WATCH's 2006 List Of Ten Potentially

W.A.T.C.H. Group (World Against Toys Causing Harm), for the 34th time, has published an annual list of 10 toys with the title 'Most Dangerous Toys of 2006' to watch out for. 'Don't assume that all the toys are safe' says James Swartz, an attorney and director of Boston-based WATCH, which is being funded by donations.

He added that toy shelves are potentially stocked with dangerous toys which may cause a choking hazards to eye injuries. Mattel's recall of about 4.4 million Polly Pocket sets, announced Tuesday, is just one example of what can happen. WATCH suggested that the parents too have to take some responsibilities in this issue.

WATCH's mission is to alert manufacturers and others. The mission aims that 'there needs to be more attention paid in the design process, in the testing process ... because the manufacturers are in the best position to know the toys, know the regulations.'

Moreover WATCH suggests that it would be better if the toy companies, retailers and the Government listen and act when dangerous toys are brought to their attention, which might help in reducing the list of the same hazards and the same injuries getting repeated year after year. The current facts prove that the existing standards are inadequate and more priority is needed in safeguarding the children.

List Of Ten Dangerous Toys (not in any particular order)

1. Heelys : Most popular shoes that has removable wheels at the heels - can cause serious bodily harm, head injuries, spinal injuries or even death.

2. Z Launcher : Turbo water balloon launcher, capable of launching balloons up to 100 feet with 'direct hit accuracy' - could provoke facial and choking injuries.

3. Pram Decoration : Blossoms that is sold to be placed on a stroller or on a crib - possibilities of children becoming entangled in the string - potential choking hazard for babies.

4. Pyramid Stacker : a pottery barn kids stacking toy composed of multicolored pieces that are stacked one upon the other - can cause blunt impact and potential injuries.

5. Bow & Arrow Set : The set comes with rubber-tipped, solid wood arrows, however, can be removed - can cause severe injuries (weaponry should not be sold as toys to children).

6. Zip-Ity Do Dolly : the doll that encourage children in learning activities including buttoning and zipping and that has many detachable pieces marketed for ages 1 and up - the detachable parts could be eaten by kids causing potential choking hazard.

7. Lil Snoopy : a dog that can be placed on cribs or playpens with a 27 long cord - potential for causing strangulations and entanglement injuries.

8. Superman Lamp : Colorful electric lamp not a toy - possibilities of generating shock injuries for young children.

9. Sky Blaster : All in one rocket launcher - could result in eye injuries.

10. Fear Factor Candy Challenge : Product encourages kids to engage in a competition to eat - could cause ingestion injuries.

For more details visit http://toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.html

Source-Medindia
SRI

WATCH's 2006 List Of Ten Potentially-Dangerous Toys