Dangerous Toy Alert for Black Friday

November 2007

Shoppers will hit their local malls and toy stores in record numbers this Black Friday, looking for deals on gifts for their children and other young loved ones. But there are dangers to watch out for when choosing gifts for children ranging from lead paint to small magnets to riding toys to projectile products.

Earlier this year, Mattel recalled millions of toys for small hazardous magnets that could detach and seriously injured children if swallowed. The company also pulled countless toys coated with lead paint. Stores have a responsibility to remove these items from their shelves, but that doesn’t mean these toys still won’t be given out as gifts this holiday season. Check out the full list of recalled Mattel toys to ensure safety.

There many other toys which pose serious risks of injury that have not been recalled or pulled from stores. Riding toys such as skateboards, scooters, and inline skates pose serious fall hazards that could result in emergency room visits. Other risks come from projectile toys such as darts, air rockets, and sling shots. These shooting products are notorious for the severe eye injuries they cause in children at play every year.