FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 26, 2002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (973)504-6327
Leslie Billhymer and Matt Garofalow
(732)932-7131 or (732)932-6866

NEWARK - The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs ("Consumer Affairs") and the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group ("NJPIRG") have joined forces once again to urge holiday shoppers to use caution this Holiday Season when purchasing toys for children.

During an 11 a.m. press conference at the Justice Juniors Day Care Center in Trenton today Consumer Affairs' Director Reni Erdos and NJ PIRG's Student Chapters Campus Organizers Leslie Billhymer and Matt Garofalow called on all gift-givers to look for toys that are age-appropriate and safe for their children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC") reported that 25 children between the ages of 3 months and 12 years died in 2001 as a result of toys and an additional 255,100 children under the age of 15 suffered toy-related injuries.

"This is an important issue for us," Governor James E. McGreevey said. "We hope that by making this announcement, parents will heed our warnings and do all that they can to protect their children from harmful toys."

"With 28 shopping days left before Christmas and three shopping days left until the start of Hanukkah, many gift-givers are already frantically looking to buy gifts, including the "perfect toys" for their children," Erdos said. "While we don't want to discourage anyone from buying toys, we do ask that they exercise extra vigilance while shopping and to be on the look out for the "perfect safe toys' for their children."

As in past years, inspectors are out among shoppers searching for CPSC-recalled toys that may still be on shelves in toy stores. In addition, Consumer Affairs has issued a reminder to physicians of their obligations under New Jersey law to report to the division all toy-related injuries and deaths.

"Physicians play an important role in the identification of dangerous toys," Erdos said.

Erdos urges gift-givers to consider the following suggestions when shopping for toys for their children:

• Read the age and safety labels on every toy before making a purchase. These labels tell parents if the toy is safe for their child. Keep in mind, toys that are suitable for older kids could be unsafe for younger children.
  
  
• Check all toys for sturdy construction before making a purchase. Make sure small parts will not break off.
  
  
• Avoid toys with sharp edges and those that can be shot or propelled.
  
  
• Avoid items that young children can choke on such as balloons, balls, blocks and toy parts that are smaller than 1 3/4 inches in diameter.
  
  
• Avoid toys that make loud noises, like cap guns; they can damage a child's hearing.
  
  
• Strings and ribbons should be no longer than six inches to prevent strangulation.