Beware Of Hazardous Toys This Holiday Season

Since 2007, more than 45 million toys have been recalled for dangers they pose to our children. These hazards range from choking, to tiny magnets, and poisoning from lead paint.

Even after a recall, some of these dangerous toys might still be found on shelves in toy stores, so it’s important for parents to keep up to date with the latest product safety news to be sure that these toys are kept far away from their children.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (U.S. PIRG) has complied a shopping guide just in time for the holidays. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Avoid Choking hazards: never buy toys with small parts for children under 3 years old.
• Watch out for toys with powerful magnets that could fall out and be swallowed. If a child swallows even one magnet, seek immediate medical attention.
• Watch out for strangulation hazards. Remove knobs or beads from cords longer than 1 foot which could tangle into a loop.
• Avoid toys made of PVC plastic which could have lead or toxic chemicals.

You can always visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or Recalls.gov for the most recent list of any products, including toys, food, medicine, that could be dangerous to you or your family. And check out the U.S. PIRG shopping guide for more tips on how you can be prepared against some of these dangerous hazards.