Attorney
With 20-days and counting until Christmas, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has some advice to help keep the holidays safe and injury-free. So far in 2011, there have been 34 toy recalls, which is down from 46 recalls this time last year. The number of toy recalls due to lead is also down to four recalls in 2011, compared to 19 in 2008.
The CPSC attributes the decrease in product recalls to stronger safety standards for toys and smarter shoppers. Nonetheless, the CPSC wants consumers to follow these tips this holiday shopping season:
- Avoid toys with small parts such as balls and magnets
- Keep balloons away from children under 8-years-old, as inflated and deflated balloons present choking hazards
- If skateboards, scooters, and bicycles are on your shopping list, be sure to purchase the appropriate safety helmet
- Dispose of the plastic wrapping and packaging immediately after unwrapping gifts
Despite the decrease in toy recalls, the number of injuries and deaths is on the rise, according to the CPSC. In 2010, there were 17 deaths in children younger than 15 related to dangerous toys, a slight increase from 2009. A CPSC spokesperson says the deaths were from choking on balloons and small rubber balls. To learn more, get in touch with our office today.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys