PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Studies suggest that the number of children killed or injured by falling television has risen even as more consumers replace their clunky old TVs with lighter flat screens.
The reason for the rise isn’t clear but could stem from traditional TV sets becoming heavier. And an industry official suggests that families choosing flat screens may be relegating old sets to rickety furniture in other rooms.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says more than 80 of the 180 furniture-related deaths from 2000 to 2006 involved televisions. And the number rose over the years.
Another study says the surge of flat-screen TVs could eventually lead to fewer injuries because they are not as front-heavy.
But officials warn that any television set can be dangerous if put in an unsafe place and not secured.
