Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2001 -- The Gymboree Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 5,500 Baby Boy Bodysuits. The wheel-shaped zipper pull can twist off and become a choking hazard to young children.

CPSC and Gymboree have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The recalled baby bodysuits are short-sleeved, one-piece outfits for toddlers sizes 0-3T. The bodysuits come in green and red, and have a wheel-shaped zipper pull. On the left arm of the outfit is a patch that says "1st Place Soap Box Derby." A white care label inside of the outfit reads, "Made in Thailand" and "2000 Gymboree."

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The Gymboree website and stores nationwide sold these bodysuits from March 2001 through May 2001 for about $17.

Consumers should stop using these outfits and return them to any Gymboree store for a full refund. For more information, call Gymboree toll-free at (800) 222-7758 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or log on to the company's website at www.gymboree.com.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2002 -- Bikepro, Inc. of Pico Rivera, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 baby walkers.

The baby walkers can fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these baby walkers could be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.

Bikepro, Inc. has not received any reports of injuries involving these walkers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled walkers are intended for babies age 6 months or older. The walkers are blue, green, pink and yellow. They have a musical tray, a thick foamed padded seat and some are equipped with stoppers on the side. These model numbers are recalled: 305, 308RK, 309STP, 384, 386, 388, 388STP, 389STP, 392STP, 393STP, 395 and 399STP. The model numbers are located on the outside of each box.

The baby walkers bear a warning label that states in part: "WARNING: NOTE: NEVER LEAVE CHILD UNATTENDED" or "NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY ALONE IN THIS BABY WALKER" or "USE ONLY FOR CHILDREN WHO CAN SIT UNASSISTED." The baby walkers may bear a label stating "BEBELOVE."

Independent discount stores located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, Missouri and New York sold these baby walkers from January 2000 through August 2001 for between $18 and $22.

Consumers should stop using these walkers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, contact Bikepro, Inc. at (800) 261-2559between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC worked with industry to revise the voluntary standard for baby walkers to address injuries from falls down stairs. The revised standard was published in 1997. Children falling down stairs in walkers have accounted for most baby walker-related injuries. New walkers that meet the voluntary standard have special features that stop the walker at the top step. Baby walker-related injuries to children under 15 months old have declined over 60 percent from an estimated 20,100 in 1995 to 7,400 in 2000.

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2002 -- Hilton Hotels Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 Vacation Station children's cooler/chairs. When the chair collapses the folding mechanism can pose a crushing, cutting or severing hazard to consumers' fingers.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC and Hilton Hotels are aware of one report in which part of a 2-year-old boy's fingertip was severed when the chair collapsed.

The recalled product is a multi-use product that can be used as both a child's chair or a food/beverage storage cooler. The cooler/chairs were given to hotel guests as a welcoming gift at participating Hilton, Doubletree, and Hilton Garden Inn hotels and resorts. The chairs have either a purple aluminum frame with a purple fabric seat and green cooler bag, or a green aluminum frame with a green fabric seat and a blue cooler bag. Vacation Station is printed on the front of the cooler bag. The chairs were made in Hong Kong and imported into the U.S. by Promotional Partners Group Limited of Hong Kong.

Participating Hilton, Doubletree, and Hilton Garden Inn hotels and resorts nationwide distributed the cooler chairs between May 2002 and June 2002 for free to hotel guests with children.

Consumers should stop using the recalled cooler/chairs immediately and contact Hilton Hotels for information on returning the cooler/chairs and receiving a free replacement item. Contact Hilton Hotels toll-free at (877) 221-2424 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit one of the participating brand web sites at www.hilton.com/families or www.hiltongardeninn.com/families.

Sunbeam Glow-in-the-Dark Humidifiers Recalled

These humidifiers were sold under the brand names Sunbeam, Hankscraft and SunMark. The Sunbeam brand has service numbers 644 through 646 written on the back of the humidifier's motor housing. 

The Hankscraft brand has service numbers 1260 through 1262 and the SunMark brand has service number 1260. Hankscraft and SunMark service numbers are written on the inside of the plastic housing of the motor. All the recalled humidifiers have date codes stamped on the plugs beginning with I001 through J226. 

