Toys need to go through quality control because children will be playing with them. Parents want to know that the products are safe and work as intended.
Sometimes defective products result in hefty lawsuits, and sometimes companies replace them. But now and then, some toys have to be taken off store shelves. But why? Whether they were offensive or dangerous or just plain broken, let’s find out.
Lawn Darts
To get the big one out of the way first, it’s no surprise that lawn darts aren’t around anymore. Lawn Darts are giant plastic darts tipped with a sharpened weight designed to throw across the yard. The toy resulted in multiple injuries and, unfortunately, the deaths of multiple children. While not directly recalled, the United States banned lawn darts entirely in the 1980s.
Easy-Bake Oven
This classic 1970s oven gives children the opportunity to cook wonderful treats. While the Easy-Bake Oven is still around, it went through one heavy recall in 2007. A problem with the design led to over 250 kids having their fingers stuck in the oven, resulting in second and third-degree burns. Over one million models of this toy had to be taken off store shelves to prevent further damage.
CSI: Fingerprint Examination Kit
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was among the most popular murder mystery shows of the 2000s. Toy manufacturers put out a fingerprint testing kit to get kids interested in forensic science. However, investigations soon revealed that the dust in this kit contained tremolite, a particularly poisonous form of asbestos. Naturally, stores scrambled to take the toy down to prevent further damage, and the company behind the kit went out of business in 2009.
Safety is a top concern for any parent, and they want to know that their kids are safe with the toys they buy for them. So whether you want to keep little Timmy from choking on asbestos or young Jordan from burning their hands on a hot light bulb, it’s essential to keep an eye on what you’re buying.
Categories: Interesting Stuff
