More than Just Fun and Games, Dangerous Toys Are an Unwanted Holiday Surprise
December 7, 2011 @ 8:30 am — by admin
As shoppers head out to find the perfect gift for the keiki on their Christmas list they should be aware of toys that could pose a danger to youngsters – whether from poor design, dangerous parts or inadequate warnings — and dash the holly and jolly from the holidays.
In 2010 there were 17 toy-related deaths involving children younger than 15 years old – a majority which were attributed to choking (such as on balloons or small toys or parts). Nationwide, toys were also the cause of an estimated 181,500 estimated emergency visits amongst children 15 years or younger.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced 34 toy recalls during the 2011 fiscal year –a decrease from 46 toys recalled in 2010 and 50 recalled in 2009. Of the 34 recalls, four were from lead, which research has shown exposure has been repeatedly linked with IQ deficits, ADHD and low motor skills in children. Additionally, contact with phthalates (a compound used in plastic) has been tied to birth defects, premature delivery as well as other serious reproductive issues. Currently products on the market are only allowed to have 100 parts-per-million of lead and less than 1000 parts-per-million of phthalate — though there are still products on the market with more.
In addition to dangerous compounds found in toys, there are a number of other dangers which could potentially lurk in a child’s toy chest. So before checking off all the names on your gift list, be sure to check out some of the most unsafe toys to make sure everyone in the family has a very Mele Kalikimaka:
- Sword Fighting Jack Sparrow: A figurine from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movie series is available at Toys R Us and other retailers. However, the pirates 4.5 inch, rigid plastic sword can potentially poke children in the eye or lead to other impact injuries.
- The Incredible Shrinky Dinks Maker: Retailing for $29.99 at various stores including Kmart, the Incredible Shrinky Dinks Maker’s oven employs a 120-volt house current and 60-watt light bulb which can lead to electric shock amongst other serious injuries.
- Power Rangers Samurai Mega Blade: Available for sale at a number of outlets including Toys R Us, Kmart.com and Walmart.com, the toy’s blade which extends up to two feet, has the power to cause serious facial and other bodily injuries.
And in general, when shopping this holiday season the CPSC recommends considering the following safety steps when purchasing and playing with toys:
- Avoid small toys or toys with small parts. Keep these away from children age three or younger, who have a tendency to put objects in their mouth and can choke.
- Use safety gear. When riding toys such as skateboards, scooters or skates always wear a helmet and other safety gear at all times.
- Keep away from magnets: Children under age six should not be allowed to play with small magnets, which if swallowed can lead to serious injury or even death.
- Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep toys for older children away from their younger siblings – they may be dangerous and inappropriate for play for kids of that age.
- Batteries aren’t toys. Charging or replacing batteries should always be supervised by adults. Pay close attention to instructions and warnings on battery changers to avoid burns and overcharging.
For a complete list of the World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc.’s (WATCH) 2011 “10 Most Dangerous Toys” please visit:http://toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.shtml.