FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Dec. 11, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

North Andover Public Health Department Provides Toy Safety Tips

NORTH ANDOVER – As residents continue their holiday shopping, the North Andover Public Health Department is reminding everyone of several safety tips to consider when selecting gifts, especially for children.

“Shopping for kids can be fun and exciting with so many toys to choose from, but it is extremely important to keep certain precautions in mind to prevent injury,” said Brian LaGrasse, North Andover Director of Public Health. “Please consider these safety tips and be mindful of the toys you pick for young children.”

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2016 there were an estimated 240,000 toy-related injuries treated in emergency rooms in the United States. Of these injuries, 39 percent were classified as lacerations, contusions or abrasions, and 45 percent were to the head and face area, the most commonly affected area of the body.

To prevent injury, the North Andover Health Department recommends the following tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

Shopping for Gifts

• Check for safety labels that say the toy is non-toxic as well as age recommendations for the item;
• Find games that meet your child’s abilities, age, and interest; and
• Pick products with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) label. The label means that it has met the national safety standards.

Toy Safety at Home

• Stay attentive by incorporating safe practices in their playtime.
• Remain up-to-date with recent recalls. If your child owns one of the items recalled make sure to remove it.
• Tell your child to clean up after playtime. Safely organizing toys can prevent accidents such as tripping or falling.
• Avoid toys with tiny parts for children younger than 3 years old. These small items pose a choking hazard.
• Examine toys for safety hazards, pointed edges, and broken pieces.
• Use a small parts tester to make sure toys don’t pose a choking hazard.

For more information about toy safety standards and recalls, contact CPSC or the North Andover Department of Public Health at 978-688-9540.

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