Imported nighties ‘risk to children’

Press, 3 April 1989, Page 2

Imported nighties ‘risk to children’

PA Wellington Increases in imports of children’s nightclothes are putting hundreds of youngsters at risk of severe burns or death, the Accident Compensation Corporation Home Safety Council said.

The chairwoman, Ms Jean Phipps, said many of the imported garments were manufactured in Third World countries and did not meet New Zealand safety standards. “Last year two importers were forced to recall one brand of nighties because they were unsafe and there are probably many other dangerous imported brands.” Ms Phipps said hundreds of the recalled nighties had been sold but only 1 per cent were returned to stores by buyers after the danger became known.

“Children wearing these garments are definitely under threat,” Ms Phipps said.

With winter looming parents should check the nightclothes’ labels for N.Z. Standard number 58705 — which shows both the fabric and garment design are safe —

or number 58704, which is a fabric safety standard.

“If they have any doubt they should cut a small piece of fabric from the hem of the garment and

light it in a dish. If it goes into a hard ball or flares the garment should not be worn,” Ms Phipps said. Eleven children were burned in 1987, according to A.C.C. figures, and these cases could have been avoided if the children had been wearing nightclothes which were safely designed from fireresistant fabrics. “Design is as important as the fabric; free-flowing nightdresses are very dangerous,” Ms Phipps said. The Home Safety Council met last week. Other important concerns were: • Babies catching their

hands and feet in the ties of cot bumpers and other frilly cot coverings. Several cases of gangrene

had been reported, Ms Phipps said. • The high number of serious leg and back injuries caused by jumping off trampolines at homes and motel playgrounds.

• The high flammability of car seat covers and seat padding, which pose

dangers to children left in cars where matches and car cigarette lighters are accessible.