Comments

Send to a Friend

Print

Permalink

Free Legal Evaluation

Giving gifts is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and many people are heading to the stores to find that perfect present. When picking out presents, especially for children, it's extremely important to factor toy safety into your decision.

In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 18 toy-related deaths and estimates that there were over 170,000 toy-related injuries in children under the age of 15 that had to be treated in emergency rooms. The majority of the deaths were linked to airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Many of the injuries were lacerations, contusions, and abrasions. The head and the face were the areas of the body most frequently injured.

The CPSC has designated the following top five toy hazards to keep in mind as you begin your holiday shopping:

Scooters and riding toys – Riding toys, skateboards, and in-line skates go fast and falls using these toys can be fatal. It is important that helmets and safety gear are worn at all times and that they fit properly.

Small balls and toys with small parts – Children younger than three years of age should not play with toys that have small parts, which can lead to choking.

Balloons – Children under the age of eight can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children and throw away broken balloons right away.

Magnets – If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, they can lead to serious injury or death. Avoid building or play sets with small magnets for children under six years old.

Chargers and adapters – Charging batteries should always be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

Additionally, gift-givers should be especially careful of second-hand toys that may have been recalled, banned, or don't meet safety standards. Buyers can check the CPSC's web site for a list of toys and children's products that have been recalled.

You can also check my firm's web site for the latest news on product safety alerts and recalls.