There are still far too many dangerous toys on the market. Last year, choking hazards, dangerous chemicals and other product defects caused the death of 12 children and were responsible for 250,000 emergency room visits. Clearly there is still a lot of room for improvement in toy safety.
The figures are taken from an annual report put out by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and its state affiliates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In its 2010 report, issued last month on the eve of the holiday shopping season, PIRG found numerous toys with toxic chemicals and choking hazards readily available on store shelves. Two years after Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, there is still plenty of “trouble in toyland,” as PIRG’s report is called.
Morgan DeSmedt, director of PennPIRG, said that there is still a lot of work to be done on reducing choking hazards, in particular. Tiny balls, trains and other boys can be a major concern because toddlers so often put small objects in their mouths. This is a big source of anxiety for parents because of the risk of choking.
Lead and toxic chemicals used to plastics more pliable are also a continuing concern. Such chemicals can cause serious developmental problems.
If your child has been injured by an unreasonably dangerous or defective toy, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Source: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20101124_Groups_issue_toy-safety_report.html