Recalled, Zebra Baby Toy for Developing Baby’s Senses a Cancer Risk - 5 Most Dangerous Toys
A zebra baby toy that features a toxic dye has been recalled from homes and stores in the UK. The 'Start Your Senses Zebra' helps in developing baby's senses based on its description but the toxic yellow dye on the toy poses as a cancer risk and has reportedly killed 400 people in Spain in the year 1981.
The educational toy comes with a teether, rattle, ribbons, crinkle paper and a mirror. The Bright Starts product contains Aniline Yellow, a chemical found in varnishes and paint.
A scientist from Green Chemicals in Leeds was not surprised about the recall. "Overall, as the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified this as a Group 2 carcinogen - it suggests that it is possible to be carcinogenic to humans via ingestion or contact with skin," Dr. Jamie Hawkes said.
The technical director also mentioned that the dye in the zebra baby toy is likely well fixed into the toy's fibres.
5 Dangerous Toys
Non-profit group Kids in Danger has been tracking deaths and injuries caused by toys since 2001. The following are 5 dangerous toys in their list.
1. Learn-Around Playground
Learn-Around Playground was produced by Leapfrog Enterprises and was recalled in 2006 for causing scratches and bruises.
2. Wego Kite Tubes
Wego Kite Tube had a short product life. After winning SGMA's Sports Product of the Year in April 2006, it was recalled by manufacturer SportsStuff. The toy caused 39 injuries and two deaths.
The NC Wildlife Resource Commission reported four injuries caused by the sports toy including a cracked vertebra and broken bones.
3. Magic Start & Crawl Stand
Magic Start & Crawl Stand from Playskool was recalled in 2003 after 26 injuries were recorded. The most common injuries caused by the baby toy includes bruises, cut lips and black eyes.
4. Baby Walker Toy Attachments
Kolkraft Enterprises started making multi-coloured flower toy attachments placed on the tray of baby walkers. 410, 000 of these toy attachments were recalled in 2002 due to their sharp edges.
5. Batmobile
A recall announcement for the Batman Batmobile Vehicle was issued by toy manufacturer Mattel in 2004 after causing 14 injuries. The most common injury that the Batmobile caused are lacerations.