This week kicks off the first holiday shopping season since a law went into effect that is supposed to make children’s toys safer. But the U.S. Public Interest Research Group says there is still trouble in toy land.
“There is no magic wand fixing the CSPC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and making products safer won’t happen overnight,” U.S. PIRG public health advocate Liz Hitchcock said.
Choking Hazards
Choking hazards are the number one cause of toy-related deaths. For example, U.S. PIRG says the ball on top of the creative wood stacking rings made by Zaidy Products is too small for children under the age of three.
If a toy or part can fit through a toilet paper tube it’s too small for kids under three. That’s why balloons can be deadly. When they are inflated they don’t fit, but if they pop they become one of the leading choking hazards.
Loud Toys
Loud toys are also on the U.S. PIRG’s list because they can cause hearing loss. PIRG says its tests show a Vtech Bright Lights Phone and the Playskool Kota and Pals Triceratops exceeds the decibel levels set by a standards group.
If a toy seems loud to you, it is even louder to your child. To test it, put it as close to your ear as your child would to double check. If you think it is too loud, you can be the Grinch and take the batteries out.
