When we buy a toy, we rarely wonder if it is safe for our children. But we do wrong.
W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm), is an organization created by an American lawyer concerned about the risks that some toys may have for children.
Its founder, Edward M. Swartz states that each toy box can contain a deadly trap. His experience of more than thirty years as a lawyer in the toy industry has made him aware of the true risk of some products.
Swartz gives us some caveats to keep in mind before buying them:
- Beware of toys purchased on the internet, without instructions or age recommendations.
- Watch out for battery toys. It could sulfate, overheat or explode.
- Watch out for toys with skin or hair. The fibers could be swallowed or aspirated.
- Watch out for toys with small pieces added, with ties or strips.
- Watch out for projectile toys that can cause eye damage.
- Watch out for toys with sharp tips or pointed accessories.
- Watch out for toys made of flammable material.
- Watch out for toys with toxic surfaces or components. The foundation W.A.T.C.H, whose acronym means "monitor" or "control" in English, was created nonprofit and has developed a program called Toys, You and the Real World, where he tries to educate young people, parents and educators about the importance of a safer world.
Edward M. Swartz is the author of two books on the subject: Toys That Don't Care Y Toys That Kills and since 1973 annually manufactures a list of the 10 worst toys of the year. Thanks to including some toys on his blacklist, he has succeeded in getting manufacturers to replace potentially dangerous components. Without a doubt, the toy makers will take pains not to be part of the list next year.
AdvertisingAlthough it is a simple scratch or the slightest damage, it is too much. The first and last function of toys should be to educate and entertain our children, without causing them any harm.
Official website | toysafety.org
