Prompt Cast
The Evolution and Importance of Toy Testing for Safety
TLDR Toy testing has evolved over time to ensure the safety of children, with the introduction of federal safety standards in 1969 leading to a decrease in toy-related injuries and deaths. Toy testers use specialized tools and observe children playing with toys to ensure they are fun and safe, and there are regulatory bodies and standards in place to constantly update toy safety measures.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Toy testing is a dream job for kids but a lot of work for parents.
04:47
Toy testing has evolved over time, with the concept of testing toys for safety being a relatively new development, and the idea of children playing and learning through play finding its roots in the Enlightenment and industrialization.
09:35
Toy testing has evolved over time and has greatly improved toy safety, with the introduction of federal safety standards in 1969 leading to a decrease in toy-related injuries and deaths.
14:38
In 1969, toy safety became a serious concern, but prior to that, there were issues with flammable pajamas causing deaths and injuries to children, leading to the passing of the Flammable Fabric Act, although the flame retardant chemicals used in the fabric were linked to negative effects on children's health.
19:41
There are regulatory bodies and standards in place to ensure toy safety, which are constantly updated as new science comes in, such as the standard consumer safety specification for toy safety created by ASTM in the 2000s.
24:52
Toy testing involves using specialized tools to measure the strength and durability of toys, as well as observing children playing with the toys to ensure they are fun and safe.
29:33
To become a toy tester, you can either directly contact companies like Mattel or Fisher Price and send in your child's resume and a video of them playing with a toy, or you can try to get noticed by starting a mommy blog, creating a YouTube channel, or even getting a spot on a TV show like Ellen.
34:13
There are YouTube channels, like Evan Tube HD and Disney collector BR, that have millions of subscribers and make millions of dollars a year by simply opening and playing with toys on camera.
39:10
The hosts discuss some recalled toys, including the Snack Time Kid Cabbage Patch Doll and Lawn Darts, which were banned in 1988 due to injuries.
44:15
The hosts discuss some dangerous toys, including an Atomic Energy Laboratory set with real radioactive materials and a CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit that contained asbestos.
49:07
The Easy Bake Oven, a beloved toy, had a design flaw that caused burns and injuries to children.
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Society & Culture
