Holiday Gift Giving: 'Tis The Season To Give Safely
This holiday season, The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein encourages adults to consult the 2010 toy recall list and be aware of any and all potential dangers prior to shopping for presents.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 44 toys have been recalled this year due to safety hazards including: toxic levels of lead or cadmium, choking risks and sharp edges or protruding parts. In addition, there has been a 7.6 percent increase in emergency room visits among children in the United States due to defective playthings.
Fisher-Price, a trusted brand of Mattel, Inc., recently recalled over 10 million products that were contributing to toddler and children choking and sustaining cuts that required stitches.
The products included in this major Fisher-Price recall are:
Infant Toys with Inflatable Balls- recalled due to choking hazards
- Baby Gymtastics Play Wall
- Ocean Wonders Kick & Crawl Aquarium
- 1-2-3 Tetherball
- Baby Playzone Crawl & Cruise Playground
High Chairs- recalled due to laceration hazard
- Healthy Care high chairs
- Close to Me high chairs
- Easy Clean high chairs
Rampway and toy cars- recalled due to choking hazard
- Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampway
Children’s Trike- recalled due to risk of lacerations
- Fisher Price Trikes
- Tough Trikes toddler tricycles
A complete list of the brands and items included in recent toy recalls can be found on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety’ Commission’s official website.
When shopping for children’s toys, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Read the labels- Make sure that the toy you are purchasing is age-appropriate
- Be careful with cords- For toddlers and young children, try to avoid toys that include ropes and strings that may cause strangulation
- Magnets may cause harm- Items such as building toys, toy darts and jewelry contain small magnets that can become loose. Swallowing a magnet can result in life-threatening risks for a child
- Beware of toys with toxins and chemicals- According to the CPSC, children’s jewelry, vinyl bibs and lunch boxes and paint on toys have been known to contain high lead levels. Toys that contain chemicals such as toluene, dibutyl phthalate and xylene can be very dangerous
- Stay away from PVC plastic- This type of plastic contains toxins that pose developmental hazards. Try to find alternative types of products such as cloth toys or unpainted wooden toys
This holiday season, when you’re out and about shopping for your kids, nieces, nephews or grandchildren, remember that despite providing hours of fun, toys can also be hazardous to children. Be sure to follow the above toy safety advice to ensure that your favorite kids get to play safely with their favorite toys. Because after all, a safe toy makes for a safe girl or boy.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein wishes you a happy holiday season.
