Inflatable toys, novelties & furniture

There is a permanent ban on the sale of inflatable toys, novelties and furniture that have loose beads or small particles inside the product, due to the risk of choking or suffocation for young children.

About inflatable toys, novelties and furniture

Inflatable toys, novelties and furniture are made of soft plastic or other similar material and are designed to be inflated.

They can include:

  • toy hammers
  • balls
  • children’s chairs or lounges
  • footstools.

Risks and injuries

Sometimes inflatable toys, novelties and furniture also contain loose beads, pellets or small particles made from polystyrene or a similar synthetic material. There is a permanent ban on the sale of these products.

PVC plastic products may burst or puncture, or weaken with age, providing young children with access to the beads. Children have suffocated, become seriously ill and died after inhaling or swallowing small beads that have come out of inflatable toys and other items.

Inhaled or swallowed polystyrene beads do not show up on x-rays, making them very difficult for doctors to diagnose the cause of a related illness and to locate and remove the beads.

Buying tips

  • Do not purchase any inflatable toys, novelties or furniture if you suspect that the inflated product contains beads or small particles.

Safe use

  • Never leave young children unsupervised with inflatable toys, novelties or furniture.

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