Toys to avoid during the holiday season

The Black Friday shopping frenzy started earlier than usual this year, with many shoppers leaving the dinner table on Thanksgiving to seek deals on the latest gadgets and toys. In anticipation of early holiday shopping, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) released its annual safety guide. The publication is geared towards warning parents about potentially dangerous toys.

According to a WebMD.com report, this year’s report named “Trouble in Toyland” focuses on toys that are filled with toxic chemicals, toys with small parts that can create a choking hazard, as well as noisy toys that could potentially damage a child’s hearing. While not every potentially dangerous toy was listed, cautions focused on the following:

•- Dora the Explorer Guitar manufactured by Fisher-Price. According to PIRG, the toy emits more than 85 decibels (dB) of sound. A warning was issued because noises over 80 dB may damage a child’s hearing.

•- Play Food, manufactured by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. PIRG issued a warning for this product because the food looks like it should be eaten (when it should not be), and that the small hot dogs present a choking hazard.

•- Dora the Explorer backpack, manufactured by Global Design Concepts Inc. PIRG reports that it has phthalates, dangerous chemicals that could make a child sick.

As a matter of law, manufacturers can be held liable if their products harm consumers or make them sick. They have a duty to make sure that their products are safe and work as advertised. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective toy, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you.

Source: WebMD.com, 2012 Unsafe Toy List: Dora Guitar, Dora Backpack, More