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In the 1983 classic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story”, all the young hero wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun. But, his mom and teachers all warn, “you’ll shoot your eye out.” Indeed, it’s the season that we all strive, like Ralphie’s dad, to bestow gifts that we hope will satisfy the greatest desires of those most dear — the young ones in our life. But, the thrill of new toys can also pose hazards to those we love most. A recent report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that in 2021 there were more than 152,000 toy-related emergency department treated injuries to children younger than 15. Common injuries involved lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the child’s face and head. Scooters and other riding toys were among those most likely to cause injury. But, fatalities involved choking on a small part of the toy or suffocating on a soft toy in the sleep environment.
In November, the Senate Subcommittee On Consumer Protection, Product Safety, And Data Security held a hearing entitled, “Hidden Holiday Hazards: Product Safety During The Holiday Season.”
Here are some tips based on testimony at that hearing and on recommendations from the CPSC:
We hope you that you have a wonderful holiday season, stay safe and enjoy sharing those gifts with your kids and loved ones, and that no one gets their tongue frozen to a lamppost!