Top 5 toy hazards for
children
Last Edited: Tuesday, 25 Nov 2008, 11:24 AM EST
Created On: Friday, 14 Nov 2008, 3:02 PM EST
- The holidays are here and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has its list. Parents and gift buyers are encouraged to check it twice.
The CPSC issued its annual holiday safety messages this week, joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Safe Kids Worldwide, to remind parents to be diligent when making holiday shopping choices.
?CPSC, CBP and industry activity has been with one goal in mind, to keep the toys our children play with the safest in the world? said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. ?Vigorous inspection of toys, testing and law enforcement have made toys the safest this season.?
For 2007, the Commission has reports of 18 toy-related deaths and CPSC staff estimates that there were about 170,100 hospital emergency-room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15.
Most of the deaths were associated with airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Most of the injuries were lacerations, contusion and abrasions; the head and face was the area most frequently affected.
The top 5 toy hazards:
- Scooters and other Riding Toys ? Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.
- Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts ? For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
- Balloons - Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.
- Magnets ? For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
- Chargers and Adapters ? Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
Once the gifts are open:
- Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
- Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
- Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.
Share your opinions responsibly
Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users, offer unsubstantiated facts or are offensive in nature will be removed as defined by the Terms of Service. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single PageAdvertisement
