OT: toys and children's health

I should have been more concerned sooner, but I just threw out (in shed) some stinky hard plastic toys my children got for Christmas 2 years ago from Toys R Us of Animal Planet figures in a plastic cylinder shaped container. One is horses and the other dinosaurs. I thought they would air out but they still reek of a strong chemical smell. Now I am worried if they have caused health problems for my children. They did not play with them much, but these toys were in their room, so I wonder about the fumes. Has anyone else had a similar incident or know how I can find out what the smell is?

So now I am more concerned about their other toys and all the plastics we have. I plan to buy more wood toys, like from Holgate and Maple Landmark. Does anyone recommend other places to buy safe American made toys? Are there any etsy shops you recommend?

I am really concerned about this. I have also found through a little research that some “wood” toys, furniture, etc. (some M & D) are not solid wood, but pressed wood with formaldehyde, a carcinogen. I am still a bit shocked over that one. Is there anything else I should know? Can anyone recommend a book or website or something to help me learn more about types of materials to avoid when purchasing and what safer alternatives are? I fear I have been in the dark on these things too long. Thanks.

Please be careful of what Christmas gifts you keep to allow your dear children to touch, smell, mouth, keep in house, etc. And it is not just toys. I googled stinky plastic and found that many consumer products are tainted with suspiciously strong chemical smells.