Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/753672
(SAFE) TREASURES of Childhood Two-year old Brandon had claimed one of his eight-year-old sister's favorite dolls after finding it behind the sofa. "Mine!" he shouted when she tried to pry it from his sticky hands. HIS SISTER GAVE UP and moved on to a different toy while Brandon gleefully played with the doll. He managed to pull off one of the doll's shoes and popped it into his mouth to chew. Within a few minutes, Brandon sucked the small shoe down his throat where it lodged, cutting off his air supply. Noticing that her little brother was choking, Brandon's sister screamed for their mother, who rushed into the room. As she tried to dislodge what Brandon was choking on, she instructed her daughter to call 911. Stories like Brandon's are not uncommon: More than 250,000 children in the United States under the age of 15 were seen in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2014—and more than one-third of those children were age five and younger. While the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) increased oversight of toy safety regulations in 1995, requiring that all toys made in or imported into the U.S. after that year meet CPSC standards, some toys can still be hazardous to children. SIGHTS ON SAFETY When you are toy shopping, a few strategies that consider the child's well- being can help you choose items that will be safe as well as loved. Avoid toys with loose ribbons, strings or plastic parts that could become detached and be a choking hazard. Inspect stuffed toys to ensure that they are well constructed and to check that they are machine washable so that construction is not compromised if the toy is washed. Shop for art materials that have a non-toxic label. Crayons, paints and other coloring materials should have an ASTM D-4236 label on the package, indicating that they have been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Ensure that electric-powered toys include a UL label, indicating that they meet Underwriters Laboratories safety standards. Steer clear of painted toys or purchase only those with labels thrive WIN T ER 2 017/ / W W W.N Y M.O RG 16 K I D Z O N E