Toy
Why Kids Are at Risk

Falls and choking account for the majority of toy-related deaths and injuries. Choking is one of the most common cause of toy-related death (54 percent in 2002), and latex balloons are the biggest culprit. 

Riding toys (including unpowered scooters) are associated with more injuries than any other toy group –  an estimated 71,500 in 2002. Death may occur when a child is hit by a motor vehicle, or when a child rides the toy into a pool, pond or other body of water. The majority of riding toy-related injuries occur when children fall from toys.

Children can also suffer from strangulation, burns, drowning and poisoning while playing with toys. 

Other risk factors:

• Children ages 4 and under account for nearly half of toy-related injuries and almost 90 percent of deaths.

• Children ages 3 and under are at greater risk of choking than older children, due to their tendency to put things in their mouths and the small size of their airways. However, older children are just as likely to choke on latex balloons.

• The majority of toy-related injuries are minor. Approximately 97 percent of children seen in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries are treated and released.

• Toy Safety
• Protecting Your Family

• Protecting Communities

• Frequently Asked Questions