Toys and other children's products recalled because of safety concerns are often resold through online auction sites, putting children at risk, according to a recently published study.

EBay Inc.'s website prohibits sale of recalled products, but enforcement efforts don't seem to be succeeding, said Keri Brown Kirschman, the study's lead author and an assistant psychology professor at the University of Dayton.

Mattel Inc. in August announced a worldwide recall of approximately 18.7 million items including dolls, cars and action figures.
(Pat Roque/Associated Press)

Kirschman, who specializes in child psychology and pediatric injury prevention, said she searched for 141 recalled items on eBay for 30 consecutive days and found them offered in at least 144 online auctions. The products included play yards, baby walkers, bassinets and safety devices. About 70 per cent of recalled items tracked were sold, she said.

Even sophisticated eBay users appear to be unaware or unco-operative about policies intended to keep recalled products from being exchanged, the study said.

The study was conducted in 2004 at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children's Hospital and reported this month in the peer-reviewed journal Injury Prevention.

Last week, Mattel Inc. announced a worldwide recall of approximately 18.7 million items including dolls, cars and action figures. Some of the items were contaminated with lead paint. Others had small magnets children might swallow.

"I hope this study raises awareness on all levels about the problem and about the need to do more to prevent recalled items from getting to children even long after a recall," Kirschman said Monday.

Parents urged to check recall sites before bidding

The study recommends parents check government recall sites before purchasing items on auction websites. It said sellers should be required to electronically sign a statement indicating the items they're selling have not been recalled.

Nichola Sharpe, a spokeswoman for eBay, said the online auction site works constantly to enforce its policy and does not permit the listing of items identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as hazardous and subject to a recall.

"We have been working very closely with the CPSC for a number of years now to educate buyers and sellers about recalls and to enforce this policy," Sharpe said.

Julie Vallese, a spokeswoman for the U.S. CPSC, said the agency itself has found recalled products listed at online auction sites. The agency has worked closely with eBay and is confident it is finding recalled products and removing them from the website as often as possible, she said.