Children's Toys

Injuries caused from Toys

Since 1990, over 270 children and adolescents have died from toy related injuries and today we still face about 200,000 toy related emergency room visits each year. These injuries often result from innocent children swallowing or choking on small toys, falling off riding toys, or other injuries.

A recent survey from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group recognized that while toys are much safer now, it is still important to carefully review toy labels and parts and analyze potential risks before letting children play with them.

Dangerous Risks of Toys
Toxic Chemical Danger: As toys become more sophisticated, the materials they are made from may become more toxic. Phthalates, a plastic additive used to increase flexibility, is commonly used in children's toys and teething rings. In animal studies, phthalates have shown hormonal damage and harm to liver, kidney, lung, and developing reproductive organs. In 2004, the European Union decided to ban the use of several phthalates (DNIP, DIDP, DNOP, DEHP, BBP, DBP) in children's toys.

Another toxic risk is related to toluene and xylene chemicals found in children's cosmetic sets and nail polish. Since these products are used on the hands, there is a risk of exposure to the mouth.

Strangulation Hazards: Toys that have cords or elastic bands longer than 12 inches may result in accidental strangulation. These toys include yo-yos, pull toys, and crib mobiles. In June 2005, Illinois banned the Yo-Yo Water Ball which allegedly poses many risks to young children.

Choking Hazards: Since the 1980's, consumer groups have fought hard to reduce the risk of choking on toys and have succeeded with a federal ban implemented on small toys and detachable objects. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission now requires toy labels to include specific warnings for children under the age of 3 and a similar warning for children between the ages of 3 to 6. Consumer groups still warn parents of the risks of small parts, balls, and balloons - any toy small enough to fit into a toilet paper tube can be a choking hazard.

Hearing Damage & Loud Toys: More and more toys today are battery-operated to generate sounds of voice or music. While the U.S. standard for acoustic toys is set at 90 decibels, some toys do not meet these standards with sounds of 100+ decibels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration have identified that sounds of or above 85 decibels for prolonged periods can lead to hearing damage. Many parents complain because few toys offer an adjustable volume.

Physical Damage: Every year, the main cause of children's injuries are accidents from riding toys, including non-motorized scooters, electric and battery operated machines, gasoline powered mini motorcycles, etc. Bodily damage and brain damage can occur when a child falls from one of these toys. Children should be supervised and wear helmets when playing on these machines.

Children's Toy Injuries in the News

Parent's sue toy company after infant dies after swallowing small magnets in Magnetix toy manufactured by RoseArt Inc., a subsidiary of MegaBloks, in Toronto. (Mar-17-06) [PLAYFULS.COM]

Sixteen children died and nearly 210,000 were injured in toy related incidents last year in the US. (Nov-24-05) [ZAMAN NEWS]

Group warns of the dangers of certain toys to youngsters. (Nov-24-05) [SAN MATEO COUNTY TIMES]

Register your Children's Toys Complaint

If your child has suffered from a toy related injury, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint and we will have a lawyer review your toy complaint.

At LawyersandSettlements.com, it is our goal to keep you informed about important legal cases and settlements. We are dedicated to helping you resolve your legal complaints.