Are Harmful Toys on Your Local Department Store’s Shelves?
When parents go out to buy their children toys, they are probably aren’t thinking about the serious injuries their children can sustain due to such products. However, it may be wise for parents to research toys before purchasing the seemingly fun items for their children.
An article titled, “30th Annual Survey Finds Dangerous Toys on Store Shelves,” published by the United States Public Interest Research Group, explains that many of the most hazardous toys are still on the shelves of local department stores. Many of the following types of toys can cause serious injuries or harm to children:
- Toys that pose choking hazards:
Many toys are made with small items that can be detached from the toys and swallowed by small children.
- Overly loud toys:
Some toys are extremely loud and can damage the hearing abilities of small children.
- Toys made with toxic chemicals:
Research finds that many toys are made using harmful chemicals such as phthalates and chromium, which can cause serious illnesses.
- Strong magnetic toys:
Studies find that small children can swallow small magnetic toys that can cause serious illness and injury.
Consumers Have No Way of Knowing
Consumers have no way of knowing if a toy is dangerous or not before they purchase it. Unfortunately, there are very few regulations in place to protect buyers from buying potentially hazardous toys. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has established some safety standards for children’s toys, but these standards do not cover all potential hazards that may arise from playing with a toy.
Product Liability Statistics
Product Liability Statistics 2015 show that approximately 2.5 million people were injured by consumer products in the United States in 2015. This figure includes injuries caused by toys and other children’s items, with an estimated 269,000 of those injuries caused by toys alone.
Research suggests that many of these injuries could have been avoided if manufacturers had taken proper measures to ensure their products were safe.
Reference: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/consumer-product-injuries/
What Parents Can Do
Parents should always read labels and use the recommended age groups on the packaging of any toy they are considering buying. Additionally, it is important to inspect toys for warning signs such as missing pieces, sharp edges, or rough surfaces that could cause injury. Finally, parents should research potential hazards associated with certain types of toys before making a purchase.
Parents should always be aware of any recalls issued by the CPSC or other government agencies, and avoid buying potentially hazardous toys if possible. Additionally, parents can research toys online to see if they have been reported as dangerous or not. They can also contact manufacturers directly to ask questions about the safety of a toy before making the purchase.
Keep Recalls in Mind
In addition to researching potential hazards associated with toys and examining toys before purchasing,
it is important for parents to be aware of any toy recalls issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or other government agencies. Toy recalls can help alert parents to potential dangers that may not be obvious. The CPSC website has a list of all current toy recalls and provides instructions on how to report potential safety hazards.
Has a Harmful Toy Caused Your Child to Suffer Harm?
If your child has sustained injuries, illness, or any other form of harm due a dangerous product or toy, contact our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Shook & Stone right away. At our firm, we believe no child deserves to suffer pain because of a flawed or hazardous toy. That is why we are here to fight for the rights of those affected by such products. When you choose to work with our team, we will understand your case and do everything in our power to help you pursue maximum monetary compensation right away.
Thrift Stores and Second Hand Toys
When it comes to buying toys, many parents turn to thrift stores and second hand shops as a cost-effective way to purchase toys for their children. While these options can be cheaper than buying brand new toys, it is important for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with purchasing used toys.
It is not always possible to know the history of the toy, and it is possible for a toy to have been damaged or modified in a way that can make it dangerous. Parents should always inspect used toys before purchasing and ensure that they are safe for their child to use.
How to Steer Clear of Bad Plastics and BPA
When it comes to toys, safety should always be a top priority. Unfortunately, some of the toys found on the shelves of local department stores contain harmful plastics and BPA (bisphenol A). To ensure your children’s safety, it’s important to be aware of these risks and take steps to steer clear of bad plastics and BPA.
The first step is to look for toys that are labeled as “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free.” These labels indicate that the toy does not contain any of these potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, avoid buying plastic toys with a strong smell and opt for wooden or cloth toys instead.
If possible, parents should also avoid buying toys with small parts that can easily be swallowed by children. Finally, parents should always read the labels of any toy they are considering buying to ensure it does not contain any of these harmful chemicals.
Pursue justice for your children by getting in touch with our Las Vegas product liability attorneys at Shook & Stone today. We have been putting clients first since 1997.