Advisory

2001-33
April 4, 2001

Potential choking and strangulation hazard from necklaces

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising parents and caregivers to avoid the use of necklaces being marketed and sold allegedly to prevent or reduce teething pains in young children.

The necklaces are usually made of wooden beads or other small objects that could pose a risk of choking if detached from the string. There is also a risk of strangulation as the necklace can catch on pieces of furniture, hooks or other objects. To date, no injury involving these products has been reported to Health Canada.

Health Canada reminds parents and caregivers never to place a necklace, string, ribbon or chain of any kind on a child under three years of age. Keeping these items off of children and out of the child's reach will help prevent the risk of strangulation or choking.

For further information, contact the Health Canada Product Safety Office nearest you:

Media inquiries:
Andrew Swift
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988

Public inquiries:
(613) 957-2991