Acknowledgment

Patient's Page

Authors: Melissa Bright, BA

Abstract

Toy Safety: Thinking Inside the Box


When viewing play as a child's work and toys as a child's tools, toy selection becomes serious business.1 Government regulations on toys have been in place since 1972, when the United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission (USCPSC) was formed.2 However, as 2007 saw the highest number of recalls (18 million toys) in history, public awareness about toy safety has become an essential component of child safety.1 The three areas of concern are age-appropriateness, toy construction, and parental supervision.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. “Which Toy for Which Child: A Consumer's Guide for Selecting Suitable Toys.” US Consumer Product and Safety Commission [Online]. Available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/285.pdf. Accessed July 30, 2008.
 
2. Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC History. US Consumer Product and Safety Commission [Online]. Available at: http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/05/us-consumer-product-safety-commission-cpsc.html. Accessed July 30, 2008.
 
3. For Kid's Sake. US Consumer Product and Safety Commission [Online]. Available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/281.html. Accessed September 2, 2008.
 
4. Children's Health: Lead Poisoning. Mayo Clinic [Online]. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lead-poisoning/FL00068. Accessed September 3, 2008.
 
5. “Fisher-Price Recalls 1M Toys.” CNN [Online]. Available at: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/01/toy.recall.ap/index.html. Accessed September 8, 2008.
 
6. “US-China to Halt Lead Paint.” BBC [Online]. Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6990733.stm. Accessed September 8, 2008.