| |
Tips for Product and Toy Safety
Safe Procedures While Handling Toys
- Toy recalls should be frequently checked at the
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. CPSC provides a
detailed listing of children’s toys that may cause potential harm or
danger to a child. Receive periodic e-mail newsletters and updates by
signing up at CPSC.
US
Consumer Product Safety Commission
- On each toy, check the label to find if the
product contains lead paint and if so, locate the percentage. If the
toy contains lead, the amount should be low. According to the CPSC,
toys should be checked for lead by reading the labels or by purchasing
a lead inspector kit.
Information
About Lead in Children’s Toys
- Check each toy to be sure it does not contain
small parts and does not pose as a choking risk. Tug and pull at pieces
on the toy to see if it will disassemble easily. If the parts
disconnect easily, this means that they could also come apart in the
hands of a child.
Avoiding
Choking Hazards in Children’s Toys
- Research the toy to be sure it is free of
phthalate. Phthalate is a type of chemicals commonly used in the
manufacture of teething rings. This chemical contains several health
risks concerns and has been linked to early puberty in adolescents and
adult obesity.
Children’s
Toys Containing Phthalates
- Avoid purchasing products from dime stores,
street vendors or ones that contain missing or broken pieces. These
types of toys are sometimes defective or hazardous products
that were not accepted at retail stores and are sold “as is”.
How
Parents Should Choose Safe Toys
- Go over the surface of the toy and look for any
sharp corners, holes or jagged edges that could potential injure a
child’s eye, nose, ear or any other part of the body.
Tips
on Choosing Safe Toys for Children
- Check to see if the toy provides the
manufacturer or toy retailer contact information. Forms can be filled
out by parents to ensure that you are notified in case of toy recalls.
This general information can be attached or come with the toy in the
form of a sticker, business card or flyer.
How
to Buy Safe Toys for Healthy Children
- Avoid purchasing toys that come with or have
attached ropes, laces or cords, as they can become dangerous to a child
and can result in strangulation or choking.
What
To Avoid With This Toy Safety Checklist
- When you purchase toys that contain chemical
solutions, such as in certain science games, keep a fire extinguisher
in the general area. The phone number to Poison Control, as well as
other emergency contact numbers should be kept available. Children
should only play with these types of games under adult supervision.
Threats
to Look for When Dealing With Toy Safety
- Toys that contain magnets should be avoided as
they can be hazardous to the human body if swallowed. Although the toy
is much safer if the magnet is completely covered and unseen, there is
still a slight possibility of danger so it’s best to avoid these types
of toys.
Tips
for Toy Safety for Children
Toy Safety Standards, Regulations,
Recalls and Resources
Personal Injury Areas
The accuracy of information on
this site is not guaranteed. In some cases information on this site is
strictly opinion. Nothing on this site should be considered formal
legal advice. Click below to read our full User Agreement, Disclaimer
and Copyright Information.
|
