Splash Off Water Rocket

What Is This?

They were water rockets that attached to a common hose.  The Child would stomp on the launcher (which builds pressure) and that would send the rocket flying.

What Happened?

There were at least 37 cases of the rocket flying off unpredictably causing lacerations to Children.

Aftermath?

The CPSC banned these and there was a recall issued.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/1997/CPSC-Ohio-Art-Company-Announce-Recall-of-Splash-Off-Water-Rockets/
http://talgroupinc.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/via-gizmodo-10-incredibly-dangerous-banned-toys-4/

Trampolines

What Is It?

You likely have known someone who has broken a limb on one of these.  It's a device to jump upon and perform tricks on. 

What Happened?

Old school models have no safety net...and holes and metal to fall through and hit your body on.  Or you can fall right off and really injure yourself.  It generally can cause head, ankle and neck injuries...there are too many cases to even get a proper number.

Aftermath?

They've tried to make them safer by adding the nets around and making them more fall proof.

Links:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/doctors-warn-of-trampoline-injury-risks-1.1250737

Toypedo

What Is It?

It's a pool toy...kind of like an underwater sub I think.

What Happened?

Well...it's the shape...the diagram of the Child holding it close to his mouth and let's not forget the actual name...ToyPEDO. 

Aftermath?

Apparently the company could not understand the controversy over this item.

Links:

http://www.epicfail.com/tag/toy-pedo/

Balzac

What Is It?

It's a giant, brightly colored ball for Children.  They are apparently filled with a removable replaceable balloon.

What Happened?

Really it's just the title...say it slowly with me

Aftermath?

None, just some laughter I'll bet.

Links:

http://www.balzactoys.com/

Moon Shoes

What Is It?

In the '70s they started making these shoes which were billed as "mini trampolines for your feet".  You strap them on...and jump...and go flying into the air.

What Happened?

Unfortunate landings with giant shoes and super heights = messed up ankles

Aftermath?

I believe you can still purchase these but they are likely safer then the metal frames that they started with in the '70s.

Links:

http://www.teen.com/2014/04/15/random-stuff/dangerous-90s-toys/

Pull Along Cock / Pull Along Pussy

What Is It?

It's a toy from the company Animol for young kids.  You can pull along a cock or a pussy (they are on wheels).

What Happened?

This is an unfortunate naming snafoo really

Aftermath?

Links:

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2012/02/10_extremely_inappropriately_named_toys.php

Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio Controlled Airplanes

What Is It?

Why it's a radio controlled airplane that Children can direct around. 

What Happened?

Simply put...they were prone to exploding (45 reports were issued, many lead to injuries, and burns).

Aftermath?

In 2007 they were voluntarily recalled as so many were blowing up.

Links:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/toys/4347051-sky-rangers-park-flyer-radio-control-airplanes#slide-4

Swing Wing

What Is It?

It's a gizmo from the '60s.  Kids wore a beanie cap with a swinging bunch of streamers attached.

What Happened?

Kids would wack themselves in the head with the streamers...but the bigger issue is the neck and back injuries whipping your head around would cause.

Aftermath?

I'm not sure, they were made in the '60s and don't seem to be made currently.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Wing_(toy)
http://www.newstrick.com/2011/07/most-dangerous-toys.html

Whisper Ride Touring Wagon

What Is It?

Step 2 created this two seater plastic covered wagon to pull the Kiddies around in.

What Happened?

The little blue seats that held the Children safely in place had a tendancy to fall off...which means that there were reports of bruises, scratches and lacerations

Aftermath?

The CPSC issued a recall of this item and they created a fix that owners were to install to prevent this from happening.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Step2-Recalls-Ride-On-Wagon-Toys/

Dive Sticks

What Is It?

You've probably played with them....they are usually brightly colored sticks that one throws into a pool.  Then Children are encouraged to dive in to retrieve them. 

What Happened?

Surprisingly the issue is not drowning due to staying underwater too long to retrieve the sticks...no it's something far more sinister.  It's to do with impalement...these little sticks are known to have caused facial, vaginal and rectal injuries to Children.

Aftermath?

They redesigned dive sticks, and the old ones were recalled by the CPSC

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/1999/CPSC-Firms-Announce-Swimming-Pool-Dive-Stick-Recall-Because-of-Impalement-Risk-to-Children/

Yo Yo Water Balls

What Is It?

Yo Yo Water Ball is a rubbery ball that has some sort of watery goo inside and it's attached to a rubbery string with a finger hole.

What Happened?

Over 400 injuries have been reported with these balls.  Children were found unconscious or with bruises or permanent eye injuries and the list goes on and on.  The snap back from the balls was brutal, and the stretchy cord led to strangulations.

Aftermath?

The CPSC have only issued a warning about these, they refuse to recall it despite many angry Parents trying to fight this.

Links:

http://dangersofwateryoyos.weebly.com/

Power Wheels Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Ride-Ons

What Is This?

Fisher-Price released this battery run Ride-On toy to honor Harley Davidson Motorcycles for Kids

What Happened?

There was a slight issue with these particular vehicles...yes we all know motorcycles can be dangerous.  The problem was, these had a defect...the gas pedal would get stuck and there was no way to stop.  Before you know it that nice little ride around the house ends up in a violent accident with a tree.  Luckily only 1 report of injuries occured with this, however there were 9 cases of stuck pedals.