The humidifiers are white with green, blue or rust colored covers. Sunbeam, Hankscraft or SunMark is written on the plastic cover. The Sunbeam humidifiers were sold with 1-gallon, 1.5-gallon and 2-gallon tank capacity. The Hankscraft humidifiers were sold with 1.2-gallon, 1.7-gallon and 2.5-gallon tank capacity. The SunMark humidifiers were sold with 1.2-gallon tank capacity.

Discount department and drug stores sold these humidifiers nationwide from March 1995 through December 1997 for $8 to $15.

Consumers should immediately stop using these humidifiers, and call Sunbeam for instructions on returning the products for a free replacement. 

Only the humidifiers with the service numbers and date codes listed are part of this recall. Also, if your humidifier has a sticker on the motor's plastic housing showing a manufactured date of 1999 or later, it is not part of the recall.

For more information or to get instructions on returning the humidifiers, call Sunbeam at (800) 440-4668 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET on Saturday. Consumers also can access the company's web site at www.sunbeam.com.

"Bathtub Baby" Doll Sets Recalled

These doll sets come with a small ball, which poses a serious choking hazard to children under 3 years old.

CPSC and Toys "R" Us are not aware of any injuries involving these doll sets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The Bathtub Baby doll set includes a blue, plastic bathtub; a 5.5 inch soft vinyl doll wearing a blue diaper; a pink, fish-shaped strainer; and a pink ball about 1.25 inches in diameter.

The set is packaged in a clear plastic bag with a hangtag. Writing on the hangtag includes, "BATHTUB BABY," WHAT A DOLL!" "FISHEL" and "MADE IN CHINA."

Toys "R" Us stores nationwide sold these doll set from October 1998 through July 1999 for about $2.

Consumers are urged to take the doll sets away from young children immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call their local Toys "R" Us store, or visit the Toys "R" Us web site at www.toysrus.com/recalls/index.cfm.

This recall was the result of an inspection conducted by the CPSC staff.

CPSC, Arctic Cat Inc. Announce Recall of 1999-Model Snowmobiles

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 4 - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., is recalling about 11,500 snowmobiles. These 1999-model snowmobiles could have faulty drive clutches due to the use of a contaminated alloy in manufacturing. If the clutch sheave fails, broken pieces could strike consumers, causing lacerations or bruises.

CPSC and Arctic Cat are not aware of any injuries or incidents involving these snowmobiles. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The following model 1999 Arctic Cat snowmobiles are being recalled:

P/S 700 LE
P/S 700
Z 370
Z 370 International
Z 440
Z 440 Sno-Pro
ZR 440 Sno-Pro
ZL 500 EFI
ZR 500 EFI
ZR 600
ZR 600 LB
ZR 700
ZRT 800
Thundercat

"ARCTIC CAT" and the model name can be found on the side of the snowmobile. These snowmobiles are painted either white, green, black or a combination of these colors.

Authorized Arctic Cat dealers sold these snowmobiles nationwide between October 1998 and November 1998 for between $4,000 and $8,000.

Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately, and take them to an authorized Arctic Cat Dealer for a free repair. For more information, call Arctic Cat at (800) 210-5941 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m CST Monday through Friday.



The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

Girls' "Esleep Junior" Robes Recalled

The federal standards require sleepwear, including robes, to be flame resistant, and if the garment ignites, the flame must self-extinguish. Failure to meet the flammability standards presents a risk of serious burn injuries to children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said it was not aware of any injuries involving the robes. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

"Esleep Juniors," and "Made in Bangladesh" are written on labels on the collar of these robes. The robes have chest patches showing either a pair of bear cubs or a sleeping puppy. They are made of polyester, either blue or green, and were sold in sizes four through 14.

The robes are long-sleeve robes with patch pockets. They have one of the following GPU numbers located on a collar tag: 9816, 9817, 9818, 9885, 9886, 9890 and 9891.

JC Penney stores nationwide sold these robes from July 1998 through April 1999 for about $25.

Consumers should stop using these recalled robes immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For additional
information, consumers should contact Bentley Lingerie at (888) 330-3803 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

CPSC, Gerber Announce Recall of LIL’ SPORT Spill Proof Sport Bottles

The bottles can be identified easily by their flip-top lids. The LIL’ SPORT Spill Proof Sport Bottle is a 12-ounce plastic bottle with a curved body shape similar to that of an adult sport bottle. A separate screw-top cap sits on the body and features a spill proof spout covered by a flip-top lid. The Gerber name is featured on top of the lid. The bottle body comes in solid colors as well as one Baby Looney Tunes^TM design.

