34 Facts About Dangerous Toys

The History of Dangerous Toys

Toys have been around for centuries, but not all have been safe. Some have caused injuries, and others have even been banned. Here are some shocking facts about dangerous toys throughout history.

1. Lawn Darts: These sharp, weighted darts were responsible for numerous injuries and even deaths before being banned in the late 1980s.
2. Aqua Dots: Marketed as a fun craft toy, Aqua Dots contained a chemical that, when ingested, metabolized into GHB, a powerful sedative.
3. Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kids: These dolls had mechanical jaws that could chew, leading to incidents where children's fingers and hair got caught.
4. Easy-Bake Oven: This popular toy caused burns and finger entrapments, leading to multiple recalls over the years.
5. Sky Dancers: These flying dolls had hard plastic wings that could cause eye injuries and facial cuts.

Toxic Toys

Some toys have been found to contain harmful chemicals, posing serious health risks to children. Here are a few examples.

6. Bindeez Beads: Similar to Aqua Dots, these beads contained a chemical that turned into GHB when ingested, causing several children to fall into comas.
7. Lead Paint on Toys: Many toys, especially those manufactured before regulations tightened, contained lead paint, which can cause severe health issues if ingested.
8. Slime Toys: Some slime toys have been found to contain high levels of boron, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and other health problems.
9. Phthalates in Plastic Toys: These chemicals, used to make plastic flexible, have been linked to hormonal disruptions and other health issues.
10. Asbestos in Crayons: Some crayons have been found to contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Choking Hazards

Small parts can pose a significant choking risk for young children. Here are some toys that have been particularly dangerous.

11. Kinder Surprise Eggs: These chocolate eggs contain small toys inside, which have been banned in the U.S. due to choking hazards.
12. Magnetix Building Sets: Small magnets in these sets can be swallowed, causing serious internal injuries if they attract inside the body.
13. Polly Pocket Dolls: These tiny dolls and their accessories have been responsible for numerous choking incidents.
14. Yo-Yo Water Balls: These stretchy, liquid-filled balls can wrap around a child's neck, posing a strangulation hazard.
15. Toy Jewelry: Small beads and charms on toy jewelry can easily be swallowed by young children.

Fire Hazards

Some toys have been known to catch fire or cause burns. Here are a few examples.

16. Hoverboards: These self-balancing scooters have been known to catch fire due to faulty batteries.
17. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab: This 1950s science kit contained real radioactive materials, posing a significant health risk.
18. Creepy Crawlers: These kits allowed children to make rubbery bugs using a hot plate, leading to numerous burn injuries.
19. Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper: This toy spaceship had a missile-firing mechanism that caused eye injuries and was eventually recalled.
20. Clackers: These hard plastic balls on strings could shatter and cause eye injuries or burns from friction.

Sharp Edges and Points

Toys with sharp edges or points can cause cuts and puncture wounds. Here are some notorious examples.

21. Jarts: Another name for lawn darts, these toys had sharp metal tips that could cause serious injuries.
22. Toy Guns with Darts: Some toy guns shoot darts with sharp tips, leading to eye injuries and other accidents.
23. Metal Toy Cars: Older metal toy cars often had sharp edges that could cause cuts and scrapes.
24. Kite Strings: Some kite strings are coated with glass or other abrasive materials, posing a risk of cuts and abrasions.
25. Buckyballs: These small, powerful magnets can cause serious injuries if swallowed and can also pinch fingers.

Misleading Advertisements

Sometimes, toys are marketed in a way that misleads parents about their safety. Here are a few examples.

26. CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit: This kit contained asbestos, despite being marketed as a safe educational toy.
27. Aqua Leisure Inflatable Baby Boats: These boats were marketed as safe for infants but had a tendency to tear, causing children to fall into the water.
28. Yo-Yo Water Balls: Marketed as fun and safe, these toys posed a strangulation hazard.
29. Magnetix Building Sets: Advertised as safe, these sets contained small magnets that could cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.
30. Sky Dancers: Marketed as harmless flying dolls, these toys caused numerous injuries due to their hard plastic wings.

Recalls and Bans

Many dangerous toys have been recalled or banned to protect children. Here are some notable examples.

31. Lawn Darts: Banned in the late 1980s due to numerous injuries and deaths.
32. Aqua Dots: Recalled after it was discovered they contained a chemical that turned into GHB when ingested.
33. Easy-Bake Oven: Multiple recalls over the years due to burn injuries and finger entrapments.
34. Hoverboards: Many models have been recalled due to fire hazards caused by faulty batteries.

Staying Safe with Toys

Toy safety matters. Dangerous toys can cause serious harm. Always check for sharp edges, small parts, and toxic materials. Look for safety certifications like ASTM or CE marks. Supervise young children during playtime, especially with new toys. Avoid toys with long strings or cords for toddlers to prevent strangulation.

Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear. Broken parts can become hazards. Educate kids on proper toy use. Teach them not to put small items in their mouths.

Be cautious with second-hand toys. They might not meet current safety standards. Stay informed about toy recalls. Sign up for alerts from consumer safety organizations.

By staying vigilant, you can ensure playtime remains fun and safe. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting your loved ones.