Each year, thousands of products are recalled for being a danger to the public, including children’s toys that could lead to injuries.
Although some toys come with warnings on the package, others are not found to be dangerous until children are injured or fatalities are made public. As noted earlier this year, more than 2 million bean bag chairs were recalled following the death of two children.
The following is a list of some of the most dangerous toys ever made.
Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper
In the late 1970s this sci-fi toy was introduced into the market following the premiere of Battlestar Galactica on televisions across the U.S. When a 4-year-old aimed the toy into his mouth, launched one of the projectile missiles and inadvertently choked himself to death, the toy was quickly recalled. By March 1979, Mattel was facing a lawsuits and families were calling for the removal of projectiles from all toys. The Battlestar is actually the reason why all toys with small pieces now have a choking hazard warning.
Sky Dancers
These fairy figurines had soft foam wings that allowed them to twirl in the air when launched. Unfortunately, when the cord was pulled to launch the fairies, it did so at great velocity. Three years after being introduced to the market, the Consumer Product Safety Commission received 150 reports of eye injuries, broken teeth and even a mild concussion.
Creepy Crawlers
Essentially the boy-friendly version of an Easy Bake Oven, the Creepy Crawlers toy in the 1960s allowed kids to make molds of spiders, frogs and other insects. The problem with the toy was that the oven got extremely hot and the liquid plastic was quite toxic.
CSI: Fingerprint Examination and Investigation Forensics Lab Kits
Dangerous toys are not just a thing of the past. These two kits released in 2007 allowed kids to dust for fingerprints similarly to how it was done on the show. Alas, the powder used in the kit actually had remnants of asbestos. The Environmental Group reported that the powder contained 7 percent of tremolite, one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos.
Moon Shoes
Marketed as trampolines for your feet, these shoes were never recalled, but were known to cause ankle fractures and other leg injuries.
Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll
Cabbage Patch dolls were one of the most wanted items of the 90s. One doll in particular though was recalled in 1997. The Snacktime Kid came with real chewing action, but it couldn’t differentiate between the plastic snacks it came with and other edibles. Some children suffered injuries to their hands while others had their hair caught in the dolls mouth.
As with all consumer goods, parents should make sure that the toys they are providing their kids are age-appropriate and safe.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dangerous toy or defective product, contact our product liability attorneys we can help you determine what your legal options are.