Following a recent report that 18 children died and and over 170,000 more were treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2007. Toys are a concern going into the Christmas season. As a result, a toy safety list was put together by the US. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In putting the list together, it was found that 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:
Once the gifts are open:
The list should be used no matter if the toys are purchased in stores or over the internet. It especially will become important with any purchase of used toys. Consumers can keep up to date on dangerous products by signing up to have children’s product recall announcements sent directly to their email account. Consumers also can call CPSC’s toll-free hotline at (800) 638-CPSC. or visit www.recalls.gov.
If your child is injured by a toy, they need to get immediate medical care. If there are long term problems, you should contact an attorney concerning the problem. Early investigation can include the collection of the toy, checking for recall alerts, and the proper notifying of those who caused the problem.
