Nov 21 — There’s so much information out there on raising kids. The Child Safety Task Force wants to help you figure out what’s fact, and what’s fiction. Can you pick the myth from these three seasonal statements?

Truth or Myth: Christmas tree fires are very dangerous, but not very common.
Truth or Myth: Some children’s Christmas toys contain dangerous chemicals called phthalates.
Truth or Myth: Electric toys designed specifically for children can still be dangerous.

Truth or Myth: Christmas tree fires are very dangerous, but not very common.

Truth. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 240 home fires each year which began with Christmas trees. One in fifteen of these fires was fatal. By comparison, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments in 2005, resulting in estimated 150 civilian deaths. Also, nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. 30% of all home fires begin in the kitchen. So, take care when choosing and decorating your Christmas tree, and don’t leave the lights on at night. But don’t let the hype fool you – the most common sources of fire are with us all year round.

Truth or Myth: Phthalate-free toys for kids are safer than those which contain phthalates.

Myth. Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are used to make plastic flexible, are everywhere, and are not dangerous. The diisononyl phthalate (DINP), the most common phthalate found in children’s toys, has been thoroughly studied and tested by multiple governments and independent evaluators. The Consumer Product Safety Commission spent four years studying DINP and concluded that there were no demonstrated health risks from DINP in children’s toys, and that there is “no justification” for banning its use. Moreover, ‘phthalate free toys’ may contain alternative chemicals which have not been tested. Toys which contain neither are brittle, contributing to breakage, small parts, choking hazards and sharp edges.

Truth or Myth: Electric toys designed specifically for children can still be dangerous.

Truth. Electric toys and products, even those specifically intended for use by children can be extremely hazardous if improperly used, used without supervision, or not properly designed and/or constructed. According to the CPSC, possible dangers include electric shock, burns, and dangerous moving parts. Choose toys carefully and always supervise play.

Now that you know, be safe and smart this Christmas season.
Check back with us soon for more on the science of safe kids.