Holiday Safety
On NOVEMBER 12, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued its annual holiday safety messages, joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Safe Kids Worldwide, to remind parents to be diligent when making holiday shopping choices.
For 2007, the Commission has reports of 18 toy-related deaths and CPSC staff estimates that there were about 170,100 hospital emergency-room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15. Most of the deaths were associated with airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Most of the injuries were lacerations, contusion and abrasions; the head and face was the area most frequently affected.
The Top 5 Toy Hazards
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Scooters and other Riding Toys: Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls can be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.
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Small Balls and Toys with Small Parts: For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
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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. -
Magnets: For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, it can result in serious injuries or death.
- Chargers and Adapters: Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
Once Gifts Are Open
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Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
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Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
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Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.