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Banned toys Dubai parents should know about

Dubai - Dubai Municipality has urged the public to check the quality of toys before buying them.

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When you buy a toy for your children, be aware that many of them could be hazardous to their health. But if you are in Dubai, help is here as the Dubai Municipality conducts frequent checks to ensure that the composition of toys is harmless to the health of children.
Dubai Municipality has urged the public to check the quality of toys before buying them and report to the authorities concerned, including the Consumer Protection Department, if they come across toys of sub-standard quality.
A large number of toys available in the market may contain lead, magnetic material and poisonous chemicals.
Battery-operated toys are not suitable for children below five years, and a large number of toys available have edges, while others have laser capability.
According to Dubai Municipality's guidelines, safety regulations should be applied to any product or material designed and intended for use in play by children of less than 14 years of age, whether the toys are mechanical, chemical or electrical, slides, swings, rings etc.
The guideline specifically mentions that all toys should have labels showing the use of the toys and the possible dangers associated with its usage, as well as the suitable age of the user.
It also requires the labelling to include instructions on the proper way of handling the toy and advice usage under adult supervision, as and when necessary.
Toys intended for use in water are required to provide instructions on maximum water depth, while instructions about the type of safety equipment to be worn while using toys such as skateboards, roller-skates, scooters etc. should be clearly specified.
Every month, the Dubai Municipality confiscates a lot of toys that could pose harm to children through contact with skin, eyes or by ingestion or inhalation.
A total of 36 toys were banned till July 2016, as per statistics provided by the municipality.
Following is the list of some of the toys banned by Dubai Municipality:

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1. JCB - Bridge Building Play Set

Country of origin: China
Toy category: Play scenes and constructed models
Hazards: The toy contains high levels of zinc which exceeds the permissible limit as required by the standard (46000mg/kg). High levels of zinc are toxic if ingested by young children and could cause adverse health effects.

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2. Moto-GT

Country of origin: Not Available
Toy category: Play scenes and constructed models
Hazards: The toy contains high levels of zinc which exceeds the permissible limit as required by the standard (46000 mg/kg). High levels of zinc are toxic if ingested by young children and could cause adverse health effects. 

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3. Street Bike

Country of origin: China
Toy category: Dolls and soft filled toys
Hazard: The toy has accessible point/s deemed to be sharp and may present an unreasonable risk of injury like punctures of the skin, etc. 

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4. Soft Toy (Owl) 

Toy category: Dolls and soft filled toys
Country of origin: China
Hazards: As received, an opening in the seams of the toy was found allowing the filling materials to be easily accessible. There are possible risks of suffocation or asphyxiation and ingestion due to small parts being inhaled or swallowed.

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5. Yoyo Rattle

Country of origin : Not Available
Toy category: Play scenes and constructed models
Hazard: The ratio of the mass to elastic constant of the yo-yo ball is greater than 2.2 as required by the standard.

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6. Armoured Car

Country of origin: China
Toy category : Mechanical and\or electric driven vehicles
Hazard: The A-weighted emission sound pressure level LpA produced by the toy exceeds the permissible limit of 80 decibel (dB) as specified by the standard. 

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7. Jewelry Box and Beads Making Set

Country of origin : China
Toy category: Skill development toys
Hazard: The toy has accessible point/s deemed to be sharp and may present an unreasonable risk of injury like punctures of the skin, etc. 

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8. Yo Yo Ball

Country of origin : Not Available
Toy category: Toys sports equipment and balls
Hazard: The ratio of the mass to elastic constant of the yo-yo ball is greater than 2.2 as required by the standard.

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9. Dinosaur Egg - Growing Pet

Country of origin: China
Toy Category: Play scenes and constructed models
Hazards: The toy expands by more than 50% as required by the standard. This requirement is intended to reduce the risk related to certain toys, which expands dramatically if swallowed.

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10. Balloon Helicopter

Country of origin: China
Toy category: Art and craft materials and related articles
Hazards: The removable component/s of the toy (mouthpiece) fits entirely within small parts cylinder. It is essential that such toys are not so small that they can be unintentionally swallowed or inhaled causing the user to asphyxiate