In addition, one child died from toy-related strangulation. These deaths account for 85 percent of all toy-related fatalities. Approximately 5,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms for aspirating and ingesting toys and toy parts each year. More than 75 percent of these children are ages 4 and under. The majority of childhood suffocations, strangulations and chokings occur in the home.
Children are more likely to suffocate during the summer months and choke during the winter months.
Children can suffocate when they become trapped in household appliances, such as refrigerators or dryers, and toy chests. Choking The majority of childhood choking injuries and deaths are associated with food items. Children are at risk from choking on small, round foods such as hot dogs, candies, nuts, grapes, carrots and popcorn. Nonfood items tend to be round or conforming objects, including coins, small balls and balloons. Balloons are the most common cause of toy-related choking death among children.