Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
November 25, 2003

For Further Information Contact:
Jeff Lamm, Genene Morris, 973-504-6327

NJPIRG, Kellen Smith, 732-445-5269
Matthew Elliott, 732-932-7131

TRENTON - With the holiday shopping season here, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and New Jersey Public Interest Research Group today joined together once again and urged shoppers to focus on toy safety when buying presents for children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 13 children under age 15 died as a result of toy-related injuries in 2002. An estimated 212,400 non-fatal, toy-related injuries occurred as well.

Eight of the 13 deaths last year resulted from children choking on items.

"The joy of the holiday season can turn to tragedy as the result of unsafe toys," said Reni Erdos, Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. "Fortunately, with a little preparation and research, gift-givers can avoid these dangers and ensure children have a safe and healthy holiday."

During the annual toy safety news conference with NJPIRG in Trenton, Erdos noted that shoppers planning to buy children's art supplies such as crayons, paint sets, modeling clay or chalk should check to see if the item meets the ASTM D-4236 safety standard. This standard indicates that the art supply is non-hazardous. The product label is required to state that the art supply "conforms to ASTM D-4236."

"All Santas are making their lists and when they check them twice, they should see if any toys have been recalled for potential hazards," Erdos said. "Shoppers can check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site for those recalls."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site is http://www.cpsc.gov

Inspectors from the Division of Consumer Affairs will be looking for CPSC-recalled toys that may still be on store shelves. Once again, Director Erdos is reminding physicians of their obligation under state law to report all toy-related injuries and deaths to the division.

In addition to checking if a toy has been recalled, Erdos recommended that shoppers:

• Read the age and safety labels on every toy before making a purchase. These labels tell shoppers if the toy is safe for a child. Toys that are suitable for older kids could be unsafe for younger children.
  
  
• Check each toy for sturdy construction. Make sure no parts can break off.
  
  
• Avoid toys with sharp edges and those that can be shot or propelled.
  
  
• Avoid items that young children can choke on such as balloons, balls, blocks and toy parts that are smaller than 1-3/4 inches in diameter.
  
  
• Avoid toys that make loud noises, such as cap guns; they can damage a child's hearing.
  
  
• Make sure strings and ribbons are no longer than six inches to prevent strangulation.