Overview
Toy Safety
While most toys on store shelves are safe, we continue to find toys
that pose a range of safety hazards to small children. As a result,
parents and other child-care providers need to remain vigilant in order
to prevent toy-related deaths and injuries.
Recently, PennPIRG broadened the scope of unsafe toys to include toys
labeled as phthalate-free. Our analysis last year shows that even some
products labeled phthalate-free contain the dangerous chemical.
Playground Safety
Playgrounds should be exciting
places where children can have fun and learn. Sadly, each year 150,000 children
go to the hospital and 15 children die due to injuries sustained while playing
on playground equipment. Many of these injuries and deaths could be prevented
if playgrounds equipment, surfacing and layout were designed with safety in
mind. Parents should accompany children to playgrounds and check all equipment
for safety. Urge local officials to remedy problems. For a free copy of the
Consumer Federation of America's "Parents' Safety Checklist" or "Home
Playground Equipment Safety" brochures, mail request and self-addressed,
stamped envelope to PennPIRG.
