Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Consumer Watchdog Warns Against Dangerous Health Effects of Spinners

Max Pixel

Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor has warned against the negative effects spinners could have on the health of minors.

“Recently, so-called spinners have been aggressively marketed to Russian children and teenagers,” the agency warned Tuesday in an online statement, adding it was responding to “concern” from parents and educators.

It advised parents to exert additional caution when purchasing the toy for their children, especially if the purchase was made online. Warning signs that spinners may be low quality or hazardous are “a sharp, chemical scent,” and “higher noise levels.”

It’s not just the physical health effects of the addictive toys that appear to be a source of concern. Last month, the Rossia 24 state television channel labeled spinners “the toy of the opposition.”

“Spinners are popular among students,” the presenter told viewers. “But not only them. They’ve been spotted more than once in the hands of representatives of the non-systemic opposition,” he added, using the umbrella term for anyone who does not belong to the handful of registered political parties.

The online shop Handspinning.ru has an altogether different view of the toy’s effect. “These toys will help get rid of a whole range of small, bad habits — instead of picking their noses or fidgeting, your hands will be occupied,” the shop promises.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more