Holiday Toy Safety Information From Bisnar & Chase
While this year's Christmas toys can provide endless hours of pleasure for the children who receive them - they can also be a danger.
Despite the enactment of the 1994 Child Safety Protection Act and extensive publicity from child and consumer protection groups, as well as the media, the number of injuries and deaths from toys remained the same in the year 2000 as in the previous year of 1999.
The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) http://www.pirg.org indicates that they have found many examples of labeling violations this year. In addition to concern over toys that pose the threat of choking, are those that contain toxic chemicals such as nail polish containing toluene and teething toys for children under three (3). Many of these toys contain chemicals called phthalates - which are considered probable human carcinogens and known to cause chronic health problems including liver and kidney abnormalities.
This year PRIG identified loud toys that pose potential hearing loss. They also conducted a survey of online toy retailers and found that not one online retailer posts statutory choking hazard warning labels which are legally required to appear on toys sold in stores.
CHECK YOUR LIST - Top Toy Recall List
1. Pop Links
Kids II Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Pop Link toys. The tips on the links can break off posing a choking hazard to young children. For more information call Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 or visit www.kidsii.com.
2. Baby Buzz'r
Baby Buzz'r International is voluntarily recalling 8,000 Baby Buzz'r toys. The colored button covers on the toy can come off and pose a choking threat. Consumers can contact Baby Buzz'r International toll-free at (866) 222-9289. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.babybuzzr.com. Baby Buzz'r toys currently on sale are not being recalled.
3. Baby Cool and Kid Cool Girl Jackets and Vests
The zipper pull and metal ring on these garments can detach posing a choking threat to young children. Kid Cool LLC is voluntarily recalling about 5,100 of these items. The garments are pink and purple in color and were sold in infant sizes 9-24 months and in toddler sizes 2T-4T. Consumers should immediately remove the zipper pull if already purchased and can return the garments to any Sears retail store. For additional information, contact Kid Cool LLC at (800) 315-2376 Ext. 183. Consumers also can visit the Sears web site at www.sears.com.
4. Curious George Toys
BRIO Corp., a subsidiary of BRIO AB of Sweden, is recalling about 3,100 Curious George toys. The toys include fabric-filled mobile phones that can pose a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should take these toys away from children immediately and call BRIO to get a refund or replacement toy. For more information, contact BRIO toll-free at (888) 274-6869.
5. Lobster Toy
The CPSC and Little Tikes Co., of Hudson, Ohio, are recalling about 260 lobster toys attached to the activity tray of the Ocean Friends Stationary Entertainer. The antennae on the lobster toy can break, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should remove the lobster toy from the entertainer immediately and contact Little Tikes for a replacement toy. For more information, contact Little Tikes toll-free at (888) 883- 7662 or visit the firm's web site at http://www.littletikes.com.
For a complete list of recently recalled toys visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html
- Examine toys carefully for hidden dangers.
- If you see small parts, balls, balloons, removable eyes and
noises on stuffed toys and dolls, small removable squeakers or
little figures that fit into larger toys and don't see a tough
choke warning put them down. It is also a good idea to call the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772 to report
the store and toy.
- To judge whether a small toy is potential dangerous place it
into a "choke test tube" usually supplied by a toy store or you
can use a toilet paper roll for the test. If it fits inside the
tube in any configuration whatsoever do not give it to any child
under the age of three. Pay special attention to marbles, small
balls and even non-rounded toys in the shape of fruit and vegetables.
- Keep balloons away from children under the age of 8. Balloons
are the leading cause of injury and death for children under 8,
inflated or not.
- Watch labels that indicate use of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
or Phthalates, which are considered to be toxic chemicals. Though
the European community has banned the use of those chemicals,
no current U.S. law requires disclosure and many toys made of
PVC are labeled non-toxic.
- Infant toys that include strings, cords, pull cords and necklaces
can pose choke and strangulation dangers.
- Toy Caps and Guns can be dangerously loud and exceed a level
of 85 decibels and therefore be a threat to the sensitive ears
of children. If a toy you're considering sounds too loud in the
store, it's best not to purchase it. If you think a toy you have
already purchased is too loud you can remove the batteries if
they have them or place masking tape over the speakers to reduce
the noise levels.
- If you are considering kites as a gift watch for Aluminized
Polyester Film kites since they could become entangled in power
lines and cause shock or electrocution.
1. Report the toy or product to CPSC by calling 1-800-638-2772.
2. Check the CPSC web page often to receive alerts on recalls at http://www.cpsc.gov.
3. Visit www.toysafety.net to find out about PIRG alerts.
4. Visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html to read about unsafe toys and see descriptions and pictures of recalled toys, toys with small parts, balloons, bin toys, toxic toys and online retail toy warnings.
Other important resource links:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/toy_sfy.html for U.S, Consumer Safety Commission listing of toy safety publications.
http://www.parenthoodweb.com/Library/aap_toysafety.htm American Academy of Pediatrics specific shopping advice from the for different children age appropriate categories from the older crowd of children 12 to 15 years of age to 10 to 14 year olds, 5 to 9 year olds, 2 to 5 year old preschoolers and toddlers.
http://www.toy-tia.org/consumer/parents/safety/4toysafety.html A toy safety hotline by the Toy Industry Association. The TIA represents over 250 manufacturers and importers of toys who account for approximately 85% of all toys distributed in the United States.
We at Bisnar & Chase wish you and your family a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.
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