Toy Safety In The News

In 2004, the Texas Public Interest Research Group says 16 children died from toy related injuries and several thousand more were treated in the emergency room.

So that's why Congressman Lloyd Doggett and some Valley doctors are calling on parents to make smart choices while they're out shopping for toys.

The toys are intended to bring a smile to every child's face but Valley pediatrician Anna Guzman says when parents aren't careful toys could land their child in the emergency room.

"I think in our office we see choking related accidents probably on the average, maybe once a week," said Guzman.

"But if you talk about in the area period you're probably talking several per day."

She believes many more go unreported and thinks many could be prevented. The most basic thing most parents avoid, she says, are warning labels.

"It recommends for example that children under age three not use that particular toy, these are the toys that would be the highest risk for choking."

Generally, toys intended for children under three should not have removable parts.

It's important, says Guzman, to also educate older kids about putting away their toys to keep small parts away from infants and toddlers.

Other Dangerous Toys
Another hazard are toxins found in some plastic toys.

And while noisy toys may be what your really child likes, you should be aware of dangerously loud toys. If you're not careful some of them can cause permanent damage to their ears.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all toys not be louder than 85 decibels," mentioned Guzman.

The doctor says a simple way to reduce noise levels are to cover the toy speakers with tape. And she says the number one cause of choking related injuries and deaths are still balloons.

Other things mentioned at today's conference were the dangers of toys from flea markets that may be flawed.

And during the holidays, parents like to let their children help them bake, be careful they say of those small icing caps that a child could ingest.

Online Help
For more on toy safety click here: www.toysafety.net