W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) has released its Top Ten list just in time for the Christmas shopping season.
Operating under the belief that parents have the right to assume that the toys they are giving their children are safe, the 40 year old organization has made it its mission to identify hazardous toys and inform consumers across the country.According to the organization’s website, one child is treated every 3 minutes in a hospital emergency room for a toy related injury.
This year’s nominees include a realistic looking dart gun marketed to 3 year olds, a hard plastic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sword that is very capable of causing facial, eye and other impact injuries, and Jurassic Park themed claws marketed to 4 year olds that does not have any warnings about the potential for eye injuries or lacerations.
This holiday season may prove to be exceptionally dangerous for our young children. Due to the upcoming Star Wars release and the acclaimed Peanuts release, many parents are looking into their own toy collections for gifts this season. While it is wonderful to be able to share the toys with our children that gave us joy, we should keep in mind that safety standards are more stringent now than they were 30 years ago.
Also, if buying older toys from ebay, Craigslist or other consignment sites, toys may not include original packaging with warnings and may also have been painted with lead based paint. Parents should inspect all toys upon receipt of the item and consider the age appropriateness of the toy.
Children are often injured by toys that come apart or break easily into small parts, posing a choking hazard to children and infants. Toys that come with small magnets pose considerable risk if swallowed. When multiple magnets are swallowed, they can bind together thru the walls of the intestine and cause blockages or tears in the intestinal walls. This condition can be potentially fatal. Any toy that involves propelling an object such as a nerf gun, slingshot, archery set, or darts can cause serious eye injury. Be cautious when giving these toys to a child.
This year, W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) has also announced that it considers any “look -alike” toy guys to be dangerous. In the past few years children as young as 8 years old have been shot and killed by police officers who have mistaken toy guns for real weapons. Senator Bob Dole, has introduced legislation requiring all toy weapons to have a bright orange marker to make others aware that the weapon is not real. Some manufacturers have complied, while others argue that the orange marker can be manipulated after purchase. Be aware of this if giving nerf guns or airsoft guns.
Paul Thomson is a Roanoke Product Liability Lawyer serving people in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. If you or someone you loved has been harmed by a dangerous product, call (540) 777-4900 for a free consultation today.
