Wonder Woman sword, Spider-Man drone land on 'Worst Toys' list

Marvel "Spider-Man Spider-Drone" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

BOSTON (Reuters) - A plastic version of comic-book superhero Wonder Woman's sword and a Spider-Man drone showed up as villains on a U.S. child safety advocacy group's annual list of potentially hazardous toys.

The group, World Against Toys Causing Harm, released its "10 Worst Toys" list on Tuesday, around the start of the holiday shopping season, with the goal of alerting parents to playthings that could hurt their children.

Mattel "Wonder Woman Battle-action Sword" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

Besides the sword, which the group warned could cause "blunt-force injuries," and the drone's "potential for eye and body impact injuries," the list includes toys that could appeal to smaller children and contain removable pieces considered a possible choking hazard.

Flying toys, including the drone, and those that shoot projectiles, including toy Nerf guns, have long appeared on the list. While the products' boxes contain extensive warnings about the dangers of flying items, the group's executive director, James Swartz, said children could not use them in a safe way.

"Really, look at the packaging," Swartz said. "Is it realistic to use the product as the manufacturer intends? If the answer is no, it's better to stay away from it."

"Slackers Slackline Classic Series Kit" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

The list also includes several less-obvious threats. Among them: fidget spinners that can break apart, posing a choking hazard; a pull-along pony with a 19 inch (48 cm) cord the group said a small child could strangle on; and a baby doll with removable hair elastics labeled a choking hazard.

Makers of the toys included on the list, including Mattel Inc, which makes the sword; Skyrocket Toys LLC, the drone manufacturer; and Nerf maker Hasbro Inc, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Toy Association views the list as "needlessly frightening," said Joan Lawrence, the trade group's senior vice president of safety standards and regulatory affairs.

The Hallmark "Itty Bittys" baby stacking toy is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

"We have strong safety standards in this country," Lawrence said, adding that parents should follow the package's directions about the age group for which a plaything is suitable.

The association released a survey this month showing 82 percent of parents think the age ranges are merely suggestions. Lawrence urged parents to take them more seriously.

"If you're going to buy a bicycle ... there are instructions on how to safely use the bicycle, like wearing a helmet," Lawrence said. "We don't say, 'Don't buy the bicycle.' What we do is find ways to enjoy it safely."

The "Jetts Heel Wheels" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

(Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

The "Oval Xylophone" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

Tolo Toys "Pull Along Pony" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

Attorney James A. Swartz holds the Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword as he talks during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

Attorney James A. Swartz holds up Hand Fidgetz Spinners as he talks during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

The Melissa and Doug "Brianna Babydoll" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

Kipp Brothers "Hand Fidgetz Spinner" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm

The Hasbro "Nerf Zombie Strike Deadbolt Crossbow" is displayed during the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) news conference to announce their nominees for the "Ten Worst Toys" this holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Schwalm