ASTM toy standard committee meets in Baltimore

The ASTM 15-22 Committee on Toy Safety met Monday, January 31, 2011 in Baltimore. On the agenda were proposed changes to the F963 standard on toys. KID participated with Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union as consumer representatives along with manufacturers, testing labs and consultants.

Some of the issues discussed were strengthening provisions on hazardous magnets in toys, yo-yo water balls, and heavy metals such as cadmium.

ASTM F963 standard is written into the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and toy makers are required to meet the provisions in the standard.

Toy dart game recalled by retailer

The CPSC and Family Dollar Stores announced a recall today of 1.8 million toy dart games sold at the retailer. Two boys died after the small flexible suction cup dart got stuck in their throats. This follows a similar recall of another brand of darts after a death.

Henry Gordy International, the importer of the dart game, refused to recall the product. And under CPSC's rules, there isn't much CPSC can do about that. To force a recall would take substantial funding and a court case - something CPSC has been unwilling to pursue, especially in cases such as this where a third party steps forward to remove the product from the market and reimburse customers.

This isn't Henry Gordy's first dangerous product, they have recalled three other products for lead, choking and magnet hazards.

Family Dollar is offering a refund for the returned product. CPSC warns parents about the risk of these small darts or any product small enough to fit in the mouth with the round suction cup -- it is too easy to swallow and then can't be dislodged easily. Both the boys killed were with adults, but efforts to remove the dart were unsuccessful. Remind children of all ages to avoid putting this type object in their mouths.

Safety Updates and News on 12/23/09

Here is a brief roundup of some news coming across our desk this week:

A class action lawsuit on behalf of families whose children played with the CSI Fingerprinting Kit by Planet Toys has reached a tentative settlement. The suit alleged asbestos was found in the fingerprinting powder. If you had or have one of these toys, January 14, 2010 is your last chance to register for the settlement. For more information, visit the website.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) this week announced the results of their booster seat testing for fit -- how each seat positions the seatbelt on a child. They tested sixty seats and rates some as Best Bets, Good Bets and Not Recommended, along with those where the data was inconsistent. In addition to the information at IIHS, Consumer Reports, Car Seat Blog and SafeKids also have coverage and advice.

A ban on drop side cribs has been introduced in New York. And the ASTM International recently published the new voluntary standard on Full Size Cribs that also eliminates that design. Because Illinois' Childrens Product Safety Act requires cribs to comply with ASTM standards, cribs with drop sides may violate that law now in Illinois and can't be sold, new or used by commercial sellers.

And we found this on the Toy Industry Association site, Toy Info: a panel discussion with industry safety experts who also happen to be moms -- some good information on checking second hand products and age grading of toys.

And finally, CPSC is holding another 2 day workshop, this one on the development of the Public Database. The panel information and registration is now available at the CPSC site.

CPSC releases new number on toy injuries and deaths

Today, CPSC released their latest available statistics on deaths and injuries associated with toys. This report briefly provides updated summary information on toy-related fatalities for the years of 2006 and 2007, as well as gives detailed information on toy related fatalities for 2008.

In 2008, there were an estimated 235,300 toy-related injuries among children younger than 15 years of age treated in hospital emergency rooms. Children under five were rushed to the emergency room for toy-related injuries 82,300 times. There were 19 deaths reported. Thirteen of the deaths were to children under age 5. Riding toys, rubber balls, and balloons were the items most often involved in deaths. Riding toys, including tricycles, non-motorized scooters, were actually the leading cause of deaths and injuries (26%).

An estimated 47% of emergency department treated injuries were classified as lacerations, contusions, or abrasion; while 45% of all injuries treated occurred to the head and face area. Most deaths were from drowning, motor vehicle involvement, or airway obstruction from a small toy or a small part of a toy.

CPSC also reported on toy recalls, showing they had declined this year and attributed that to the increased funding and authority CPSC received through CPSIA and manufacturers' compliance with safety standards.

These statistics are a reminder that helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit, all plastic wrappings, un-inflated and or broken balloons should be discarded immediately and kept away from children. In addition, parents should avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking, and that toys should be age appropriate. Please report all problems with toy products to the manufacturer and CPSC.

CPSC releases 2007 toy injury data

CPSC released their annual report on toy injuries and deaths today -- for 2007. The report shows 18 deaths from toys last year and 170,100 injuries to children under 15. The deaths were caused by drowning (six deaths - four from tricycles or other vehicles that fell into pools, one from an inflatable toy on a lake and one from a child falling in a pool after playing near it with a toy boat); choking or other airway obstruction (eight deaths -- four from choking on small balls, two from balloons, one suffocation on a stuffed toy and one aspiration of a rubber dart tip); and riding toys (two deaths involving non-motorized scooter collisions with cars, one tricycle collision with a car and one fall from a tricycle).

Many of the injuries involved riding toys and 84% of those involved non motorized scooters.

CPSC also released a statement giving toy purchasing advice to parents before the upcoming holiday season. They warn parents to check their products for recalled items and other safety issues. The new law requiring certification of safety testing for toys won't be in effect until next holiday season.