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Nov. 21, 2000--
A consumer watchdog group is sending out a warning about dangerous toys this holiday season.
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group
says toy manufacturers are getting better at producing safe toys,
but there are still hidden dangers waiting on store shelves.
Seemingly harmless little pieces on toys can spell tradgedy in an instant.
For parents, it should be common sense. Think 'safety first' when shopping for toys.
But, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group says toy manufacturers must also accept some of that responsibility by producing safer toys and printing better warning labels.
Rachel Weintraub/U.S. Public Interest Research Group: "WE FOUND MANY TOYS THAT WERE LABELED INCORRECTLY. ANY TOY THAT HAS A PLAY VALUE FOR A CHILD UNDER SIX HAS TO HAVE A TOUGH CHOKE HAZARD WARNING."
Every year, emergency room doctors see children with toy-related injuries that could have been prevented.
Dr. Howard Kadish/Primary Children's Medical Center: "EVERYONE WE SEE THAT HAS HAD A CHILD THAT HAS FALLEN OFF HIS BIKE WITHOUT WEARING A HELMENT, OR A CHILD THAT HAS CHOKED ON A TOY THAT WAS NOT AGE APPROPRIATE FOR THEM, RECOGNIZED WHAT THEY'VE DONE WRONG. BUT, UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S TOO LATE."
The watchdog group says last year 152,000 E.R. visits were toy-related.
Toy industry experts say the report is misleading and parents need to be better educated shoppers.
Pamela Johnston, Toy Manufacturers Association: "THERE ARE PLENTY OF GOOD PARENTS WHO DON'T TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN THE BASICS ABOUT TOY SAFETY. AND SO WHAT'S NEEDED IS 365-DAY-A-YEAR TOY SAFETY EDUCATION."
So, when you're shopping this holiday season, remember these tips:
- Buy age appropriate toys
- Read warning labels
- Watch out for small parts
- No balloons for kids under 8 yrs. old
- Don't forget helmets & pads for bikes & scooters
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