New Report Reveals Top Toy Safety Hazards

March 22, 2012

New Report Reveals Top Toy Safety Hazards

A new report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that toy-related deaths among children 15 years old or younger are increasing.

The report examined both toy-related fatalities and emergency room visits between 2006 and 2010. There were 17 toy-related deathsin the U.S. in 2010, up from 15 in 2009. Almost half of the deaths in 2010 involved balloons or small balls, and most were caused by asphyxiation or drowning.

In addition to the 17 deaths, there were more than a quarter of a million emergency room visits by kids under 15 due to toy-related injuries. This number has steadily increased since 2006, with most injuries affecting the head, face and appendages. Boys were more likely to suffer a toy-related injury than girls and almost all children treated for toy-related injuries were treated and released.

Protecting your Children

Fortunately, there are several things parents can do to protect their children from accidents with toys. First and foremost, check the CPSC website, which regularly lists toy recall and safety information. Always adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in a toy's packaging or instructions and follow the age guidelines.

Some toys pose greater risks to children than others, like balloons, toys with strings and electronic toys. Parents should check frequently to see if toys are damaged or broken in a way that could affect the health and safety of their children. When purchasing new toys, parents should look for age-appropriate products that are flame-retardant and, in the case of art paints and other supplies, non-toxic.

Also, it is a good idea to avoid hand-me-down toys, since these older products may not be made with the same safety standards as new toys, and may be broken or damaged in a way that could pose a risk to children.

Of all the worries parents have, whether or not a toy is manufactured in a way that is safe for their children should not be one of them. If a loved child of yours has been injured or killed in a toy-related incident, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Article provided by Thomas Q. Keefe, Jr., P.C.
Visit us at http://www.tqkeefe.com/