Children under 8 will not be allowed to blow up balloons

Concerned that children might hurt themselves or die, regulators in the EU have passed new toy safety laws that prohibit children from playing with a number of popular toys that have long been favorites at birthday parties and holiday gatherings. According to the new directives, children under the age of eight will no longer be allowed to legally blow up balloons, for instance, and children under the age of 14 will be prohibited from using noise-generating whistle blowers. It is all part of an effort to improve children's safety by limiting their use of items that may prevent a choking or other health hazard. Latex bits from balloons, say regulators, present a serious choking risk. And children may swallow plastic pieces from whistle blowers, which means they have to go as well.

[http://www.westender.com.au/news/1202 Home - Westender - Brisbane's Oldest Independent, Online Newspaper. Latest Westend News, Sport, Weather, Arts and Reviews]