CPSC Annual Report On Toy Deaths And Injuries In 2022

Based on the 2022 annual report on toy deaths and injuries released by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) in November 2023, there were eleven toy-related fatalities among children 1-14 years old. (1)

The number is only applicable for the calendar year 2022, based on reports received by the CPSC. (1)

What’s alarming about these deaths is that they involved toys commonly found in most homes, including bouncy balls, balloons, stuffed animals, a powered riding toy, and an unpowered scooter. (1)

Considering that infant deaths increased in 2022 (for many different reasons other than toy-related incidents) and that nursery products are also linked to around 160 deaths annually, it’s important to understand home and toy safety to protect your kids. (2)(3)(4)

What Are The Statistics About Toy Safety?

For this period (2022), there were 11 toy-related deaths (breakdown of causes listed below). (1)

Annual Trends In Toy-Related Deaths

Based on the CPSC report, there were 12 toy-related deaths in 2020. The number decreased to 6 in 2021 but increased to 11 in 2022. (1)

Notably, these deaths involved children who were 12 years old or younger (see table below). (1)

What’s The Most Common Cause Of Toy-Related Deaths?

Data from the CPSC report showed that balls were the most common cause of toy-related deaths in 2022. All these deaths involved children who were 12 years old or younger. (1)

The CPSC report also detailed how these toy-related deaths happened: (1)

A 7-month-old boy suffocated from positional asphyxia (his position prevented him from breathing adequately). Although he was placed in the supine position (on his back), he was found unresponsive and in the prone position (face down) with a large stuffed animal on top of him.
A 2-year-old boy choked after placing a soft ball measuring (about one-quarter inch in diameter) in his mouth.
A 2-year-old boy was using a kick scooter in his neighbor’s driveway but was accidentally run over by that person’s SUV, leading to fatal injuries. The neighbor hadn’t noticed the kid while backing out of the driveway.
A 2-year-old child riding a tricycle was hit by a pickup truck backing out of the garage.
A 3-year-old boy drowned after driving his powered riding toy into an in-ground swimming pool.
A 5-year-old boy choked while playing with a sensory ball at home.
A 6-year-old girl died due to complications of small intestine perforation after swallowing toy magnets.
An 8-year-old boy choked on a 1-inch bouncy ball after swallowing it at school. Although it was removed using the Heimlich maneuver, the child went into cardiac arrest and suffered multiple organ failure. He later died.
A 10-year-old girl suffered blunt force trauma after being struck by a batted ball in the head.
A 10-year-old boy swallowed a bouncy ball and choked. He died from anoxic brain injury (the brain is deprived of oxygen, causing loss of consciousness).
A 10-year-old boy died of asphyxia and cardiac arrest while playing with a balloon. He was found by his parents with his head in a balloon, already unresponsive.

For the calendar year 2022 alone, around 209,500 toy-related injuries in the US were treated in hospital emergency departments. Some additional stats from these toy safety incidents: (1)

Stats Based On Age

76% (159,500) were of children 14 years of age or younger
69% (145,500) were of children 12 years of age or younger
38% (79,700) were of children 4 years of age or younger

The table below also shows the estimated number of toy-related injuries per 100,000 people for these age groups: (1)

Stats Based On Gender

54% (113,400) of the injuries involved boys
46% (96,100) of the injuries involved girls

The table below also shows the breakdown of these injuries by different age groups, but still based on the victims’ gender: (1)

Stats Based On Affected Areas & Injury Classification

47% involved the head and face area (considered the most commonly affected body areas)
41% involved injuries classified as lacerations or contusions and abrasions

The figure below shows the distribution of toy-related injuries based on the affected body areas: (1)

The figure below shows the distribution of toy-related injuries based on the type of injuries: (1)

Stats Based On Treatment Or Hospital Admission

94% of the cases were treated in the ER and subsequently released (no hospital admission)
3% were admitted or transferred to another hospital
3% left without treatment, were held for observation, or died in the ER

What Are The Most Common Injuries Involving Toys?

