INDEPTH: HOLIDAYS
Holiday safety tips: Toy safety
CBC News Online | December 10, 2004
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There's not much that can prevent a toy from making it to market. Once it's there, it's up to the toy-buying public to complain about potentially dangerous toys.
There are government – and non-profit – agencies in Canada and the United States that test toys for quality and safety, but often not until someone brings that toy to the agency's attention.
Every year, the Toy Testing Council of Canada tests toys for play value. If it finds potential safety problems, it will refer the item to Health Canada's Product Safety Branch for review.
On July 12, 2004, Health Canada warned people to throw out jewelry bought through vending machines over the previous two years because it might contain lead. The voluntary recall involved 100 million pieces of jewelry in Canada and the United States.
Other factors to consider when selecting toys for your child:
- Choose toys according to a child's age, interests and skill level.
- Follow age and safety information on the warning labels. Children under age three can choke on small toys and toy parts.
- Toys should be sturdy, well made and non-toxic. Avoid those with sharp edges and points.
- Ensure that all parts are well secured. Pieces such as the eyes of stuffed animals are particularly prone to breaking off – then they present a real choking hazard.
- The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) label must appear on electrically operated toys. This shows they've been tested for shock and fire hazards.
- Throw away any plastic wrappings before your child gets hold of it.
- Parental supervision is critical. A toy intended for an older child may be dangerous to a younger child.
- Store toys when not in use to avoid accidents.
- Toy boxes should be well ventilated and have a lightweight lid. A small child can get trapped inside these storage units. Toy chests with air holes could prevent suffocation.
- Inspect old and new toys for damage such as sharp edges or small parts. Repair any loose ends immediately or discard damaged toys.
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| QUICK FACTS: |
Canadian men spend an average of $216 on gifts for their spouse
Canadian women spend about $158 on their spouse
Parents buy $187 worth of gifts for each of their children
Each Canadian spends an average of $358 on holiday food
Total cost of holiday gift-giving, entertaining, and eating for each Canadian
adult is $1,300
*VISA survey
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