Toys (Last Updated 06/19/2008)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is participating in voluntary standard activities related to toy safety. CPSC staff is currently working with the ASTM F15.22 Toy Safety Subcommittee to develop performance requirements for ASTM F963-03 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety.

In 2004, there were an estimated 210,300 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Seventy-seven percent (161,100) of the injuries for 2004 were to children under 15 years of age, and 35 percent (72,800) were to children under 5. CPSC also has reports of 16 toy-related deaths involving children under age 15 that occurred in 2004. Seven deaths occurred when the child choked or aspirated a toy.

CPSC staff is working with ASTM to address issues related to toy safety including sound pressure levels (acoustics) of toys that are designed to emit noise, flammability, and jaw entrapment, as well as working on the development of requirements to address toys that have cords, elastics, and straps; projectile toys; and toys containing magnets.

Additional Information

Safety Alerts: Consumer Alert: Fire Hazard with Remote-Controlled Helicopters and Airplanes Small Magnets Are Injuring Children; CPSC Releases Stronger Warning to Parents Ingested Magnets Can Cause Serious Intestinal Injuries (pdf) Handle on Squeeze Toy Kills Infant

Fact Sheets: Child Safety Protection Act Fact Sheet Choking on Small Balls Dangers of Electric Toys Caps for Toy Guns Strangulation with Crib Toys Suffocation Danger with Children’s Balloons Strings and Straps on Toys can Strangle Young Children Toy Safety Shopping Tips Think Toy Safety Toy Safety Coloring Book Consumer’s Guide for Selecting Suitable Toys – Ages 0-5 Consumer’s Guide for Selecting Suitable Toys – Ages 6 -12 Dangers of Toy Chest Lids

Incident Data: Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries, Calendar Year 2004

Voluntary Standard and Code Activities: ASTM F15.22 Subcommittee Concurrent Letter Ballot F15 (08-06) (Toy Magnets), June 24, 2008 ASTM F15.22 and ASTM 963 Rechargeable batteries and toys, February 25, 2008 ASTM F15.22 Toy Safety Meeting, February 12, 2007 ASTM F15.22 Toy Safety Meeting, September 26, 2006 ASTM F15.22 Toy Safety Meeting, June 6, 2006 Correspondence to Underwriters Laboratories, UL 507 Electric Fans August 4, 2005. Re: Request for requirements for continuous use inflatable products Correspondence to ASTM F15.22 Subcommittee Chair April 7, 2005. Re: Request to upgrade requirements for folding mechanisms and hinges associated with children’s folding chairs

CPSC Staff Reports, Memoranda and Contracts: Hazard Screening Report – Toys

ASTM International: For additional information on ASTM F963-03, Toy Safety, contact Katharine Morgan at kmorgan@astm.org or ASTM International at http://www.astm.org

Contact CPSC For additional information or to comment, please contact cpsc-os@cpsc.gov Join a voluntary standards Email Subscription List