Coolest Toys

According to World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH), 18 children died and hundreds were injured in toy-related mishaps last year. And every year, the watchdog group comes out with its top ten worst toys list in the hopes that parents will avoid such tragedies in the future. This year, the list includes:

- The Sportsman Shotgun by Parris Manufacturing Company. The Shotgun fires rubber bullets that have the potential to cause serious eye injury. Then again, any toy from BB Guns to Nerf air guns shoot a projectile that can injure the eye. In addition, the toy shotgun is covered with warnings against pointing it at others faces and eyes and warns of eye injuries. And suggests that it not be used by children under 14. Truth is, if parents are paying attention, and if they give such a toy to a proper aged children, this can be as safe as a bb gun. Still, to be safe, NERF Air soft guns are a fun and excellent alternative.

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Hasbro has acknowledged that it is aware of the legs of the new Star Wars AT-TE toy are incapable of supporting the weight of the toy and pop off. The issue apparently stems for problems in quality control and Hasbro is working on a solution which it hopes to have to customers soon.

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Here’s a few highlighted toy recalls for the month of June from the Consumer Product Safety Commission Website:

Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Sold Exclusively in Walgreens Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards by TWIE. TWIE has received two reports of helicopters catching fire. No injuries or property damage have been reported. Consumers should immediately stop playing with the recalled helicopters and contact TWIE for a full refund. Returns will be accepted by TWIE. Walgreens will not accept returns or provide a refund. (very nice, Walgreens. Way to stand behind the products of death you sell).

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China revokes Toy export licenses

Bowing to international pressure after a long string of toy recalls from hazardously high levels of lead in paint and other faulty manufacturing issues, the Chinese government has revoked the export licences of 700 toy factories. Revocation came after an extensive inspection of more than 3,500 toy makers since last August after Chinese-made toys were recalled due to either design flaws or being found with toxic levels of lead in the paint used to decorate the toys.

“After the inspection, the overall situation regarding the production of toys for export has been greatly improved,” said Li Changjiang, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine

Widespread safety issues with everything from food to toys and other exports have created heightened tensions in trade relations with Europe and the United States. One of China’s leading export officials was arrested recently for accepting bribes to look the other way and now, this widespread revocation shows that Beijing is very serious about trade relations globally.

China exports around 22 billion toys every year. That’s a lot of plastic and a lot of money, so it make sense that China would eventually respond to the pressure to clean up its export act.

Hat Tip: Agency France Presse

According to WaPo, about 11,000 Adventure and Create-N-Adventure wooden play sets sold at Wal-Mart and Toys R Us this year are being recalled. The recall covers playsets manufactured manufactured by Adventure Playsets of Amarillo, and include:

Pathfinder Wooden Swingset Model 65008
Conqueror Wooden Swingset Model 65208
The Windsor Wooden Swingset Model 30108
Cedar Ridge Wooden Swingset Model 30008

The problem is with the unit’s Swing Glider hangars which can break causing a child to fall and suffer injuries. The units affected were purchased between Jan. 1, 2008 and May 20, 2008. Units purchased after May 20, 2008 are not affected.

Owners are encouraged to stop using the swingsets immediately and order replacement hangers at 1-866-546-7902.

Following are toy recalls as of May 2008:

7,000 Infant Rattles Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

- 7,000 Tumble Tower Infant Rattles by Manhattan Group LLC and sold from September 2007 through April 2008 have been recalled after discovering that the blue plastic end caps of the rattle can break, exposing small parts that pose a choking hazard to young children. More information here.

17,300 Playground Swing Sets Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

- Approximately 17,300 Playground Swing Sets sold to daycare centers and children’s learning centers from January 2007 through February 2008 by Playworld Systems Inc. have been recalled after discovering that the clevis bearing on the swing set can wear, causing the swing to detach and the user to fall. More information here.

84,000 Children’s Storage Bins Recalled Due to Lead

– Lowe’s parent company L G Sourcing, Inc. is recalling about 84,000 Children’s Storage Bins, sold from March 2007 through February 2008, after discovering that paint on the bins could contain excessive levels of lead. More information here.

71,000 Nintendo Lapel Pins Recalled Due to Lead

– Nintendo of America Inc. has recalled about 71,000 collector Character-Themed Lapel Pins, which were sold at Nintendo stores in Redmond, Washington, and New York, New York, between April 2004 and November 2007, due to high levels of lead in the paint used. More information here.

Hat Tip: Parents.com

Following is a brief list of toy recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

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