Personal Injury Law

Agency Lists Top 5 Dangerous Toys to Keep in Mind this Holiday Season

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued a press release to warn holiday shoppers of dangerous toys and provide recommendations to prevent serious injuries to children. According to the agency, the top five toy hazards, and its recommendations for preventing potential toy-related injuries, are: (1) 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; (2) Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts ? For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking; (3) 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; (4) 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; (5) Chargers and Adapters ? Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

According to the release, in 2007, the Commission reported 18 toy-related deaths and estimated that there were over 170,000 toy-related injuries to children under the age 15 that required emergency-room treatment.

To view the press release, click here.

Full post as published by Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog on November 18, 2008 (boomark / email).