Before Santa slides down the chimney this Christmas Eve, parents may want to make sure there aren't any hidden dangers in his sack of presents.
The Texas Public Interest Research Group reported in its annual dangerous toys report that 205,000 emergency room visits and 11 deaths of children under age 15 were linked to toys in 2003.
"Even one toy-related death is too many, because these deaths are preventable," said Stephanie Carter, TexPIRG field organizer.
Congress and TexPIRG are especially concerned about the water yo-yo ball, a toy made with a long, stretchy cord and a ball at one end. The report said this toy has been responsible for abrasions to the head, strangulation and at least one skull fracture.
Choking caused 10 of the deaths, according to the study, and mainly balloons, small parts, balls and marbles were involved. Toys that were excessively loud, made of toxic chemicals or flammable can also be problems.
Many products on the shelves are made with toxic chemicals such as phthalates, according to the report. Phthalates, which are often found in plastics or children's makeup products, are hazardous when ingested or brought near a flame. A glitter hair spray produced a flame double the length of that of normal hair spray and shot out fire balls, according to the report.
Ari Brown, co-author of "Baby 411," demonstrated a toy machine gun that emits 110 decibels, while the standard limit is 90.
"If a toy sounds too loud to you, don't buy it," Brown said. "Children have more delicate ears than we do."
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, said he has been working on safety commissions for the past four years. He said the government is working to set higher standards for toys, but the responsibility is ultimately with the parents.
"Nothing can replace a concerned mom or dad," Doggett said. "Parents need to be more aware of the dangers."
Doggett said while most toys on store shelves are safe, older, dangerous toys are bought at garage sales where no warnings are enforced.
"Many parents shop for special bargains at garage sales," Doggett said. "It's when you're trying to stretch that dollar that these dangerous toys are bought."
Brown said toy warnings are often mislabeled or not used at all. She said 40 percent of toys purchased this holiday season will be made online, and only a third of retailers display warnings.
Ignoring warnings or purchasing toys for the wrong age is a recipe for disaster, Brown said.
"Hopefully parents will make a list and check it twice to have a happy holiday," Brown said.
TOYS TO LOOK OUT FOR...
Choking hazards: Fisher Price Loving Family Pony Parade Strangulation: Yo-yo Water Ball Dangerously Loud: Power Gear Assault Machine Potentially Toxic Chemicals: Claire's Cosmetics Nail Polish
Ways to Avoid Toy hazards: * Use a toilet paper roll to determine if a toy is a choking hazard. If it can fit through the tube, then a child can choke on it. * Place tape over the speakers of excessively loud toys or take the batteries out. * Check labels of cosmetics carefully to make sure the product is certified non-toxic.
Source: TexPIRG Trouble in Toyland Safety Survey
Be the first to comment on this article!