Mass merchandise and grocery stores sold these bottles nationwide from February 1999 to July 1999 for about $4 (individually) to $8 (twin-pack).

Parents and caregivers should stop children from using these bottles immediately, and return the bottles to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call Gerber at (800) 4-GERBER anytime or visit their website at www.gerber.com.

Other Gerber spill proof cups are not part of this recall.

Huffy Recalls Men's Mountain Bicycles

CPSC, Thomson Electronics Announce Recall of GE Brand Spacemaker Radio Cassette Players

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 3 - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 424,000 GE Spacemaker radio cassette players. The unit has an appliance outlet that can overheat, presenting a fire hazard to consumers.

Thomson Consumer Electronics has received three reports of appliance outlets on the units overheating and catching fire, causing minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Only units with model number 7-4285 are involved in this recall. The model number is located on the top of the unit and may or may not be followed by a letter. The unit is designed for under-the-cabinet use and consists of an AM/FM stereo cassette player, a light and a programmable appliance outlet, which allows for a timer to control the power to the outlet. The appliance outlet is located on the left side of the unit. "GE Spacemaker...AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player...Programmable Appliance Outlet" is on the front of the unit. The control panel is black and is located on the front of the unit between the two speakers.

Department, electronic and discount stores nationwide sold the units from January 1992 through December 1995 for about $50 to $80.

Consumers should unplug the units immediately and call Thomson at (800) 464-7022 anytime for instructions on receiving a free replacement unit. Consumers also can contact Thomson at www.home-electronics.net/recall or at Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc., Spacemaker Recall, INH 950, P.O. Box 6127, Indianapolis, Ind. 46206-6127.

No other Spacemaker models are involved in this recall.



The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

"Little Me" Infant Garments Recalled

The recall was announced jointly by Little Me, of Cumberland, Md., and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

These 100 percent cotton garments have a white top and cherry print bottom, with white embroidered collar, and were sold with a floppy hat with cherry print material. The outfits have ornamental cherries attached to a string at the waist. They were sold in sizes 3M, 6M, 9M, 12M, 18M and 24M. The collar labels read, "Little Me," "MADE IN PHILIPPINES" and "RN 20864."

Major department and children clothing stores sold these garments from March 1999 through July 1999 for about $20 to $22.

Consumers should immediately stop using these garments, and should return them to Little Me for a refund and a voucher for a 30 percent rebate on a future Little Me purchase. For more information, call Little Me at (800) 843-8460, anytime, or visit the Little Me web site at www.littleme.com/productrecall/index.html.

CPSC Announces Recall Round-up to Get Hazardous Products Out of Consumers' Homes

WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 30, 1999 -- For the third year in a row, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is conducting a recall round-up to get hazardous products out of people's homes. Despite recall notices and public warnings, CPSC has found that many products with the potential to seriously injure or kill are still being used by consumers.

CPSC has enlisted the help of state and local officials, as well as national and state health and safety organizations. Governors, state health officials, and grassroots voluntary/service groups will help publicize the safety campaign and distribute information on the hazardous products. In some states, recalled products will be rounded up and brought to central locations for disposal.

"People should do some spring cleaning and check their attics and other storage areas for old products that could be hazardous," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "We can get dangerous products off store shelves, but the real challenge is to get them out of families' homes."

Today, CPSC will hold a press conference to launch Recall Round-Up by giving out a "Recall List" of products.

Some of the hazardous products that might be in consumers' homes are:

• Play yards that have protruding rivets that pose a strangulation hazard to toddlers if pacifier strings or loose (or loosely woven) clothing catch on the rivets. CPSC is aware of 8 deaths of toddlers who strangled when a string or clothing caught on the playpens' protruding rivets. CPSC obtained voluntary recalls for 9.6 million units of the following play yards/playpens with protruding rivets: Bilt-Rite, Evenflo, Gerry, Graco, Kolcraft, Playskool, Pride-Trimble, and Strolee. To get a repair kit or refund (depending on the brand), people should call 800-794-4115.
  
