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Home arrow Health arrow Avoid Dangerous Toys
Avoid Dangerous Toys | Print |  E-mail
Since 1973, the annual "10 Worst Toys" list has alerted the public to the toys most likely to cause childhood injuries, and even death. You don't want to give a Christmas or birthday gift that could cause a child to choke, lose an eye, or break an arm.  Here is the list of the 10 worst toys for 2005.

BABY SERENA - BABY I'M YOURS
Price: $12.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Target Corporation
 
Purchased: Target
 
Age Recommendation: "Ages 2 & Up"
 
Warnings: No Warnings
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  Baby Serena is sold "complete with soft carrier, rattle and magic bottles" for toddlers as young as two years old. The manufacturer provides no warnings, however the baby bottles possess an unacceptable risk of choking for oral age children. The bottle caps and nipples are removable, revealing two plastic pieces, both of which could be swallowed. These plastic pieces, once removed, are not in compliance with the toy industry's inadequate "choke tube" standard.


CAMOUFLAGE WATER BOMB FUN KIT
Price: $11.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Pioneer Worldwide
 
Purchased: Ben Franklin
 
Age Recommendation: None
 
Warnings: "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Children Under 8 yrs. can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once."
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   These slingshots are capable of forcefully firing "water bombs" with the potential to cause serious eye injuries. It is illegal for slingshots to be sold in Massachusetts. In recent years as a result of W.A.T.C.H.'s efforts and the cooperation of the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, such weaponry has been removed from toy store shelves. Unfortunately, some retailers still are not paying attention. Other states, such as California, Florida and Illinois have similar statutes, and at least 13 other states proscribe the use, possession and/or sale of such dangerous weaponry.


SPLATMATIC PISTOL SPLAT PAINTBALL SHOOTER
Price: $14.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Palco Marketing, Inc.
 
Purchased: Spencer Gifts, LLC
 
Age Recommendation: Not for children under 3 years
 
Warnings: "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years" and other warnings.
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE, FACE AND OTHER IMPACT INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   The "PistolSplat" paintball shooter fires ".50 caliber" paint balls at a high velocity. The packaging alerts users that failure to follow the numerous safety instructions "could result in injury". Incredibly, while these instructions advise that goggles always be used, the bottle of replacement ammunition (sold separately by the same manufacturer) additionally warns that "proper protective equipment designed specifically for paintball use for eyes, ears, throat, and head must be worn at all times".


ANIMAL ALLEY - PONIES
Price: $6.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Toys R Us, Wayne, NJ
 
Purchased:
Toys R Us
 
Age Recommendation: "0+"
 
Warnings: None
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION/ASPIRATION INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This soft, colorful pony is sold for infants. The toy has long, fiberlike hair which is not adequately rooted and is easily removable, presenting an ingestion or aspiration hazard. This hazard is not referenced anywhere on the product or product tags.


CITY BLOCKS
Price: $14.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
IQ Preschool - Small World Toys
 
Purchased:
Magic Beans
 
Age Recommendation: "Ages 18+ months"
 
Warnings: None
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  These bright "City Blocks" are sold for children as young as 18 months, with no warnings whatsoever. The small, round bead, attached by a string approximately 35 inches long to a wooden dowel, can separate and be ingested by oral age children. The bead, as a separate piece, violates even the toy industry's inadequate small parts "choke tube" standard. The slender dowel itself presents an unacceptable choking hazard.


THE LORD OF THE RINGS - RETURN OF THE KING URUK-HAI CROSSBOW SET INCLUDING ELECTRONIC LIGHT 'N' SOUND STING SWORD
Price: $24.97
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Toy Biz, NYC, Division of Marvel Enterprises, Inc
Purchased:
Toys R Us
 
Age Recommendation: "Ages: 5 AND UP"
 
Warnings: "CAUTION Do Not Aim at Eyes or Face" and other warnings
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  Children as young as five years of age are encouraged to shoot "arrows" over thirty feet with "3 power settings"! Despite the "soft tips" on the ammunition, the arrows are catapulted by the crossbow at high velocity, and users are cautioned not to "aim at eyes or face".


38” AIR KICKS KICKAROOS ANTI-GRAVITY BOOTS
Price: $69.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Geospace International
 
Purchased: Etoys (Online)
 
Age Recommendation: "Ages 6 & Up"
 
Warnings: “"Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads," and other warnings.
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR HEAD OR OTHER IMPACT INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  These "anti-gravity boots" fit over shoes so that children can "seem to defy gravity" and "bounce across the yard like a Gazelle!" The manufacturer's safety instructions include the unrealistic directive to "always remain in control of your motions", and to use a "protective helmet as well as gloves, knee and elbow pads during use". Children pictured on the packaging have no protective gear whatsoever.


FISHER PRICE'S LITTLE MOMMY BATH BABY DOLL
Price: $19.99
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Mattel, Inc.
 
Purchased: Toys R Us
 
Age Recommendation: "2+"
 
Warnings: None
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This toy is marketed for children as young as two years old, who are encouraged to participate in bathtime "just like a real mommy!" The shampoo bottle, however, has a removable cap with attached slender tube of approximately 2 inches in length. The cap could be mouthed by oral age children, potentially leading to a choking tragedy.


FANTASTIC 4 ELECTRONIC THING HANDS
Price: $17.83
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Toy Biz
 
Purchased: Wal Mart
 
Age Recommendation: "Ages 6 & Up"
 
Warnings: "Do not strike any person, pet or inanimate object with Thing Hands as serious injury could result" and other warnings.
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT IMPACT INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  These oversized fists, resembling those of a popular comic book and movie character, are sold to enable six year olds to "smash!" and "crash!" just like the "super strong creature." Remarkably, at the same time children are encouraged to engage in "clobberin time!", parents are warned that the toy is "intended to be used only for dress-up fantasy play", and that "serious injury could result" should it be used to strike a person or pet.


STAR WARS - REVENGE OF THE SITH ENERGY BEAM BLASTER
Price: $19.99 (Set of 3)
 
Manufacturer or Distributor:
Hasbro
 
Purchased: Toys R Us
 
Age Recommendation: "Ages 5+"
 
Warnings: "WARNING: Pressurized container. Read back panel before use" and other warnings.
 
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR FACE AND EYE INJURIES!


W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This Star Wars "Blaster" includes two pressurized "energy beam string canisters". The toy is sold with numerous warnings and cautions, including "Do not leave in direct sunlight or store in hot vehicle", since doing so can "cause can to burst violently." Children as young as five years old are further warned not to spray the canister's contents in eyes or faces.


 
 
 
 
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