The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced it is considering a ban of certain hazardous baby rattles which present a risk of choking or suffocation to young children.
Five deaths and eight near deaths associated with "layette" rattles have been reported to the Commission. These plastic rattles are crib toys and are intended for use by very young children. The rattles associated with the incidents reported to CPSC are approximately four inches in length and are shaped like telephone receivers, bar-bells, clothespins, and safety pins. The Commission advises parents not to leave infants unattended with such toys or other similar small objects which can be placed in the mouth, thus presenting a choking hazard.
The Commission staff is reviewing a new Canadian regulation which sets specific size limitations for baby rattles. The staff will also explore other possible regulatory options including a product-by-product ban.
It is anticipated that the staff recommendations will be presented to the Commissioners for action in the next few weeks.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
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