CPSC Warns Parents About Choking Hazards to Young Children
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2004
Release # 04-216
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contacts: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 or Eric Criss, (301) 504-7908
CPSC Warns Parents About Choking Hazards to Young Children
Announces New Recall of Toys Posing Choking Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September is Baby Safety Month and the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is asking parents and caregivers to
check their home for items that may pose a choking hazard to young
children. CPSC also announced a recall that presents a choking hazard
due to detaching small parts -- 140,000 pair of Reebok toddler athletic
shoes.
Each year, CPSC receives about 15 reports of choking deaths to
children under age 3. Some of these deaths involve items that are
considered known hazards such as small toys, toy parts, balloons,
balls and marbles. In addition to known hazards, such as balloons,
there are many tragic deaths each year that result from hidden
hazards. These are often small objects not intended for use by
children but that accidentally end up in their hands and mouths.
“Parents and caregivers should stay on the lookout for small parts
breaking off of toys or young children getting their hands on items
intended for older siblings,” said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton.
“Marbles and balls are the most recognizable hazards; but everyday
household items also pose choking dangers.”
Choking has long been the leading cause of toy-related deaths to
young children. To help prevent these deaths, the Commission requires
age-appropriate labeling on toys and products for older children that
contain small parts. Toys designed for children 3 and older should be
kept away from young children.
Balloons, a leading cause of toy-related deaths, are often a
favorite of young children. However, un-inflated balloons and fragments
from popped balloons can choke and kill a small child.
CPSC has designed new choking awareness posters to educate
parents and caregivers about the potential hazards to young children
regarding small parts. The posters are available in English and Spanish
(both downloadable here in portable document format - pdf). Steps parents can
take to keep their children safe include:
Keep small objects like small toys and parts of toys, marbles,
balloons, small balls and coins off the floor and out of reach of
children.
Toys designed for older children should be kept out of the hands of
little ones.
Follow labels that give age recommendations; these age recommendations
are based on safety concerns.
Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger
siblings.
Check the eyes and noses of stuffed animals to ensure they are
properly secured.
