Anti-germ toys: medical advance or marketing ploy?

From Correspondent Gary Tuchman

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Here is a rule of thumb for parents: Never underestimate the ability of children to turn even the most unlikely toys into tasty -- and germ-laden -- treats.

With that in mind, the Hasbro Inc.'s Playskool division is adding a new feature to a line of toddler toys: anti-bacterial protection.

The protection is provided by "microban," a substance already used on products ranging from medical equipment to carving boards to highchair trays.

"It's actually built into the plastic that the product's made from, before the product is manufactured, so it becomes an integral part of the product -- just like the color," said Glenn Cueman of Microban Products Co.

Anti-bacterial products such as soaps and cleaners have become big business in an increasingly health-conscious society. Some parents are enthusiastic about the germ-fighting toys, which go on the market in April with price tags a little higher than the regular versions.

Some doctors not convinced

A few physicians say the enhancement is little more than a marketing ploy.

"I would say it's a hype, except for very limited cases of young kids with immune problems," said Dr. Laura Fisher of New York Hospital.

Viruses pose the major problem, not bacteria, which usually don't cause disease and generally are not contagious, Fisher said.

"Being exposed to bacteria is not the worst thing in the world for the normal healthy kid," Fisher said. "They're exposed all the time playing outside, shaking other kids' hands, so I don't see this making a big difference."

A New York pediatrician already anticipates being asked by parents if they should buy the microban toys.

"If they like the toy for the toy itself, I think it's OK, but don't buy it because you think the anti-bacterial toys will make your child less sick," Dr. Herbert Lazarus advised.

Still, keeping children healthy can be frustrating and difficult, and because some parents may find the toys are worth a little extra peace of mind, Hasbro is upbeat about the bacteria-busting business.

Related sites:

• Hasbro
• Microban Technology

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