DOH 6 reminds parents to buy safe toys for kids
This Christmas season, parents are urged to buy the kind of toys that are not hazardous to health of their children.
"Unknown to some mothers there are some toys that can be harmful and cause accidents when misused and unsuitable for their children's age' Assistant Regional Director Paulyn Jean Rossel Ubial of the Department of Health (DOH VI) said during a PIA interview.
ARD Ubial said that toys play a vital role as a stimulus for the mental growth and development of children.
"But before buying toys for 0-5 years old children, parents and guardians should examine the labels for age recommendation, ensure that all materials are non-toxic, and that the toy is safe from fire or electric hazards' ARD Ubial said.
ARD Ubial added that the playthings most frequently causing serious injuries to children are bows and arrows, slingshots, darts, air rifles and toy guns.
Safe toys, as considered by the DOH, must be clean, non-toxic, non-flammable, large enough not to be swallowed, have no small parts that could break or be chewed off, free from shard points or cutting edges or splinters, no dangling strings or connective elastics, must not throw out objects that may injure eyes, not make loud sounds, and not electrically or battery-operated (unless used under the super vision of parents).
ARD Ubial warned that no toy can be considered truly safe for a particular child, unless he is mentally and physically capable of using it properly. (T.Villavert/PIA)