With the holiday season approaching fast, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection asks consumers to think about the safety of each potential gift before checking out at the register.
"Pay attention to the safety guidance on the packaging and consider whether any small pieces, magnets, chemicals or other factors might be a danger to children in the home," said Michelle Reinen, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The DATCP also reminds parents that a product's popularity doesn't dictate its safety.
This summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall on hoverboards, one of last year's most popular gifts. Over 500,000 hoverboards were recalled due to fire hazards caused by overheating batteries.
The DATCP points out that the hoverboards that were recalled were not UL-certified, meaning they did not meet the globally recognized standards for safety.
If you are considering buying a product that has electrical or battery components, the DATCP encourages you to make sure the model has been issued a safety certification before making your purchase.
Safe Purchasing Tips
- Read all warning labels listed on the product. Consider the potential for small parts, magnets, suffocation hazards, etc.
- Pay attention to the age grading. Use the manufacturer's suggested age range as a foundation for whether a toy is appropriate for the physical development of a child.
- Check that toys have the ASTM F963 label. This label indicates that a toy meets the latest toy safety standards. All toys sold in the U.S. must meet this standard.
- For art materials, look for the ASTM D4236 label. This label indicates that art materials have been reviewed by a toxicologist and are labeled with appropriate cautionary information, if necessary.
- Make sure fabric toys are labeled as flame resistant. This label means that the material will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from an ignition source.
- Purchase any additional safety items that go along with the toy. Make sure your child is protected with appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet or knee pads.
- Avoid no-name products. A manufacturer's name and address is not a guarantee of safety, but it means you can track down a legitimate company to remedy problems.
- Look out for hidden dangers. Be aware of sharp points, loud noises, projectiles, "button batteries," and high-powered magnets.
"Safety concerns don't end at the register," the DATCP says.
Be sure to read any battery charging instructions that come with toys. Chargers and adapters can overheat and pose burn hazards to young children.
Also, keep an eye on recalled toys by visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website.
Recently, World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) released a list for the 10 Worst Toys of 2016. The list includes 19 toys with recognized safety defects were recalled in the United States. You can view the entire list by clicking here.
For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau's website or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128.