• Ride-on battery-powered Power Wheels vehicles by Fisher-Price made before October 1998 with electrical components that can overheat and cause fires. CPSC knows of 700 reports of electrical components failing and overheating while the cars and trucks were being ridden, charged, parked or stored. About 150 fires have been reported, and 9 children suffered minor burns. Property damage also occurred to 22 houses and garages. In addition, there have been 71 reports of Power Wheels vehicles not stopping because of this electrical problem. Approximately 10 million products are involved. People should remove the batteries and call Fisher-Price on 800-977-7800 or access the company's website at www.powerwheels.com/special/default.htm to get free repair of the Power Wheels vehicles.
  
• Horizontal (under-the-counter) Spacemaker Optima toaster (model T1000) by Black & Decker can allow food to catch fire. When the door automatically opens, flames escape and expose cabinets to fire. CPSC knows of 1,066 fires and 8 burns. There are 234,000 toasters included in this recall. People can get a free replacement product by calling Black & Decker on 800-746-2159.
  
• Infant car seat/carrier "On My Way" Model 207 and 492 made before July 27, 1997, by Evenflo Company can unexpectedly release the handle, causing the seat to flip forward and the infant to fall. CPSC knows of 89 injuries to children. Approximately 800,000 car seat/carriers are involved. People should call Evenflo Company on 800-203-2138 to get free repair.
  
• Mini-hammocks without spreader bars can twist around children's necks as they are getting into or out of the mini-hammock, resulting in strangulation and death. CPSC knows of 12 deaths to children in mini-hammocks. Approximately 3 million such mini-hammocks without spreader bars were recalled in 1996. People should return the mini-hammocks to the store or destroy them.
  
• Infant Swing "Lil' Napper" model by Century Products Company can strangle a child if the shoulder straps loosen or are unbuckled and the child becomes entangled. CPSC knows of 4 deaths and 1 near strangulation. There were 125,000 units of the Lil' Napper Infant Swing recalled in 1997. People should call Century Products on 800-231-1448 to get a free repair kit.

"CPSC sometimes learns of deaths or serious injuries caused by previously recalled products. We want to prevent these needless tragedies," said Brown. "We urge people to get CPSC's list of recalls and check for old products that could be hazardous."

CPSC's toll-free telephone hotline and web site provide information about recalled products and information on what to look for when buying products. Consumers can reach the hotline at 800-638-2772 or visit the web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.

Consumers can get a list of major recalls here, or can have a copy mailed to them by sending a postcard to "Recall List," CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.

This news release is available on the web site in Spanish or by calling Jess Charez at (214) 827-6239.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information via Internet gopher services at cpsc.gov or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

CPSC, Mealane Corp. Announce Recall of Star Fire Sprinklers

As the result of a CPSC investigation,  Mealane Corp. of Philadelphia, is voluntarily recalling up to one million "Star" brand fire sprinklers manufactured from 1961 through 1976. The sprinklers have been installed nationwide, primarily in nursing homes. They also may be found in hospitals, schools, resorts, stores, office buildings, warehouses and supermarkets.

CPSC reports that 67 percent of the sprinklers that were removed from locations across the country and submitted for testing to independent testing laboratories failed to activate properly.

CPSC has received one report of a Star sprinkler allegedly not functioning in a bedroom fire in a nursing home.

The Star sprinklers being recalled are dry-type models D-1, RD-1, RE-1, E-1 and ME-1 made from 1961 through 1976. The name "Star" appears on the sprinkler, along with the model number and date of manufacture. With "dry-type" sprinklers, portions of the pipe do not have water in them until the sprinkler activates.

The former Star Sprinkler Co., of Philadelphia, Pa., sold its assets and changed its name in June 1976 and became known as Mealane Corp.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits hospitals and other long-term-care facilities, is supporting the recall with CPSC.

Consumers and property owners should determine whether their facilities contain these recalled sprinklers and if so, call the Star Sprinkler Recall Hotline at (800) 866-7807 or access the website at www.star-recall.com to participate in the recall.

Mealane will provide free replacement sprinkler heads and reimbursement for the labor costs of removing and replacing the old units.

CPSC is continuing its ongoing investigation of fire sprinklers.

Transmission may slip out of 'Park'

October 18, 2008
Cadillac is recalling about 17,000 2004 SRX models equipped with an automatic transmission because they may slip out of the "park" position.

