For parents, a toy serves many purposes. It can be an educational tool for the child, a form of entertainment, a reward, and more. While children and parents alike love toys, a disturbing report by the Center for Injury and Research Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital reveals that injuries related to toys have increased by 40 percent in the United States from 1990 to 2011.
Which types of toys are most dangerous?
The report found that one of the main causes of the increase in the number of toy-related injuries is the popularity of foot-powered scooters, which became popular around the year 2000. From 2000 to 2011, foot-powered scooters accounted for more than 580,000 injuries amongst children and teenagers.
In fact, riding toys in general – like bikes and scooters – are dangerous for youngsters. These types of toys accounted for 42 percent of injures amongst children ages five through 17.
Lead Hazards in Some Toys a Concern
While the study attributed much of the increase in toy-related injuries to riding toys like foot-powered scooters, other toys continue to present a danger to children as well.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted a message to parents regarding the dangers of lead in some holiday toys. Because the United States banned lead in toys, the biggest concern comes from toys manufactured overseas, where lead restrictions are not present or enforced. The United States only regulates use of lead in plastic; it does not ban it. As such, toys made from plastic or containing paint may contain lead.
Keeping Your Children Safe
While throwing out all of your child’s toys would be extreme, there are certain actions you can take to help protect your kids from toy dangers.
- Always make sure kids are playing with toys that are appropriate for their age
- Supervise children on riding toys
- Check Recalls.gov online to see if any toys have been recalled
- Make sure children using riding toys are wearing proper safety equipment
- Throw away a toy if you suspect that it may contain lead
File a Product Liability Suit if Your Child Has Been Injured
Some toy-related injuries happen because the manufacturer of the toy created a product that’s unsafe for child use. When this happens, the manufacturer can be liable for injuries. The attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you take legal action to file a product liability case. Call us today at (215) 642-2335.
