Montgomery County Launches Annual Unsafe Toy Sweep

st/toyswp.pr 97-362 Contact: Sue Rogan, 301-217-7391

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LAUNCHES
ANNUAL UNSAFE TOY SWEEP For Immediate Release (November 24, 1997)

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today launched Montgomery County's third
annual unsafe toy sweep. Conducted by the County's Division of Consumer Affairs, the
effort ensures that toys recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are not
being sold in local stores this season. Duncan was joined in his announcement by U.S
Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Ann Brown.
"We want to give consumers one less thing to worry about during the holidays," said
Duncan. "We want them to have confidence that the toys they buy are not on a U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission list of unsafe and recalled products. We will
aggressively be checking the shelves of local stores to make sure all recalls have been
removed."
"Reports to the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that there are still toy-
related deaths and injuries to children that must be treated in hospital emergency rooms.
These deaths and injuries are not only a tragedy, they are also preventable," cautions Brown.

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UNSAFE TOY SWEEP 2-2-2-2

The following tips are offered to consumers concerning holiday toy safety:

Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that
information as a guide.

Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose, and other potential
small parts.

Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you and, when appropriate, to
the child.

Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly playthings.

By using common sense and these safety suggestions, holiday shoppers can make
informed decisions when purchasing toys for children.
For more information about Montgomery County's Unsafe Toy Sweep or toy safety,
contact the Division of Consumer Affairs at 301-217-7373. The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission hotline number is 1-800-638-2772 for information and to report dangerous
products or product-related injuries.
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