National toy tests show dangerous decibel levels

A "significant" number of sound-emitting toys tested by Health Canada exceeded the 100-decibel limit set to protect children's hearing when they were played close to the ear, according to test results obtained by Canwest News Service.

Seven of 24 electronic toys tested at the Product Safety Laboratory in Ottawa produced noise in excess of 100 in these "worst-case" close-play scenarios.

Characterizing this number of samples as "significant," the report concludes it is "reasonably foreseeable" that children hold toys close to the ear, "if for a short period of time only."

The highest level reached was 117.5 decibels when the product's speaker was positioned one centimetre from the microphone to simulate when children put toys close to their ear. That is similar to the sound of sandblasting or a rock concert.

"The health risk is greater than we ever anticipated. The possibility that one-third of toys exceed the decibel mark speaks to a critical need for action. That's the equivalent of putting a chain saw or the sound of a motorcycle up to their ear. Just hearing a motorcycle from a distance is jarring. Can you imagine what it's like for a child?"

How loud is too loud? A sampling of decibel levels.

Normal conversation - 60-70 dB

Alarm clock - 80 dB

Screaming child - 90 dB

Lawn mower - 100 dB

Snowmobile - 100 dB

Motorcycle - 100 dB

Chain saw - 110 dB

Sandblasting - 115 dB

Rock concert - 115 dB

Gunshot blast - 140 dB