Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 19, 1993 TAG: 9311190054
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Rep. Cardiss Collins, D-Ill., said 186 children have choked to death on toys in the last 10 years.
Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., said 31 children died last year from dangerous toys and 160,000 others were treated at hospitals. Bryan is cosponsoring a bill with Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.
They were among the legislators at a news conference at which the Institute for Injury Reduction displayed toys that can jab out eyes, smash fingers and burn skin.
Ben Kelley, the private institute's president, displayed several toys, explaining how each could kill or injure a child.
Arrows became deadly projectiles when the rubber tips were easily pulled off. A coverlet and a sleeping bag, both with the children's TV character Barney the dinosaur on them, were flammable.
A sword advertised as having a safe, soft, plastic blade, hacked an apple in two. A plastic ax with a spear point on the shaft penetrated an apple.
Most of the toys were cited because they, or their detachable parts, could be swallowed.
Kelley said parents should reject toys that:
Have detachable parts that will fit inside an empty toilet paper roll.
Look, smell or taste like fruits, candy, drinks or any food.
Include a long rope, chain, string or elastic band could encircle children's necks.
He also discouraged baby walkers, saying they cause tens of thousands of injuries each year.
by CNB