, Westbury, New York, and from consumers in Texas and Georgia.

The States of California Michigan, Maryland, Kentucky, South Carolina, Alabama and New York have also tested Komfy Kid dolls. The State of Maryland reported finding a trace quantity of the pesticide, malathion in one doll. The quantity of malathion was too small to present a health hazard. Results reported by the other states were similar to CPSC's test results and those reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. The CPSC has investigated three instances in which children were hospitalized for health problems, which allegedly were attributed to contact with Komfy Kid dolls. The doctors for all three stated that their patients' conditions were not associated with the dolls. A fourth incident involving a child treated for health problems allegedly attributed to contact with Komfy Kid dolls was investigated. No confirmation was made although the child completely recovered from the illness within two days.

Some consumers have reported that Komfy Kid dolls have an unusual odor. Such an odor does not mean the dolls are hazardous. Consumers who notice such an odor and find it objectionable may want to air out the dolls to eliminate it.

To prevent these odors, Commission staff has met with representatives of the government of Taiwan, the country of origin of the dolls. The Taiwanese representatives expressed concern over the issue and have already initiated their own investigation in Taiwan to identify the source of the chemical odors and have taken steps to eliminate the chemical odor in future shipments of dolls.