Safety tips on toys

Soldiers Magazine, Dec, 2004 by Beth Reece

PLAYING Santa this year? Be sure the toys you purchase won't lead to injuries.

Toy safety is assessed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and reports are published by such agencies as the Toy Industry Association. Parents should read package labels and instructions for proper usage and age appropriateness before buying.

When buying toys on the Internet, check to see if the manufacturers comply with U.S. toy regulations. And be sure toys sold at discount or at auction sites have not been recalled by the CPSC as hazardous.

For information on dangerously loud toys, potential choking, strangulation, projectile or toxic toys, go to www.pirg.org/toysafety.

For information on a particular toy, safety standards, safe-play guidelines and potential hazards, go to www.toy-tia.erg.vetsday/page.cfm?pg=19.

For CPSC's toy-safety publication. Go to www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/toy_sfy.html.