Many toys fail basic
safety standards tests
Almost half of 30 toys assessed by CHOICE are a possible
choking hazard.
A CHOICE examination of 30 toys has shown 14 did not pass one or more
of the safety tests from the Australian standard and could present a
choking danger.
The consumer watchdog targeted toys that would appeal to under-threes,
including puzzles, bath toys, action figures and battery-powered items.
The items were purchased from various outlets ranging from larger retailers
to $2 discount stores.
CHOICE conducted the tests in the wake of toy recalls involving well-known
brands and lead paint. While none of the samples exceeded the maximum
permitted lead levels, almost half didn't pass one or more safety
test from the toys standard and could become a choking hazard.
The standard states they must not contain small parts that present
a choking hazard, or produce any when subjected to tests designed to
simulate normal use such as dropping, pressing or pulling.
Eleven had small parts break off after the CHOICE testers applied pressure
or tension. A wooden puzzle and two sets of squeezy toys had parts small
enough to present a choking hazard. Four had easy access to battery
compartments.
"While there's been widespread concern about lead paint
on toys, another big risk to children from toys is the danger of choking
to death," said CHOICE media spokesman Christopher Zinn.
"CHOICE thinks the current piecemeal approach to toy safety regulation
puts the young at risk. Australia needs a single agency to replace the
current mixture of national, state and territory regulations."
The onus is on manufacturers and distributors to ensure
products comply with the standards. These apply to any toy that could
be reasonably regarded as suitable for a three year old or under, regardless
of how it is labelled.
Want to know more? See the full CHOICE
report.
Media Release courtesy of CHOICE.
Release Date: 4th December 2007
Back to Media Releases
|
