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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

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Monday, December 30, 2024   

Utah trauma surgeons are wanting parents to be vigilant about the dangers toys with magnets or button batteries can pose, after they've seen several cases of children ingesting them.

Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation expects people will spend nearly $989 billion by the end of the year on holiday shopping.

But product liability attorney Don Fountain said those costs can't compare to a lasting injury, or even death, due to unknowingly buying a faulty product.

He said many children's toys are manufactured in countries such as China and India.

In their haste to avoid possible Trump administration tariffs, he said a few safety steps may have been skipped before sending them to the States.

Fountain said he believes consumers' assumptions about toy reliability are not always accurate.

"The general public has this notion that the government checks and tests all the products that we buy - 'Surely somebody has tested all these things and they're safe for my children or my family,'" said Fountain. "But in reality, that's not how it works. The government doesn't have the resources or the ability, or I don't think even the interest, in doing that."

The Consumer Product Safety Commission website lists thousands of unsafe or problematic items.

Fountain noted that complaints listed on the site are due to public grievances, not government detection.

Fountain recommended the commission's website - Saferproducts.gov - to report or search for information about unsafe products.

Utah surgeons say in some cases they have to preform emergency surgery on children who have ingested parts of toys, and add that is only the beginning of their health issues.

A report released by the commission in November says last year, hospital emergency rooms treated children ages seven months to 14 years for nearly 232,000 toy-related incidents linked to choking, chemical burns, or poisoning.

Fountain also identified sharp or pointed objects, small pieces, and moving parts on toys as hazards that could be fatal.

"Pinch points are a real problem - things where two pieces come together that can cut or pinch or trap somebody, or choke somebody," said Fountain. "Anything that gets hot - anything that involves fire or spark or fireworks - those types of things."

Taking photographs and keeping the defective product and its packaging, and a purchase receipt, is helpful to support your case should legal action occur.

Without this evidence, Fountain said proving your complaint and the damage it caused could be difficult.



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