For Immediate Release

December 17, 2002

Contact: Jan Stegelman , 785-296-1223

Toy Story: Safety Sells

From Monsters Inc.® to Sponge Bob® and Leap Pad®, kids clamor for the approximately 3.8 billion toys and games sold each year in the United States, more than half during the holiday season alone. Although the majority of toys are safe, they can become dangerous if misused or if they fall into the hands of children who are too young to play with them.

"Toys are an important part of a child's development," says Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of Kansas SAFE KIDS. "It is important for parents to follow the age and safety recommendations on the labels of each toy. They take into account not only children's cognitive skills, but also their ability to handle the toy safely."

Kansas SAFE KIDS recommends the following precautionary tips when selecting gifts this holiday season:

Select Safe Toys

Each year, more than 150,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Innocent-looking toys-such as marbles and balloons-present a choking hazard to small children. The Child Safety Protection Act, a federal toy labeling law, requires manufacturers to place warning labels on toys that pose a choking hazard to young children. When selecting a toy for your child, avoid the following:

• Toys with small removable parts. The small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a small parts tester (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.
• Toys with sharp points or edges. Children may unintentionally cut themselves or another person.
• Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns and high-volume portable cassette players can permanently impair a child's hearing.
• Propelled toy darts and other projectiles. Propelled toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.
• Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches. Long strings and cords could wrap around a child's neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.
• Electrical toys. Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element-batteries, electrical plugs-for children under age eight.
• Toy cap guns. Paper roll, strip or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.