Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2002 -- Remington Products Co. is again announcing the recall of about 3,000 hairdryers. These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. If dropped in water, the hairdryers pose an electrocution hazard to consumers. This recall was originally announced by CPSC and Remington on March 21, 2001.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of electrocutions relating to these hairdryers. This recall is being announced to prevent the possibility of injury.

The 1600-watt hairdryers have a chrome body, with black speed and heat controls. The model name, "Remington Vortex Ultra," is printed in black on one side of the air intake grill; with the model number, V-1030, and the words, "Do Not Immerse In Water" and "Made in China" printed in silver on the other side. The hairdryers have a UPC number of 0-74590-87541-6, which is located on the packaging box.

The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed, Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; Army and Air Force Exchanges; and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately. Owners of the recalled hair dryers will be sent a postage-paid shipping container to return their unit to Remington. Consumers will receive a new 1875- watt Vortex hair dryer with an ALCI plug. For more information, contact Remington at (800) 992-9686 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.remington-products.com/home.html.

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2001 -- McDonald's Corp., Oakbrook, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 234,000 "Scooter Bug" toys. The toys were distributed with McDonald's Happy Meals for children under 3 years of age. The bug's antenna can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

McDonald's has received two reports of children choking and one report of a child gagging on the broken off antenna.

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

The Scooter Bug toy is about 3 inches long and 2 1/2 inch wide. When rolled across the floor, the bug's legs move back and forth. The bug has a yellow face with red antennas, orange feet and a purple body with green spots. The words "Fisher Price" are on the top of the toy. The words "MFG.FOR MCD CORP.CHINA" are on the rear of the toy.

McDonald's restaurants in the U.S. and Canada distributed the toys with Happy Meals from November 2000 through February 2001.

Parents should take the toy away from children immediately and return the toy to any McDonald's restaurant for a replacement toy. For more information, consumers should visit McDonald's web site at www.mcdonalds.com. Questions about this recall should be directed to CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772.

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2000 -- Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 2.7 million Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains and about 857,000 trimmer replacement chain sets following a death and 40 injuries.

The company said the end link of the trimmers metal chain can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use, propelling the link into the air at a high velocity. If the metal link strikes the user or a bystander, it can penetrate skin and bone, causing injury or death.

Weed Wizard and the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSChave received 47 reports of metal links detaching from trimmers, resulting in 41 injuries, including the death of a 3-year-old girl in Alabama who was struck in the head by a metal link. The injuries included users and bystanders being struck by metal links in the head, neck, legs, ankles and feet, resulting in penetration wounds and lacerations.

Home centers, mass merchants, discount stores, hardware stores and television advertisements nationwide sold Weed Wizards with metal chains from May 1987 through April 2000 for between $19 and $25. The replacement chain kits were sold from January 1992 through April 2000 for about $8.

The Weed Wizard being recalled replaces the string trimmer head with a metal chain trimmer head on a gas-powered weed trimmer. Only Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains are part of this recall. They were sold with white replacement heads and black chains, yellow heads with black chains or yellow heads with silver chains. There is no writing on the Weed Wizard trimmer heads, but the packaging reads "Weed Wizard", "The Solution to Trimmer Line Problems", "Fits 99% of All Gas Trimmers" and "MADE IN U.S.A."

Consumers should stop using the Weed Wizards with metal chains immediately and contact the firm to obtain free plastic replacement blades and installation instructions. For a free replacement kit, call Weed Wizard toll-free at (888) 810-7536 anytime, or visit the firms web site.

"Don't sleep with your baby or put the baby down to sleep in an adult bed," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "The only safe place for babies is in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Place babies to sleep on their backs and remove all soft bedding and pillow-like items from the crib."

The  CPSC study published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that placing babies to sleep in adult beds puts them at risk of suffocation or strangulation.  It found an average 64 deaths per year to babies under the age of 2 years placed to sleep in adult beds, including waterbeds and daybeds.

A review of incident data from January 1990 to December 1997 linked adult beds to at least 515 baby deaths. Analysis of the deaths revealed four major hazard patterns:

• Suffocation associated with the co-sleeping of adult and baby.
• Suffocation where an infant becomes entrapped or wedged between the mattress and another object.
• Suffocation due to airway obstruction when the baby is face down on a waterbed mattress.
• Strangulation in rails or openings on beds that allow a baby's body to pass through while entrapping the head.

Of the 515 deaths, 121 were reported to be due to a parent, caregiver or sibling rolling on top of or against the baby while sleeping. More than three-quarters of these deaths occurred to infants younger than 3 months. The other 394 deaths resulted from suffocation or from strangulation caused by entrapment of the child's head in various structures of the bed. