This time of year, it’s worth a reminder that some children’s gifts can be hazardous. The annual “dangerous toys” list is out from the Washington Public Interest Research Group. For its “Trouble in Toyland” report, the group scoured store shelves for toys that pose choking hazards, or have magnets so powerful they can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed, or are so loud they can hurt kid's hearing.This is the 30th annual report from the consumer group. WashPIRG cautions that it isn't a comprehensive list. What parents and other toy buyers are encouraged to do is not assume, just because something is being sold by a retailer, it meets consumer product safety laws.
"Buyers need to watch out for common hazards," said Bruce Speight, WashPIRG Foundation executive director.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who attended a news conference where the report was released, picked up a pink fairy wand as an example of a toy you wouldn't think had any hazards.
"I have daughter who still loves all things princess related," he said.
The hazard is a jeweled button on the wand that could come off, causing a choking hazard.
“That’s an example for parents to realize that’s a large size toy, but there’s a component that can break apart,” Ferguson said.
Choking is the biggest hazard toys pose for young children. Over the 30 years the dangerous toys report has been put out, one thing has remained consistent, balloons cause the most choking deaths in children.
