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Buyer Beware: Dangerous Toys for Children

By Kristina Labanauskas

It’s officially the holiday shopping season, and Black Friday is just around the corner. If you have any intention of shopping for children’s toys this year, however, you should read the below information regarding some potentially dangerous toys on the market.

World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc., also known as WATCH, recently released its annual list of 10 toys it considers dangerous. WATCH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s causes and to teaching children to become responsible consumers.

This year’s list includes an assortment of gifts and gadgets, from a simple ball to a purse pet.

• 1) Inflatable Giga Ball

• 2) Sportsman Shotgun

• 3) Animal Alley Purse Pet

• 4) Go Go Minis Pullback Vehicle

• 5) Spider-Man Adjustable Toy Skates

• 6) Walk’n Sounds Digger the Dog

• 7) Pucci Puppies- My Own Puppy House Golden Retriever

• 8) Meadow Mystery Play-a-Sound Book With a Cuddly Pooh

• 9) Extreme Spiral Copters

• 10) TMNT Ninja Battle Gear – Michelangelo Hazard

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the top 5 toy hazards 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.

Also, the CPSC suggests that once gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings, be sure to keep toys that are appropriate for older kids away from the younger ones, and pay attention to instructions and warning on battery chargers to avoid overcharging.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kristina Labanauskas

Full post as published by Cook County Personal Injury Lawyer on November 24, 2008 (boomark / email).