Non-motorized scooters caused or were linked with the highest number of estimated toy-related injuries among specifically identified toys for all age ranges: (1)

17% (35,400) for children of all ages
20% (31,600) for children 14 years of age or younger
16% (23,100) for children 12 years of age or younger
8% (6,600) for children 4 years of age or younger

As you can see in Table 7 below, the stats on the number of injuries involving non-motorized scooters were also high in previous years: (1)

Annual Trends In Toy-Related Injuries

Based on the CPSC report, toy-related injuries have decreased since 2015. However, while this is good news, let’s not forget that the numbers remain high (around 209,500 for all ages) in 2022. (1)

Toy Safety & Other Important Tips

Toys play an important role in child development, helping children develop their motor (fine and gross), cognitive, emotional, psychosocial, and linguistic skills. Studies show that they’re essential in helping develop well-rounded, creative, happy, and self-confident kids. (5)

However, toys can sometimes be dangerous, especially when children are:

left unattended
allowed to play with toys that aren’t appropriate or safe for their age (e.g., potential choking risks for younger children)
left to play with broken and already unsafe items

Below are some important tips to help keep your kids safe while playing.

1. Choose Safe Toys

Watch Out For Choking & Other Injury Risks

Choking is among the primary causes of toy-related deaths and injuries. This usually happens when a small child swallows a small toy, a fragment of a broken toy, or any tiny piece that can get stuck in their throat, blocking their windpipe and making breathing difficult.

Here are some ways to reduce choking risks: (6)

Avoid balls, marbles, coins, and any game with balls measuring <1.75 inches (4.4 cm) in diameter.
Toys must be at least 2¼ inches (6 cm) long and 1¼ inches (3 cm) in diameter.
Battery-operated toys must have a battery case that can be secured with screws so kids can’t pry them open. Batteries aren’t just choking risks. They can also cause chemical burns, internal bleeding, and other injuries.
Check for small parts that might come loose or break apart from the toy, including attached buttons, wheels, eyes, or other tiny sections.

Older children are less likely to put things in their mouths than younger kids (<5 years old), babies, or toddlers.

However, it’s still important to check for other aspects of toys that can harm them. These include the hazards or risks of laceration, poisoning, burning, or accidental strangulation.

It’s also ideal to check for potential injury risks: (6)

Parts that might pinch small fingers or other body parts
Sharp tips or sides that can cause punctures or lacerations
Strings, ribbons, or other long parts (>7 inches or 18 cm) that can pose strangulation risks
Riding toys without safety belts or harnesses
Stuffed toys or animals in vending machines, carnivals, or fairs might contain loose parts and sharp edges. These products might not meet safety standards.

Some dangerous non-toy items can be tempting for kids to play with, but be sure to keep the following out of their reach: (6)

Balloons (whether uninflated, inflated, or broken)
Sharp scissors
Fireworks
Matches

Be Mindful Of Toxic Chemicals

Toxins and other harmful chemicals can be found everywhere, even in toys and baby food. It’s essential to keep children safe by reducing their exposure to toxic substances.

We encourage you to read “Our Family Health & Safety Philosophy” for guidance on reducing your children’s safety risks with toys and other common products they might regularly use in your home.

Toxic Chemicals Or Substances To Avoid

Studies show that certain chemicals can cause certain cancers, behavioral problems (e.g., aggressiveness and hyperactivity), premature puberty or fertility problems, liver issues, kidney dysfunction, and/or other health concerns. (7)(8)

Some of these chemicals include: (7)(8)

Asbestos
AZO dyes
BPA (bisphenol-A) and BPS (bisphenol-S)
Brominated flame retardant chemicals
Heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium)
Formaldehyde
Phthalates
Polycarbonate
Polystyrene (e.g., Styrofoam)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Radon

As much as possible, avoid plastic and glass toys. Many plastic materials can contain harmful chemicals and various toxins, while glass can break, potentially posing laceration or other injury risks.

A 2021 Environment International study showed that plastic toys can contain as many as 126 CoCs (chemicals of concern), including 31 that can put children at a higher risk of cancer. (9)

The following are the CoCs that can be found in plastic toys, with corresponding data on CCR (child cancer risk) and HI (hazard index) based on the study results: (9)

Safer Toy Materials & Alternatives

Whenever possible, choose natural, organic, sustainably sourced, ethical, and wooden toys. These materials can be safer, but remember to still check the toys for other potential risks (listed above):

Unfinished wood
Finished wood (using natural oils and waxes such as beeswax or walnut oil)
Food-grade silicone
Cotton
Natural rubber (however, check for rubber or latex allergy reactions such as itching, nausea, hives, runny nose, and trouble breathing) (10)
Polypropylene (a plastic type with a “green circle” rating given to non-toxic or less toxic chemicals verified to be of “low concern” as rated by the EPA or Environmental Protection Agency) (11)
Stainless steel
Wool
Washable fabrics

2. Regularly Check For Toy Safety

Even the safest toys can eventually break down or become a potential hazard with regular use. So, it’s important to check for signs of possible hazards, such as:

Splinters in wooden toys
Cracked parts
Loose parts
Stuffed toys with exposed removable parts or broken seams
Rust in toys with metal parts
Broken battery compartments
Loose screws, bolts, nuts, nails, etc.

