Just 30 toys have been recalled in fiscal year 2014, one of which involved a lead violation. This compares to 172 recalls in 2008, 19 of which were due to excessive lead content. The majority of recalls announced last year involved ingestion and mechanical hazards that posed a threat of injury to children.

Toy-related deaths involving children younger than 15 continue to decrease from 19 deaths in 2010, to 18 in 2011, 16 in 2012, and nine in 2013 (based on reports, to date).  The majority of the toy-related fatalities in 2013 were attributed to asphyxiation or choking; six of the nine fatalities were from choking on small parts, such as parts of toy figures, a rubber ball, balloon, plastic toy food and a marble. As more death reports are received, CPSC staff expects the total for 2013 to be higher than nine.

According to the CPSC, many of the injuries and deaths reported were associated with, but not necessarily caused by, a toy. This only means that a toy was being used when a death or injury occurred (for example, a child riding a scooter who was struck by a vehicle). Such incidents are classified as “toy-related” rather than “toy-caused.”

CPSC works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to keep violative products off of store shelves and out of consumers’ homes. The Toy Industry Association (TIA) works in close cooperation with both government agencies to ensure that toys which violate applicable standards do not enter into the United States and remain out of the hands of children. 
CPSC has also joined forces with Health Canada and the Consumer Protection Agency of the United Mexican States (Profeco) to create “a safer toy shopping marketplace for North America’s families this holiday season.” The three consumer protection agencies are collaborating through the enforcement of strong safety standards, inspections at import, and attention to quality and safety in overseas manufacturing.

“We are all working together this holiday season with one goal in mind – [to ensure] that the toys North America’s parents bring home for their children are safe,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. “Our work with Health Canada and Profeco will continue to strengthen the marketplace and build consumer confidence in the safety of the North American marketplace, especially for children’s toys.”
The following are some safety tips for consumers to keep in mind this holiday season:

·                                 Magnets – Children's magnetic toys are covered by a strong safety standard that prevents magnets from being swallowed. High-powered magnet sets that have small magnets are dangerous and should be kept away from children. Whether marketed for children or adults, building and play sets with small magnets should also be kept away from small children.

·                                 Balloons – Children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight years old. Discard torn balloons immediately.

·                                 Small balls and other toys with small parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

·                                 Scooters and other riding toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and they should be sized to fit.

Once gifts are open:

·                                 Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

·                                 Battery charging should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.