Intestinal perforations, hearing loss and childhood deaths by strangulation and choking ? some of the gifts under this year?s Christmas Tree may carry a hidden price tag.
The Maryland Public Interest Research Group wants to help parents avoid desperate trips to the emergency room. The group revealed more than 70 dangerous toys on Tuesday that may be on your child?s wish list or already hiding on the top shelf of your closet.
“It?s important to remember that just because a toy is on the market, doesn?t mean it?s safe,” said Dr. Martin Wasserman, pediatrician and executive director of the Maryland State Medical Society.
MaryPIRG testing found two of 10 products claiming to be phthlate-free were not, including the “Who Loves Baby? Photo Book.” Phthlate is a chemical used in plastics and pigments that can slow mental and physical development and cause early onset of puberty.
Balloons topped the list, causing more than half of choking deaths among children. The nonprofit organization?s report also exposed health threats posed by toxins in necklaces and play makeup kits, powerful magnets, excessively loud toy guns and the Water Yo-Yo Ball.
The yo-yo?s stretchy cord nearly killed a 5-year-old boy in Washington state last month when it wrapped around his neck. The boy?s face turned purple and his eyes were bloodshot before his mother was able to cut it.
Magnetix?s magnetic building toys are another unsafe product according to MaryPIRG. If a child swallows two or more magnets, they can attract each other within the body, tearing holes in intestinal tissues.
In November 2005, a 21-month-old boy died of blood poisoning and tissue necrosis after swallowing two separate sets of magnets.
In 2005, 73,000 children under 5-years-old had to seek emergency treatment for toy related injuries according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2004, 16 children died in toy-related incidents.
“Deaths caused by a toy are preventable and unnecessary. We hope our guidelines encourage better testing standards and help parents choose safe toys,” said Johanna Newman, MaryPIRG policy advocate.
When testing the products, MaryPIRG examines a toy?s intended use as well as how a child would play with it. Their annual reports have lead to recalls of more than 120 products over the past 21 years. The nonprofit organization?s report including the complete list of unsafe toys is online at www.marylandpirg.org.
