Every year more than 33 million Americans are hurt by products in their own homes. Some you've heard about before, others are new... so the Consumer Product Safety Commission decided to release a top five list... highlighting those things you use every day that can be dangerous.
Number one: Magnets. The number of toys containing magnets has increased and so has the number of serious injuries to children.
If a magnet and another metal object are swallowed separately, they can attract to one another through the intestinal wall and get trapped in place... causing blockages, infection, and even death.
Second: Recalled products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission works hard to get dangerous products off store shelves, but it can't police what's inside your home. It's up to you to keep up on the latest safety recalls.
Tip overs is third on the list. Last year 31 youngsters died because furniture or televisions or appliances tipped over and crushed them.
Either use anti-tip brackets or anchor furniture so it's stable.
Fourth: Windows and coverings. Never place a child's crib or playpen near a window blind. Children can strangle on window drapery and blind cords with a loop. And kids love to play around windows. Don't rely on window screens to protect them.
Fifth: Pool and spa drains. Make sure they're covered so the suction doesn't pull in a child... sealing him or her against a drain or yanking them in by their hair.
Accidents can happen very quickly so it pays to be pro-active.