The most dangerous toys to buy children this holiday season are the ones they ride on, particularly scooters.
The study, published Monday in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, showed a dramatic increase in toy-related accidents in the last 25 years.
Researchers at Columbus hospital's Center for Injury Research and Policy in Ohio compiled and analyzed data from toy-related emergency room visits from the early 90s through the first decade of the 2000s.
Between 1990 and 2011, an estimated 3,378,073 children under the age of 18 were treated for toy-related injuries in the U.S., with a 61 percent increase happening between 1990 and 2001 alone. Ride-on toys -- scooters, wagons, tricycles and motor-powered vehicles like Barbie Jeeps -- accounted for 35 percent of injuries and 43 percent of hospital admissions.
"I've never seen anything like it in my career as a pediatric emergency room physician," Dr. Gary Smith, the study's lead author, told ABC.
Scooter riding without safety precautions has led to serious injuries including broken bones, lacerations requiring sutures and concussions.
The exception to this majority is for children under the age of 3. Choking remains the major cause of injuries for toddlers and infants.
"This isn't about guilt, blame and fault. We're not pointing fingers," Smith told CBS News. "A child's occupation is play and toys are their tools. These toys can be used safely but parents need to be aware of the precautions that should be taken for certain toys to help prevent an injury."
Most of the injuries sustained with these toys can be prevented by wearing the appropriate protective gear. With that in mind, Smith has one piece advice to avoid ER trips during the holidays.
"Wear a helmet, wear a helmet, wear a helmet," he said.
GMT 10:41 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
80 pc school janitors found working without work visaGMT 12:17 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Canada pharma tycoon and wife were murdered, private detectives sayGMT 21:59 2018 Sunday ,14 January
King calls for Margaret Court Arena to be renamedGMT 20:29 2017 Saturday ,13 May
Newborn girl abandonedGMT 21:57 2017 Thursday ,11 May
Tunisian veiled womenGMT 22:50 2017 Monday ,08 May
Spinsterhood betweenGMT 07:47 2017 Sunday ,12 March
45% of Moroccan Men WantGMT 15:51 2017 Friday ,10 March
“March 8 Is BecomingMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor