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ENSURING
that toys are safe before children actually play with
them is a responsibility every parent, guardian and
caregiver should assume. So if you are planning to shop
for knick-knacks to give to your children and
godchildren this Christmas, here is a warning:
A
four-year-old boy suffered second-degree burns while
playing with a toy gun that fired like the real thing.
Aside
from this grave accident, some of the toy products sold
in the market may be deemed dangerous to a child’s
health and safety because they contain small parts and
toxic components, such as lead, that may result in
choking, poisoning or illnesses. Worse, others do not
provide necessary information that would guide consumers
on their proper use, maintenance or storage.
The
Department of Health (DOH) is responsible in the
enforcement of the Consumer Act’s provisions regulating
the manufacture and sale of hazardous substances,
including those found in toys.
Article
74 of the Consumer Act requires all products in the
market to comply with specific labeling requirements,
such as marking the packaging with the words “Danger,”
“Warning” or the statement “Keep out of reach of
children,” among other statements that may be
appropriate with respect to the product’s nature and
purpose of usage.
Aside
from the law, DOH Administrative Order No.32 or the
“Regulations on the Issuance of a License to Operate to
Companies that Manufacture, Import or Distribute Toys
for the Philippine Market,” states that all toys that
are imported, manufactured and distributed in the
Philippines shall comply with the Philippine National
Standards for Safety of Toys and its subsequent
amendments before they can apply for a license to
operate at the DOH.
The
Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Product
Standards (DTI-BPS) has developed four Philippine
National Standard (PNS) for toys (note that not all toys
are covered by PNS, but only those for ages 14 below).
§
PNS
137—Packaging and Labeling Requirements for Toys
§
PNS
174-1—Safety Requirements for Children’s Toys
§
PNS
1408-5—Safety of Toys Part 5: Chemical Toys (sets) other
than chemical sets
§
PNS
1408-6—Graphical symbol for age warning labeling
§
According to DTI-BPS, the following markings and labels
should be printed in toys or their packaging:
§
Name,
trademark and address of manufacturer, importer or
distributor;
§
Warnings
and/or precautionary indications;
§
Instructions for toy’s usage, functions, features and
assembly; and
§
Information on the specified age requirements, such as
“Not suitable for children below 3 years,”
“For
children aged 3-5 years,” “Warning! Use under the direct
supervision of an adult” or “Warning! Only to be used in
water in which the child is within its depth and under
supervision” (for aquatic toys), among others.
For the
packaging, standard “flexible plastic film” or the
plastic containers used to cover the toys are required
to have thickness of not less than .03 mm. It should
come with a cautionary label like, “Warning: To avoid
accidental suffocation, dispose of this bag
immediately. Keep this bag out of reach of babies and
children. [Babala: Upang maiwasan ang sakuna, huwag
pabayaang paglaruan ng mga bata ang lalagyang ito.
Itapon agad.]”
It is
important that there are “age warning symbol” seen in
the packaging of toys. If the toy is hazardous, a
printed warning should appear on the toy or on its
packaging. The details of age warning should be
conspicuously or easily read from the package.
§
Symbol
and stroke should be printed in red.
§
Age
range and outline of a child’s face is printed in black.
§
Diameter
of the symbol is not less than 10 mm and elements should
be proportioned with the picture.
§
Age
range wherein the toys is prohibited should be stated
(e.g., not appropriate for ages 0-3).
§
These
additional advisories may assist in selecting toys that
are fun and safe.
§
Choose
toys that are age-appropriate. Toys for children under
three years of age must not pose a choking hazard.
Studies show that choking is the most common cause of
injury to children from toys. Ensure that stuffing in
stuffed toys is securely sewn in and hair is secured as
it can cause suffocation.
§
Batteries of toys must be enclosed in a location that
requires tools to remove them.
§
Avoid
toys with heating elements for children under eight
years of age. Teach children to use toys that require
electricity with care and never touch the prongs or
outlet directly.
§
Choose
toys that are flame-retardant—soft dolls, doll hair and
stuffed animals can be flammable.
§
Check
recall notices periodically. Recall notices are
periodically posted on the web site of the United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov.).
§
Inspect
the toy before children play with it to ensure it is
constructed well and there are no loose parts or sharp
edges, points or crush points.
§
Read
instructions and warnings carefully and review them with
children.
§
Check
that toys are nontoxic. Painted toys should specify
that the paint is nontoxic. Also, check some
liquid-filled toys as they can leak. The liquid may
contain sparkles that are toxic.
§
Avoid
toys that spark or explode like guns. Numerous studies
have shown that real-looking guns have an effect on
social behavior if kids, especially with their exposure
to media nowadays. Ensure that kids are old enough to
understand the danger of playing with guns that look
like the real thing.
§
Propelled toy darts and other projectiles can cause cuts
and eye injuries. Ensure children are old enough to use
the toy safely and given instructions on the safe use of
the toy.
§
Supervise children and teach them how to play safely—no
hitting, throwing at other children, aiming projectiles
or water guns at other children, etc.
 The
DTI continues to strive to live up to its mandate of
protecting consumers and looking out for their welfare
through the issuance of information aimed to make the
public exercise vigilance when buying products in the
market.
So when
shopping for toys make sure that it is marked with the
name and address of manufacturer/importer/distributor,
instructions for use and age warning symbol. Also assess
if the toy is appropriate for the age of the child who
will use it. |