In some cases, the shift lever can be moved out of "park" when the ignition is on and the brake pedal is not depressed. In other cases, the shifter can be moved when the ignition is turned off. Either could allow the vehicles to roll unexpectedly, causing a crash.

Dealers will fix the problem free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2008.

Ekco Utility Lighters Recalled

EKCO Housewares, Inc. says it has received four reports of these lighters flaring up during use, causing minor burns to consumers' hands and arms.

The recall was announced in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled utility lighters are refillable and contain butane. They are about 9 inches long and have a white plastic base, red plastic handle with a black plastic trigger and on/off switch, and a metal barrel. "GAS TORCH" is imprinted on the barrel. A yellow label is affixed to the handle and reads in part, "DANGER: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE...MADE IN CHINA."

The lighters were packaged in cardboard display sleeves under the brand name EKCO. The package lists either item number 58046 or 15387.

Mass merchandise, hardware and grocery stores sold the lighters nationwide from January 1997 through June 1999 for about $3.

Consumers should stop using the recalled lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. Alternatively, consumers can obtain a refund, plus postage, by mailing either the package card or white plastic base of the lighter to EKCO Housewares at 9234 West Belmont Ave., Franklin Park, IL 60131, Attention: Customer Service Department. Consumers should throw the body of the lighter in the trash. It should not be incinerated or punctured. For more information about this recall, consumers should call EKCO Housewares at (800) 964-9687 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2002 -- Young children are irresistibly drawn to water, and tragically, about 350 children under age 5 drown in swimming pools each year. But even if you don't have a pool, your young children may not be safe from drowning, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

At next month's World Congress on Drowning, the CPSC will present data showing that about one-third as many children (an average of about 115 annually) drown from other hazards around the home as do in pools. CPSC has received reports of 459 young children who drowned in bathtubs, buckets, toilets, spas, hot tubs and other containers of water in a 4-year period between 1996 and 1999.

"While many of us are aware of the dangers a backyard pool poses to young children, not everyone knows about other drowning hazards around the home," said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. "CPSC is alerting parents and caregivers to drowning hazards that might not be so obvious, to help prevent these devastating losses."

Bathtubs

Children drowning in bathtubs account for about two-thirds of the 459 reported drowning deaths in the home. The majority of these bathtub deaths occur when the caregiver is not present. In the time it takes to step out of the room to get a towel or answer the phone, a young child can drown. In at least 29 of the 292 bathtub drowning deaths reported to CPSC between 1996 and 1999, the victims were using bath seats.

Buckets

Many parents and caregivers may not realize the danger buckets pose. From 1996 through 1999, CPSC received reports of 58 children under age 5 who drowned in 5-gallon buckets. Even a small amount of liquid can be deadly. Of all buckets, the 5-gallon size presents the greatest hazard to young children because of its tall, straight sides. That, combined with the stability of these buckets, makes it nearly impossible for top-heavy infants and toddlers to free themselves when they fall into the bucket headfirst.

Toilets

Toilets can be overlooked as a drowning hazard in the home. The typical scenario involves a child under 3-years-old falling headfirst into the toilet. CPSC has received reports of 16 children under age 5 who drowned in toilets between 1996 and 1999.

Spas and Hot Tubs

Spas and hot tubs, typically located near or sometimes inside the home, pose another hazard to young children. CPSC is aware of 55 children under age 5 who drowned in spas and hot tubs between 1996 and 1999.

Other Products

Though not as frequently involved in deaths, other products around the home containing water can be drowning hazards. The most common of these are buckets with a capacity different than the 5-gallon size. Additional drowning deaths have also involved landscape ponds, sinks, and fish tanks, among other products.

