Florida Consumer E-Newsletter - November 2005
A Message From the Commissioner...
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Dear Friends: Shopping for toys during the holidays can be exciting and fun, but it can also be frustrating. There are thousands of toys to choose from. It is important to purchase the most appropriate toy based on the child’s age. Toys that are designed for older children can be dangerous for younger kids. Each year over 100,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for |
toy-related accidents, some of which result in death. By using common sense and understanding toy safety, holiday shoppers can make informed decisions when purchasing toys for children. The Division of Consumer Services functions as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's agent in Florida regarding product recalls, inspections and investigations. Our Consumer Hotline is available by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) within Florida, 850-410-3800 outside of Florida or ¡Español! 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). You can also visit us online at www.800helpfla.com. |
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TOY SAFETY - GIVE THE RIGHT GIFT
Parents and gift-givers can help prevent toy-related injuries and deaths by always reading labels and being safety conscious. The following precautionary tips are recommended when selecting gifts this holiday season -- and all year round:
Read the Labels
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires toy manufacturers to meet stringent safety standards and to label certain toys that could be a hazard for younger children. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide. Labels on toys that state "not recommended for children under three ... contains small parts," are labeled that way because they may pose a choking hazard to children under three. Look for other safety labels including: "flame retardant/flame resistant" on fabric products and "Washable / hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls. Just because your child enjoys, understands or can play with the toy or game doesn't mean it's safe for them. Age labels are there for safety purposes, not as a gauge for mental development!
Check for Recalls
Millions of toys are recalled every year and many parents never know. The only way to protect your children from these hidden hazards is to be informed. Toy recalls can be found by visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, or by calling toll-free CPSC’s Hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Examine the Merchandise
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose and other potential small parts and well-sewn seams on stuffed animals and cloth dolls. Be sure that items can't be pulled off or broken. For all children under age eight, avoid toys with sharp edges and points.
Beware of Choking
For infants, toddlers and all children who still put objects in their mouths, avoid toys with small parts that could pose a fatal choking hazard. Rattles, balls, blocks and other small parts should be at least 1.75 inches in diameter, or the size of a golf ball.
Toy Storage
Teach kids to put their toys safely away on shelves or in a toy chest after playing to prevent trips and falls. Toy boxes should also be checked for safety. Use a toy chest that has a lid that will stay open in any position when raised and will not fall unexpectedly on a child. For extra safety, be sure there are ventilation holes for fresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cut and hinges that could pinch or squeeze. See that toys used outdoors are stored after use -- rain or moist conditions can rust, mildew or damage a variety of toys and toy parts creating potential hazards.
Additional Tips:
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Check toys frequently for breakage and possible hazards. Damaged or dangerous toys should be repaired or thrown away.
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Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately. The packaging can create a deadly risk.
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Avoid toys that make loud noises, such as cap guns, as they can damage a child's hearing.
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Strings and ribbons on toys should be no longer than six inches to prevent accidental strangulation.
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Avoid toys that are constructed with thin, brittle plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.
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Look for household art materials, including crayons and paint sets, marked with the term "ASTM D-4236." This means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist and if necessary, labeled with advisory information.
Additional Resources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Safe Kids
Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under.
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