June 23, 2017 2.43 pm This story is over 81 months old

Council warning to parents as ‘dangerous’ fidget spinners go into circulation

North East Lincolnshire Council’s trading standards team are reminding shoppers to make thorough checks when buying fidget spinners. Fidget Spinners are the latest must-have toy craze for children and while many are probably safe, there is rising concern among regulators over some of the varieties on the market. Hundreds of fidget spinners have been removed…

North East Lincolnshire Council’s trading standards team are reminding shoppers to make thorough checks when buying fidget spinners.

Fidget Spinners are the latest must-have toy craze for children and while many are probably safe, there is rising concern among regulators over some of the varieties on the market.

Hundreds of fidget spinners have been removed from shop shelves in other parts of the country because of fears they contain dangerous parts.

There are a growing numbers of reports of fidget spinners breaking, with the small parts causing a choking hazard, the batteries becoming loose and being potentially swallowed and even the metals used in the items containing high levels of lead or mercury.

Some spinners include LED lights with lithium-ion batteries, which could cause internal bleeding if ingested.

Others have small parts that can easily pop out, meaning they could be a choking hazard to young children, while some featured a blade with sharp pointed edges.

In some cases there are no contact details for the manufacturer or importer on the toy, meaning they could not be quickly recalled if necessary.

Trading standards manager Neil Clark said: “Fidget spinners are toys, and should be tested and packaged as such.

“Due to the sheer volume and variety of fidget spinners on the market, it’s difficult to state categorically and definitively that fidget spinners are safe or unsafe.”

Councillor David Bolton, portfolio holder for safer communities and public protection at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “Anyone buying a fidget spinner should buy it from a reputable trader and make sure the safety warnings can be clearly seen on the packaging.”