Newly created homemade toys and hand-me-downs or second-hand products must be checked carefully.

Even heirloom toys and collections can be dangerous, especially painted toys manufactured before 1978. They can contain lead from paint. (6)

Throw away broken or potentially dangerous toys.

Some toy-related injuries can be due to falls or slips from items left on the floor. Teaching kids to put their toys away after playing is a good idea.

3. Keep Toys Clean & Dry

Molds can grow in dark, damp areas such as the nooks and crannies of toys, books, bedding, and other items in your child’s nursery. (12)

Check and immediately clean toys for moldy spots so they don’t spread. You can use warm, soapy water with antibacterial soap, mild dishwashing detergent, or vinegar solution.

However, if the toy is covered in mold and smells bad, Cleveland Clinic pediatrician Kimberly Giuliano, MD, recommends throwing it away. (12)

Be sure to keep outdoor and bath toys dry when not in use.

We also recommend regularly cleaning their play area (here’s a guide to cleaning a Pack and Play).

4. Regularly Monitor Toy Recalls & Report Unsafe Products

Millions of toys have been recalled due to various hazards, especially choking risks and the presence of harmful chemicals such as lead. Some of these toys have also been linked to children’s serious injuries, including deaths.

The following are some of the important toy recalls in 2023 (details of toy recalls from previous years can also be found here):

Cosco Kids Activity Center Recall (38 injuries; no deaths) – About 115,700 recalled units
Thomas & Friends Toy Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 21,000 recalled units
Rainbow Road Book Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 260,000 recalled units
Chuckle & Roar Water Beads Activity Kit Recall (one death; one serious injury) – About 52,000 recalled units
Simplay3 Toddler Towers Recall (10 injuries, including six head contusions) – About 108,450 recalled units
Woom Children’s Bike Recall (19 injuries; no deaths) – About 84,000 recalled units
Zuru Baby Shark Toy Recall (12 injuries, including nine that required medical attention) – About 7.5 million recalled units
Janod Toy Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 5,080 recalled units
Jetson Children’s Scooter Recall (one injury; no deaths) – About 15,300 recalled units
Rollerblade USA Inline Skates Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 13,400 recalled units
Monti Kids Basket with Balls Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 2,700 recalled units
IKEA Toy Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 25,000 recalled units
Jetson Hoverboard Recall (two deaths and two injuries in a house fire caused by toy) – About 53,000 recalled units
Delta Children Swing Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 43,380 recalled units
Skip Hop Activity Center’s Toy Recall (no injuries or deaths) – About 472,850 recalled units
Calico Critters Flocked Animal Figure Recall (two deaths; unknown number of injuries) – About 3.2 million recalled units
Kids Preferred “My First” Disney Character Figurines (no injuries or deaths)

Aside from monitoring recalls, ensure that you report to the toy manufacturer or the CPSC if you encounter potentially unsafe toys, especially if your kids got injured by these products:

Phone number: (800) 638-2772 from Monday to Friday at 8 AM to 5:30 PM
TTY or teletypewriter number: (800) 638-8270
Fax numbers: (301) 504-0124 or (301) 504-0025
Contact form: cpsc.gov/About-CPSC/Contact-Information/Contact-Specific-Offices-and-Public-Information/Information-Center

You can also report these unsafe toy products via saferproducts.gov (click the “Report Now” button).

5. Babyproof Your Home

Reduce the risks of falls, bumps, or other accidents, especially when your kids are playing with motorized toys or those with wheels, by babyproofing your home.

Installing safety gates to protect young children from potentially dangerous areas, such as your kitchen or bathroom, is ideal. However, regularly check for the possibility of kids using their toys to climb over these gates.

Our Recommendations For Toys

References

(1) https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Toy-Related-Deaths-and-Injuries-2022-Annual-Report.pdf

(2) https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr033.pdf

(3) https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/infant-mortality-dashboard.htm

(4) https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Nursery-Products-Annual-Report-2023.pdf?VersionId=1hFBN.iciNSIXQ4BOcnpk7NtWoFWgJ8g

(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8430366/

(6) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safetoys-young.html

(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6546253/

(8) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X13000888

(9) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020321498?via%3Dihub

(10) https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/latex-allergy/

(11) https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/168413#section=General-Manufacturing-Information

(12) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-clean-baby-toys/

Toys

CPSC Annual Report On Toy Deaths And Injuries In 2022: Which Ones Are The Most Dangerous?