Cute plastic animals with tiny accessories that pose a choking hazard, Black Panther-inspired claws with the potential to cause facial or eye injuries, and green slime that could be harmful if swallowed: These are just some of the items on an annual list of potentially dangerous toys released by a US-based consumer advocacy group on Monday.
“Although intended for fun and entertainment, many toys contain hidden hazards unnecessarily putting children at risk of injury or death,” Boston-based World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc said in a statement announcing its “10 Worst Toys of 2020.”
With parents looking for ways to keep children occupied during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the Christmas shopping season approaching, toy safety awareness is critical, the group said.
“Shockingly, classic toy dangers, such as small parts, strings, projectiles, toxic substances, rigid materials, and inaccurate warnings and labels, continue to reappear in new generations of toys putting children at risk,” the group said.
There are an estimated 240,000 toy-related injuries to children each year in the US and a child is taken to an emergency room every three minutes for a toy-related injury, the group added.
The Toy Association, which represents US toy manufacturers, called the list needlessly alarmist.
“By law, all toys sold in the United States must meet 100+ rigorous safety tests and standards,” the association said in a statement. “Their allegations appear to be based on their misrepresentation of the mandatory toy standards — and of the priority the toy industry puts on safe and fun play.”
The Toy Association said that people should always choose age-appropriate toys, encourage safe play, and make sure they purchase toys from reputable manufacturers and sellers.
The “10 Worst Toys of 2020” list and their potential dangers from World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc:
1. Calico Critters Nursery Friends: potential choking hazards.
2. Missile Launcher: potential for eye and facial injuries.
3. Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw: potential for eye and facial injuries.
4. Gloria Owl: potential for ingestion.
5. WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists: potential for blunt force and impact injuries.
6. Sci-Fi Slime: potential for chemical-related injuries.
7. Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO: potential for propeller-related injury.
8. Boom City Racers: potential for eye and facial injuries.
9. My Sweet Love Lots of Love Babies Minis: potential choking hazard.
10. Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber: potential for blunt force and eye injuries.
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