CPSC Releases Toy Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers

Release # 98-031

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For Immediate Release;
Contact: Nychelle Fleming
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1192

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns gift-givers to keep safety in mind when choosing toys for young children. In 1996 CPSC received reports of 13 toy-related deaths and over 140,000 children who were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. "These deaths were not only a tragedy, they were also preventable," cautioned CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "It's important for parents and caregivers to take the time to read age-appropriate labels when choosing toys. This information can save a child's life."

CPSC requires labels to be on all toys marketed for children from 3 years old to under 6 years old if the toys pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. These labels tell consumers two critical things: They let them know that a toy is not safe for younger children and why it is not safe. Before CPSC issued these labeling requirements, it was more difficult for consumers to know whether toys they bought for older children could be a danger to younger kids.

"CPSC is proud to help keep America's children safe 365 days a year. In 1997 we obtained 239 toy and children's product recalls involving over 8 million product units to help prevent tragic injuries and deaths," said Brown. Consumers can help prevent toy-related njuries and deaths by always reading labels and being safety conscious. The following tips ill help consumers choose appropriate toys this holiday season and all year round:

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
  
  
• For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
  
  
• For all children under age 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
  
  
• Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
  
  
• Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.
  
  
• Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose, and other potential small parts.
  
  
• Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.
  
  
• Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly playthings. By using common sense and these safety suggestions, holiday shoppers can make informed decisions when purchasing toys for children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number.

November 24, 1997