TDmonthly - Reasons for Toy Recalls and Alternative Solutions

Toy Design Evaluations and Safety Assessments: The Toy Association provides a guide for toy inventors and designers that includes evaluating whether a toy idea is unique, marketable, cost-effective, and safe ¹. Eurofins Toys & Hardlines explains how to conduct a toy safety assessment, which includes analyzing the chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, flammability, hygiene, and radioactivity hazards that the toy may present ².
Human Factors Evaluations: A study conducted by Edelbrock and Sugawara (1978) found that children are more likely to play with gender-stereotypical toys due to their peer interaction³.
Chemical Management: The Toy Association provides a webinar recording that discusses what chemical management in toys is, why companies need it, and how to begin the process of getting it⁴. Eurofins Toys & Hardlines provides suggestions on how to prevent chemical risks in your toy supply chain⁵.
Toxicological Risk Assessments: Eurofins Toys & Hardlines explains how to conduct a toy safety assessment, which includes a Toxicological Risk Assessment to fully manage the chemical risks not covered in EN71-3². They also provide a detailed explanation of what a Toxicological Risk Assessment is and how it is conducted⁶.
Mechanical and Physical Testing: Worms Safety provides an overview of the mechanical and physical properties tests that are part of the EN 71-1 standard, including tests for structural integrity, surfaces or edges that could cause lacerations, and dimensions of a toy in relation to potential choking hazards⁷. Compliance Gate provides practical examples of processes that can be part of an EN 71 testing procedure, including a flammability test, sharp points test, and small parts test⁸.
Flammability Testing: Compliance Gate provides an overview of the EN 71-2 flammability test as part of the toy safety testing procedure⁸.
Heavy Metals Testing: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides guidance on testing for heavy elements in toys⁹. API HK also provides an overview of the heavy metals testing requirements under the ASTM F963-17 regulations¹⁰.
Small Parts Testing: Worms Safety provides an overview of the tension test, which evaluates whether small parts snap off the main body of the toy when tension is applied and create a choking hazard⁷.
Quality and Defect Inspection Services: HQTS provides a range of quality control services for toys, including pre-production inspection, pre-shipment inspection, container loading and unloading inspections, and product testing and certification ¹¹. Tetra Inspection provides a range of toy quality control services, including visual inspections, functionality tests, chemical testing, physical testing, flammability testing, electrical safety testing, durability testing, age suitability testing, labeling and packaging testing, and environmental testing ¹².

Reasons for Toy Recalls and Alternative Solutions

Choking Hazards: Small parts that can be detached and swallowed by young children. This is a major safety concern, especially for babies and toddlers.

An example of another infant products but not related to chocking:

Chemical Hazards: Toxic materials like lead, phthalates, or BPA can be harmful to children's health. These chemicals can cause various health problems, including developmental delays, cancer, and hormone disruption.

Mechanical Hazards: Sharp edges, points, or pinch points can cause injuries to children. Additionally, poorly designed toys can pose a risk of entanglement or strangulation.

Electrical Hazards: Electrical toys can pose a risk of electrical shock or fire if not properly designed and manufactured.

Flammability: Toys made from flammable materials can pose a fire hazard.

Allergic Reactions: Certain materials used in toys can trigger allergic reactions in some children.

Excessive Noise Levels: Toys that produce loud or excessive noise levels can damage children's hearing and disrupt their sleep.

Magnetic Hazards: Powerful magnets used in toys can be ingested by children and cause serious internal injuries.

Small Batteries: Button batteries used in some toys can be easily swallowed by children and cause serious internal injuries.

Lacerations and Puncture Hazards: Sharp edges or pointed parts on toys can cause cuts, punctures, or other injuries to children.

Inadequate Instructions: Unclear or incomplete instructions can lead to misuse of the toy, increasing the risk of injuries.

Risk of Entrapment: Toys with small openings or compartments can pose a risk of entrapment, trapping children's fingers, limbs, or hair.

Improper Labeling: Missing or inaccurate information on the packaging can mislead consumers about the age appropriateness and safety of the toy.

Design Flaws: Poorly designed toys can be unstable, prone to breakage, or have features that pose a risk of injury.

Data Privacy Concerns: Toys that collect children's data raise concerns about privacy and security.

Potential for Misuse: Toys can be misused in ways that could lead to injuries, such as using them as projectiles or weapons.

Durability Issues: Toys that are not durable may break easily, posing choking hazards or other safety concerns.

Sensory Overload: Some toys may be overly stimulating for children, leading to sensory overload and negative reactions.

Ethical Concerns: Concerns may arise regarding the ethics of toy production, such as labor practices, environmental impact, and cultural appropriation.

Lack of Consumer Awareness: Consumers may not be aware of safety recalls or potential hazards associated with toys.

How can I test my toys for safety?

Toy Safety Testing Labs in 2023: A Guide