Aftermath?

In 2000 a recall was issued, and Folks were sent replacement pedal repair kits to resolve the issue

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2000/CPSC-Fisher-Price-Announce-Recall-of-Childrens-Riding-Vehicles/

Pogo Ball

What Is It?

It's a ball with a circular piece of plastic around it.  You grip the ball with your feet and bounce!

What Happened?

Well let's say the weight limit was often ignored leading to disaster but the biggest issue is that people tried to jump as high as they could.  Often on hard surfaces leading to broken teeth & ankles.

Aftermath?

Nothing really, these were made for a long time (and may still be made), because injuries often occured from improper use, there wasn't much that anyone could do.

Links:

http://www.babble.com/mom/when-toys-could-kill-a-kid-10-most-dangerous-toys-then-and-now/
http://www.retroland.com/pogo-ball/

Wham-O Water Wiggle

What Is It?

This is a 7 foot plastic hose attached to an aluminum water-jet nozzle which has a plastic head over it.

What Happened?

The plastic heads had a tendancy to go missing or break so then you are left with a wildly flailing metal piece that might hit you in the head.  In 1978 a 4 year old Boy died when the Water Wiggle was used without it's head, the metal part lodged itself into his throat and he suffocated.  The same thing happened in 1975 with a 3 year old Boy. 

Aftermath?

The 1978 death had Wham-O issuing a recall of the product for full refund

Links?

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/1978/Recall-Of-Wham-O-Water-Wiggle-Toy/

Wego Kite Tube

What Is It?

It is a round inflatable device designed to towed behind a boat.  As the boat picks up speed...the kite tube flies very high in the air.

What Happened?

There was very little to hang onto with these toys, just some little handles...so as it came crashing back into the water...so did the unwitting victim.  This meant many injuries reported (39) including:  broken back, punctured lung, facial injuries, back injuries and so forth.  

Aftermath?

In 2006 the Kite Tube was recalled, they have since been redesigned for safety reasons.

Links:

http://www.gizmag.com/go/5750/

Wham-O Water Wiennie

What Is It?

Why you hook it to the tab and fill it with water, supposedly it shoots water over great distances...and it boasts "Crazy Water Fun!"

What Happened?

It's really all about the packing...er shape of the "hot dog"...this somehow looks bizarely medical or something.  I dunno but it's just wrong.

Aftermath?

Nada that I know of, I think because this was a vintage toy...people just looked the other way!

Links:

http://www.feelingretro.com/toys/Misc-Toys/water-wiennie.php

Slip 'N Slide

What Is It?

 



Created in 1961 this toy is a long strip of plastic with a tube that attaches to a garden hose.  Once lubricated Kids would slide down this plastic into a barrier.

What Happened?

Although pretty much safe for Children...the issue is that adults try to use these too.  Adults are heavier and larger as one can imagine...and once impact has been made into the barrier severe injuries have occured (7 teenagers and 1 adult between 1973-1991). Spinal trauma, fractures and back injuries were the usual culprits for Adult injuries.

Aftermath?

The CPSC issued further warnings that this toy was not to be used beyond a certain age/size.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_'N_Slide

Mini Hammocks

What Is It? 

Well a hammock for babies and toddlers of course

What Happened?

Have you ever tried to sit on a hammock?  Okay so easy to fall out of and get stuck in as a grown-up....now imagine an infant in the same position.  These mini hammocks also did not feature spreader bars to keep the hammock open so it's super easy to get these all twisted.  Between 1984-1995 at least 12 deaths were reported as well as many other injuries happened.

Aftermath?

In 1996 the US Government issued warnings and a recall on these items

Links:

http://mom.me/home/7081-10-toys-were-banned/item/ez-sales-mini-hammocks/

http://www.takejusticeback.com/news/10-most-dangerous-toys-all-time



Aqua-Leisure Baby Floats

What Is It?

It's an inflatable device designed to support and entertain your Baby in the pool while you relax and enjoy. 

What Happened?

The leg strap area had the tendency to break away causing Babies to fall right through into the water and potentially drown.  Apparently there were 31 reports of this happening, however fortunately there were no serious injuries from this design flaw.

Aftermath?

Their Baby Floats that had "tear potential" were recalled, they continued making the product however the new models without defect have been marked "NP" on the valve.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2009/Aqua-Leisure-Industries-Recalls-Inflatable-Baby-Floats-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard/

Lawn Darts

What Is It?

Well I'd imagine over the years you've heard of or likely played with lawn darts.  You throw the sharp tarts into the lawn in attempts to try and get closest to a target.

What Happened?

Apparently between 1980-1988 there were 6100 (as per Wikipedia) sent to the Hospital because of these dangerous "weapons".  The incident that got the attention of the public was when 7 year old Michelle Snow was impaled by a dart thrown by her Brother's friend and died from her injuries. 

Aftermath?

In 1988 after Michelle Snow was killed the CPSC placed a ban on all lawn darts (to this day the ban is in effect for metal darts).  Since the CPSC has allowed plastic and alternative lawn darts that are not quite so deatly. 

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawn_darts
http://mentalfloss.com/article/31176/how-one-dad-got-lawn-darts-banned