Holiday Hazards: CPSC Reports 10 Child Deaths and Over 150,000 Toy-Related Injuries in 2023

As millions of Floridians prepare for the upcoming holiday season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to remind consumers to prioritize safety amidst the festive cheer. According to data posted by CPSC in and official release, in 2023, 154,700 children aged 12 and under were rushed to emergency rooms for toy-related injuries, and 10 deaths were linked to toys.

Non-motorized scooters topped the list of injury-inducing toys, accounting for over 53,000 injuries. The danger is not limited to scooters, as small balls, crayons, flotation toys, and even toy chests have proven fatal. Choking, drowning, entrapment, and ingestion of water beads are among the most common causes of toy-related deaths.

“From online shopping to in-person gatherings, safety and protecting our children should be a top priority this holiday season,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “By being mindful of product hazards, checking for recalls and purchasing from reputable sources, you can protect your loved ones and ensure a joyous and accident-free holiday for all.”

The report highlighted additional alarming trends:

• Lacerations, contusions, and fractures were among the most common injuries across all age groups.
• Internal injuries and ingestion hazards were prevalent in children under five.
• Emergency room visits for toy-related injuries, while slightly declining since 2016, remain distressingly high.

The holiday season also amplifies risks beyond toys. CPSC noted an average of 1,400 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day alone, and about 14,900 decorating-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms during the 2023 holiday season.

The CPSC emphasized key safety tips to combat these risks:

• Toy Safety: Always follow age recommendations on packaging and ensure small parts are kept out of reach of young children. Helmets are essential for scooters and riding toys.
• Cooking Safety: Never leave food unattended while cooking, and fry turkeys only outdoors in a safe, open space.
• Decorating Safety: Keep live Christmas trees hydrated, avoid overloading electrical outlets, and never leave candles burning unattended.

In a year of heightened awareness, the agency collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize nearly 1.6 million illegal or dangerous toys, with over 100,000 of those related to lead content.

To further educate families, CPSC has launched a Holiday Safety Information Center with videos and tips on avoiding common hazards. Consumers are urged to visit the site and stay informed.
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This holiday season, as families prepare to celebrate, the CPSC’s message is clear: Safety first. Because behind every gift should be the guarantee of a joyful—and safe—holiday.