With the holidays approaching, many kids will begin making their lists for Santa Claus. Among the many items are sure to be some of the hottest toys for the holidays. Parents of young children should be aware, however, of the heightened danger associated with unsafe toys.
In 2007 and 2008, 45 million toys were recalled in the United States. Three major areas of concerns regarding toy hazards are choking hazards, excessively loud toys and toys containing toxic chemicals such as lead and phthalates.
Choking Hazards
The most dangerous and frequent types of toy-related injuries surrounds choking hazards. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) reports that “[b]etween 1990 and 2007, at least 196 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part; three children died in 2008 alone.” The PIRG’s Trouble in Toyland report states that federal law requires the following:
- Small parts in toys are banned for children under age three
- Toys containing small parts should display a warning label for children between ages three and six
- Balls with a diameter less than 1.75 inches are banned
The PIRG indicates that it found many toys with small parts on store shelves without the required warning labels. Regardless of the warning label, parents should study each toy to ensure that it will not pose a choking hazard for young children.
Currently, the EWG is working with Congress to adopt the Kids Safe Chemical Act which would “reform the nation’s toxic chemical law to assure that chemicals are safe for babies, children and other vulnerable groups before they are allowed on the market.”
- 14 models of the Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trikes Toddler Tricycles
- 7 models of infant activity centers with inflatable balls
- 950,000 Fisher-Price high chairs
- Fisher Price Little People Wheelie Stand ‘n Play Rampway
The recall was issued after the company received 24 reported incidents of injuries. For more information regarding the Fisher-Price recall, visit the CPSC’s website at http://cpsc.gov.
While the holidays are a time for family and celebration, parents should make sure to check their children’s list twice to ensure that the toys listed will not cause an unnecessary injury during the holiday season. The CPSC is a great source of information, as well as the PIRG’s website. Remember, while there are safeguards in place to ensure consumer products are safe, the rules are not always followed, and it is ultimately up to the parent to decide which product is safe for the child.
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