TIPS

CPSC offers these tips to help prevent young children from drowning:

• Never leave a baby alone in a bathtub for even a second. Always keep the baby in arm's reach. Don't leave a baby in the care of another young child. Never leave to answer the phone, answer the door, to get a towel or for any other reason. If you must leave, take the baby with you.
• A baby bath seat is not a substitute for supervision. A bath seat is a bathing aid, not a safety device. Babies have slipped or climbed out of bath seats and drowned.
• Never use a baby bath seat in a non-skid, slip-resistant bathtub because the suction cups will not adhere to the bathtub surface or can detach unexpectedly.
• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. When finished using a bucket, always empty it immediately.
• Store buckets where young children cannot reach them. Buckets, accessible to children, that are left outside to collect rainwater are a hazard.
• Always secure safety covers and barriers to prevent children from gaining access to spas or hot tubs when not in use. Some non-rigid covers, such as solar covers, can allow a small child to slip in the water and the cover would appear to still be in place.
• Keep the toilet lid down to prevent access to the water and consider using a toilet clip to stop young children from opening the lids. Consider placing a latch on the bathroom door out of reach of young children.
• Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) -- it can be a lifesaver when seconds count. Swimming Pools
• Consumers with residential pools need to be aware of all the safety tips regarding in-home hazards, and also be aware of how to protect young children from the dangers a pool poses.

The key to preventing a swimming pool tragedy is to have layers of protection. This includes placing barriers around your pool to prevent access, using door and pool alarms, closely supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency. CPSC offers these tips to prevent pool drowning:

• Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. Fence gates should open outward from the pool and should be self-closing and self- latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.
• If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
• A power safety cover -- a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area -- can be used when the pool is not in use.
• Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted.
• For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.
• If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution.

CPSC offers free publications consumers can use to help prevent child drowning: "Safety Barrier Guidelines for Pools," "How to Plan for the Unexpected," "Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer," and "Prevent Child In-Home Drowning Deaths." Copies of these publications can be obtained on CPSC's website, or by writing to "Prevent Drowning," CPSC, Washington, D.C., 20207.

Extension Cords & Hair Dryers Recalled

About 35,000 lithium ion batteries used in Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell laptop computers are being recalled because they can overheat. Another 65,000 batteries were sold worldwide and are not affected by the U.S. recall.

There have been 19 reports of the batteries overheating, including 17 reports of flames/fire (10 resulting in minor property damage). Two consumers experienced minor burns.

The recalled batteries were included with, and sold separately for use in, the following notebook computer models:

The battery model is located on the battery's label.

Computers with the recalled batteries, made in Japan, were sold directly by Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell, through computer and electronics stores nationwide, and through various Web retailers for between $700 and $3000. The batteries were also sold separately for between $100 and $160.

• Hewlett-Packard ' sold from December 2004 through June 2006
• Toshiba ' sold from April 2005 to October 2005
• Dell ' shipped between November 2004 and November 2005

Consumers should immediately remove the recalled battery from their notebook computer, and contact their computer manufacturer to determine if their battery is included in the recall and to request a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers may use the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives. Consumers should only use batteries obtained from their computer manufacturer or an authorized reseller.

Consumer Contacts: For additional information, consumers should contact the manufacturer of their notebook computer:

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

All statins, at high doses, carry similar risks, agency says

March 19, 2010
If you take 80 mg tablets of the cholesterol-lowering medication Zocor, you may be at higher risk for muscle injury. The Food and Drug Administration is warning patients and health care providers about the possible side effect of the popular drug.

Actually, the potential side effect, called myopathy, is a known side effect with all statins. The specific warning from the FDA is for developing muscle injury, including rhabdomyolysis, for patients when they are prescribed and use higher doses of this drug.

Rhabdomyolysis is the most serious form of myopathy and can lead to severe kidney damage, kidney failure, and sometimes death.

"Review of simvastatin is part of an ongoing FDA effort to evaluate the risk of statin-associated muscle injury and to provide that information to the public as it becomes available," said Eric Colman, M.D., Deputy Director of FDA's Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP). "It's important for patients and healthcare professionals to consider all the potential risks and known benefits of any drug before deciding on any one therapy or dose of therapy."

Simvastatin is sold as a single-ingredient generic medication and as the brand-name Zocor. It also is sold in combination with ezetimibe as Vytorin, and in combination with niacin as Simcor.

FDA's review of new information on the risk of muscle injury is derived from clinical trials, observational studies, adverse event reports, and prescription use data.

The agency also is reviewing data from the SEARCH (Study of the Effectiveness of Additional Reductions in Cholesterol and Homocysteine) trial, which evaluated major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, revascularization and cardiovascular death, in patients taking 80 mg compared to 20 mg of simvastatin. SEARCH also included data on muscle injury in patients taking simvastatin.