CHRISTMAS GIFTS Annual warning: Inspect the toys

The Trouble in Toyland report lists toys that could potentially harm children.
COLUMBUS -- As parents and other Santa's helpers head to the toy stores to fill Christmas dreams, one consumer group warns consumers not to turn those dreams into nightmares with dangerous toys.
"Even one toy-related death is too many, because these deaths are preventable," said Mara Friedman, an associate with Ohio Public Interest Research Group.
According to PIRG, more than 200,000 people throughout the United States were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2003, with more than a third of those injuries involving children under 5. Eleven children 15 and younger died from toy-related injuries that same year, the group reported.
The PIRG has released its annual Trouble in Toyland report that lists toys that could potentially harm children through choking, strangulation or other type of injury.
On the list
Among this year's list of potential choking hazards are: Fun Years Music Big Drum Musical Set; Pals On the Go; Two By Two Coloring Book with animal-shaped crayons; assorted rings; Hot Wheels Rev Ups; Spiderman Web Attack with Missile Launcher; Air Foam Fling Ball; Lisa Frank Stationery Sticks; Disney Princess Super Ball; and balloons.
PIRG advises the use of choke tubes or toilet paper rolls to determine if a piece is too small for a child.
According to the report, some of the toys with small parts have "play value" for children under 3 even though they are marked with small parts warning labels, some are simply not labeled and others are mislabeled.
Those toys listed in the report as posing strangulation hazards are: Bungee Roos; and Water Yo-Yo Balls.
Friedman said the Water Yo-Yo Balls are appearing on the list for a second year.
"Its shocking it still made the list," she said. "It's still out there."
In Ohio
As of October 2004, Ohio saw 17 injuries caused by the toy and nearly 400 were reported throughout the United States, according to the group, which said the toy can get wrapped tightly around a child's neck or cause injuries to the eyes, face and head.
Among the dangerously loud toys on the list were: Learn Through Music; Barbie Princess Musical CD Boombox; Power Gear Star Blaster Set; and Radical Rhythms Guitar.
According to PIRG, the toys can cause hearing loss in children after prolonged use.
Potentially toxic toys on the list include a variety of make-ups with popular names including Hilary Duff Twinkle Toes Pedicure Set and Hello Kitty Star Glitter Nail Polish, as well as art supplies such as FIMO Modeling Material and Sculpey Oven-Bake Clay.
Friedman admitted the toy list in the Ohio PIRG report is only a sample of potentially hazardous toys available to consumers.
"Shoppers should examine all toys carefully for hidden dangers before they make a purchase this holiday season," Friedman said. "While most manufacturers comply with the law, parents should not assume that all toys on store shelves are safe or adequately labeled."
Copies of the report and toy safety tips are available at www.toysafety.net.