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Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts, Parents Need to Think about Toy Safety
Three statements from CPSC Director of Public Affairs Julie Vallese in MP3 format:
48 kbps |
96 kbps
(77 seconds total)
-- How Will You Use This Story? --
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.
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 are:
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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 should be sized to fit.
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Small balls and other toys with small parts -- For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
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Balloons -- Children under eight years can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children; discard broken balloons at once.
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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.
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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:
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Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play-things.
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Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
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Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.
With the increased popularity of second-hand stores and online vendors, gift-givers should be especially vigilant to prevent the sale or purchase of hazardous products that have been recalled or banned, or that do not meet current safety standards. Before placing products in the second-hand market, check its recall status at www.cpsc.gov. Buyers should make sure that their gifts do not include any of the recalled toys or children's products on CPSC's website.
