November 19, 2009

As you start your holiday shopping there are a few dangerous toys parents should be on the look out for this season.

World Against Toys Causing Harm ( W.A.T.C.H.) is warning parents mostly about toys that include attachments that could cause serious injury.

This is the complete W.A.T.C.H. list of dangerous toys for 2009.

1.) THE DARK KNIGHT BATMAN FIGURE:
According to W.A.T.C.H., Batman's mask includes two 1 inch ears made of pointed, rigid plastic. Toddlers may fall on them with the potential for penetrating and blunt-force injuries.

2.) X-MEN ORIGINS SLASHIN' ACTION WOLVERINE:
According to W.A.T.C.H., it has rigid, pointed plastic claws sporting three 1 ½ inch protrusions on both fists. The right "pop-out" claw retracts upon impact, whereas the left claw remains rigid and unforgiving upon contact. There are no warnings on either the box or the toy itself.

3.) PUCCI PUPS MALTESE:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the pet's leash is approximately 35 inches long, presenting a serious potential strangulation hazard. The industry's standard limits strings on crib and playpen toys to 12" in length. The long, fiber-like hair is not adequately rooted and is easily removable, presenting a choking hazard for small children.

4.) CURIOUS BABY CURIOUS GEORGE COUNTING? MY FIRST BOOK OF NUMBERS:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the rod and beads have the potential to dislodge, posing a potentially serious risk of ingestion and choking injuries.

5.) LOTS TO LOVE BABIES ? "Mini Nursery":
According to W.A.T.C.H., the tub, however, has a small plastic shower
attachment, connected only by a thin plastic cord. Once detached, the shower head fails the industry's inadequate small parts "choke tube" standard.

6.) CAT "Rugged Mini":
According to W.A.T.C.H., the vehicle's axles and wheels have the potential to separate from the chassis, exposing a solid metal spoke over 3 inches long, which could cause serious puncture wounds.

7.) SPY GEAR VIPER-BLASTER:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the blaster shoots the supplied "darts" with enough force to potentially cause eye injuries.

8.) JUST KIDZ JUNIOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the slender, 4 ¼ inch drumstick is connected to the xylophone only by a knotted cord. Once separated, the drumstick could block a child's airway.

9.) MOON BOARD POGO BOARD:
According to W.A.T.C.H., numerous "safety tips" are provided on the package, including: "Remember that the cord connecting your Moon Board to the trick handle is elastic. If stretched and released, it could spring back and cause injury"; "Only use your Moon Board in safe areas that are free of any obstacles"; and "Do not attempt 'tricks' beyond your skill level."

10.) DISNEY-PIXAR WALL-E FOAM ROCKET LAUNCHER:
According to W.A.T.C.H., the packaging contains inconsistent labeling, stating that the projectile toy is "FOR ALL AGES!", while also advising on the back that it is "not recommended for children under three." The rocket launches at a high rate of speed with the potential to cause serious eye injuries.