Associated Press
 
November 18, 2008
 
BOSTON, Ma. -- A consumer safety group released its annual list of the '10 Worst Toys' for the holiday season Tuesday.
 
The group World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) says the list represents toys with the potential to cause childhood inuries or even death. They are:
 
1. Sportsman Shotgun
2. Go Go Minis Pullback Vehicle
3. Inflatable Giga Ball
4. Animal Alley Purse Pet
5. Spider-man adjustable skates
6. Walk'N Sounds Digger the Dog
7. Pucci Puppies
8. Meadow Mystery Play-A-Sound Book with Cuddly Pooh
9. Extreme Spiral Copters
10. Ninja Battle Gear
 
Government figures show toys played a part in the deaths last year of at least 18 children under 15 years old.
 
The majority of these deaths were caused by blocked airways, drowning or accidents involving motor vehicles, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many of the incidents were not caused by the toys themselves, but occurred while the children were playing.
 
Fourteen of the 18 children were boys. The largest number of children, five, were killed in tricycle-related incidents, one from a fall, one from a motor vehicle accident and three from drowning after falling into pools while riding.
 
The agency estimates that 232,900 toy-related injuries were treated at hospitals in 2007.
 
Meanwhile, after spiking last year, recalls of toys or children's products because of lead paint or lead content are down sharply in 2008.
 
Last year, a record 112 products were recalled. This year, there's been 64, though in 2006 there were only 20 lead recalls and just 13 in 2005.
 
Last year's record recalls spurred Congress, for the first time, to pass new rules limiting lead content in toys and children's products. However, they don't start getting phased in until February, too late to have an impact this holiday season.
 
But advocates say the initial lead limit still allows a dangerous amount of lead, especially for younger babies.
 
Most of the recalled products are from China and other parts of Asia.