Trouble in Toyland: Bollinger warns about dangerous toys
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma and Injury Prevention Manager Amy Bollinger joined Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and consumer watchdog group PennPIRG at the state capitol on Nov. 20 to discuss dangerous toys during the holiday shopping season.
PennPIRG released a report about toys that contain toxic chemicals and choking hazards, and Bollinger educated consumers on what to know and what to look for before buying toys for children. She warned caregivers to be aware of toys with small parts, toys or electronics with button batteries, mobile toys like bikes and scooters and older toys that may no longer adhere to current safety standards.
“We care for more than 800 injured children and their families every year, and unfortunately, we do care for children who die from unsafe toys,” Bollinger said. “The leading cause of death for children under age 19 is unintentional injuries. We want parents and caregivers to understand that there are ways to prevent the unthinkable from happening, and education about safety is the first step.”
See the 33rd annual “Trouble in Toyland” safety report on the U.S. PIRG website. Also, Bollinger will share more tips in “Ask Us Anything About…Toy Safety,” a live interview on the Hershey Medical Center Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pennsthershey) at noon on Thursday, Nov. 29.
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