Most Dangerous Toys of 2012

The holiday season is here and parents are in a frenzy to find that perfect toy to put a smile on their child’s face. When you are shopping for children’s toys, it is important to keep certain things in mind.  First, it is always good practice to follow the age, weight and other safety guidelines when buying toys. In addition, be aware that some toys carry hidden risks that can potentially harm children.

Why Some Toys Are Dangerous

Most parents know about the choking risks associated with toys that have small parts.  It is important to monitor young children and follow age guidelines and recommendations on toys.  Consumers should also be aware of loud toys that may be harmful to children.  Noisy toys can potentially impact a child’s hearing because they exceed acceptable noise standards.

Moreover, it is critical to know what type of materials the toys are made of because small children often put toys in their mouths.  Phthalates is a material used to soften hard plastic and can be found in many common toys.  Phthalates has been linked to diabetes and cancer.  Additionally, lead can also still be found in some toys.

In addition, there are popular toys and gadgets with small, high-powered magnets.  If a child accidentally swallows a magnet it can perforate their stomach.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that between 2009 and 2011 there were 1,700 emergency-room visits caused by magnets ingested by children ages 4 to 12 years old.

Dangerous Toys of 2012

The Philadelphia products liability attorneys at Galfand Berger recently reviewed the 27th annual Trouble in Toyland report for 2012 published by the U.S Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).  The good news: PIRG found that there are more safe toys on store shelves than they anticipated.  However, they did uncover some toys that pose some serious risks of injury for children.

According to PIRC, the toys most at risk for choking and/or ingestion injuries are:

• Just Like Home 120-piece Super Play Food sets, $19.99, by Toys R Us
• Pullback dragster cars, $4.99, by Z Wind Ups
• Magnetic Fishing Game, $1.77, by Kole Imports
• Water Balloon Launcher, $21.99, by Water Sports LLC
• Playful Xylophone, $29.99, by P’Kolino
• Snake Eggs, $1.00, by GreenBrier International Inc.
• Explore & Learn Helicopter, $15.99, by V Tech (presents a strangulation hazard)

Toys presenting a high risk of impact injuries include:

• Inflatable Bongo Ball, $49.99, by Toys R Us
• Spinner Shark 4-Wheel Kneeboard, $59.97, by FuzionNextsport
• N-Force Vendetta Double Sword, $19.99, by Hasbro
• Power Rangers Super Samurai Shogun Helmet, $29.99, by Bandai
• The Avengers Gamma Green Smash Fists, $16.99, by Hasbro
• Dart Zone Quick Fire 12 dart gun, $19.32, by Prime Time Toys Ltd. (can cause eye injuries)

Excessively noisy toys on the PIRG’s list include:

• Dora Tunes Guitar, $22.39, by Fisher Price
• FunKeys, $9.99, by B. Lively

Toys with unacceptable levels of toxic materials are:

• Dora Backpack, price not available, by Global Design Concepts Inc. (contains high levels of phthalates)
• Morphbot, $6.00, by GreenBrier International Inc (has high lead levels)

Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyers Committed to Help Your Family

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a dangerous toy or another defective product, the experienced product liability attorneys at Galfand Berger are committed to help.  We represent clients throughout southern New Jersey including Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Salem County, Cumberland County and Atlantic County.  Our firm’s main office in Center City Philadelphia and other offices in Reading and Bethlehem are conveniently located to serve clients in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Harrisburg, Montgomery County, Delaware County Berks County, Bucks County and Chester County. Call us at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) to schedule a free and confidential consultation or submit a free online inquiry.