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Nov 18, 2009 1:54 pm US/Central
W.A.T.C.H. Releases "10 Worst Toys" List For '09
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The non-profit charitable corporation World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has released its 2009 "10 Worst Toys" list. The annual list points out toys that have the potential to cause childhood injuries, or even death.
The 2009 list consists of:
THE DARK KNIGHT BATMAN FIGURE:
According to W.A.T.C.H., Batman's mask includes two 1" ears made of pointed, rigid plastic. The group warns that toddlers may fall on the ears which have the potential for penetrating and blunt-force injuries.
X-MEN ORIGINS SLASHIN' ACTION WOLVERINE:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the action figure has rigid, pointed plastic claws sporting three 1 1/2" protrusions on both fists. The right "pop-out" claw retracts upon impact, whereas the left claw remains rigid upon contact. There are no warnings on either the box or the toy itself.
PUCCI PUPS MALTESE:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the pet's leash is approximately 35" long, presenting a serious potential strangulation hazard. The industry's standard limits strings on crib and playpen toys to 12" in length. The long, fiber-like hair is not adequately rooted and is easily removable, presenting a choking hazard for small children.
CURIOUS BABY CURIOUS GEORGE COUNTING - MY FIRST BOOK OF NUMBERS:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the book has a 6 1/2" long metal rod, holding five wooden beads, imbedded in between the cardboard-like pages. The beads are meant to serve as a "rattle" and a "counting device for babies of different ages." W.A.T.C.H. says the rod and beads have the potential to dislodge, posing a potentially serious risk of ingestion and choking injuries.
LOTS TO LOVE BABIES - "mini nursery":
According to W.A.T.C.H., the doll comes with its own bathtub. The tub has a small plastic shower attachment, connected by a thin plastic cord. Once detached, the shower head fails the industry's inadequate small parts "choke tube" standard.
CAT - "rugged mini":
According to W.A.T.C.H., the vehicle's axles and wheels have the potential to separate from the chassis; exposing a solid metal spoke over 3" long, which could cause serious puncture wounds.
SPY GEAR VIPER-BLASTER:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the blaster shoots the supplied "darts" with enough force to potentially cause eye injuries.
JUST KIDZ JUNIOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the slender, 4 1/4" drumstick is connected to the xylophone only by a knotted cord. Once separated, the drumstick could block a child's airway.
MOON BOARD POGO BOARD:
According to W.A.T.C.H., numerous "safety tips" are provided on the package, including: "Remember that the cord connecting your Moon Board to the trick handle is elastic. If stretched and released, it could spring back and cause injury". The tips also say, "Only use your Moon Board in safe areas that are free of any obstacles" and "Do not attempt 'tricks' beyond your skill level."
DISNEY-PIXAR WALL-E FOAM ROCKET LAUNCHER:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the packaging contains inconsistent labeling, stating that the projectile toy is "FOR ALL AGES!" But the back of the package advises that the toy is "not recommended for children under three." The rocket launches at a high rate of speed with the potential to cause serious eye injuries.
W.A.T.C.H advises parents to open toy packaging, if possible, while shopping to look for potential hazards not readily evident. Parents should pull on the toys to see if they come apart into smaller pieces that could pose choking or ingestion hazards. Adults should also think about how their children will actually use the toys.
Click here to get more information from W.A.T.C.H.
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