Quality and safety features in toys are extremely important because the end-user happen to be kids.
In the past, several toys have been recalled due to the use of hazardous materials or because they posed choking hazards.
For instance, in the past, certain toys were recalled for using contaminated lead paint.
So, toy companies are careful about the quality of their toys.
Toy Safety: Why Toys Can be Dangerous
Here are some reasons why toys can be dangerous:
- Loose (small) parts that may come off and cause a choking hazard
- Lose parts that may cause the child to fall (wheel coming off)
- Use of hazardous materials (contaminated lead as paint, etc.)
- Sharp edges and sharp points
- Cord or strings that can wrap around a child’s neck
- Small magnets in toys can come off and cause a choking hazard
- Toys that fly or shoot objects (make sure nothing is sharp)
- Avoid making Electric toys at home or replacing batteries from third-party sellers
Harmful Chemicals in Toys and Costumes
Most toys and costumes make use of chemicals, some of which can be harmful to children.
Flame retardants are commonly used in toys (such as toy tents) to prevent them from catching fire and to make the toys meet flammability standards.
Some reports, reveal that some flame retardants may contain chlorine, bromine or phosphorous which can lead to health problems. Plastics are also commonly used in toys, and some reports suggest that synthetic chemicals are used in plastics which can be bad for children’s health.
Toy Safety Tips for Parents
Here are some safety tips related to use of toys.
- When selecting a toy, please take a look at the recommended age range listed on the product.
- For products such as bikes, scooters, ATVs and hoverboards, the child needs to wear a helmet. Parents need to set a good example by themselves following all safety rules, which means they themselves need to wear helmets and make the children understand their importance.
- Toys like Play-Doh are non-toxic but you still don’t want little kids to eat them, doesn’t mean you want your kid to be eating it. If you’re concerned you can make these things at home, using flour, yogurt and food coloring.
Toy Recalls in the Past
In 2007, several Mattel toys were recalled for using contaminated lead paint and the company was in the news for poor quality management and not following standard logistic practices.
In spite of having quality control processes in place, Mattel had several product-recalls and warnings from Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
When Mattel first discovered about the issue of contaminated lead paint, it was unable to trace to the source of the problem as it did not have complete control over its upstream supply chain.
Mattel’s toys were made in facilities that were owned by Mattel or subcontractors. Although Mattel ensured that the Chinese subcontractors were good companies and certified them for safety procedures, Mattel did not realize that these subcontractors were further subcontracting the work to other suppliers. The subcontractors did this to meet the deadlines as they were accepting all the work that Mattel was giving to them, irrespective of their capacity
.Over the years, Mattel has plugged these loopholes in its supply chain and have introduced several measures to improve governance.
References
Mattel (2007) Mattel Recalls Batman and One Piece Magnetic Action Figure Sets Due To Magnets Coming Loose [online] Available at: https://service.mattel.com/us/recall/J1944CPSC.pdf
Susan Etheridge (2007) Lead Paint Prompts Mattel to Recall 967,000 Toys [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/02/business/02toy.html
Vincent. L . Lacorte (2016) Mattel, Inc: The Lead Paint Recall | Center For Digital Strategies [online] Available at: https://digitalstrategies.tuck.dartmouth.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MattelRecall6-0033_1.pdf
Toy Recall Statistics Information Center
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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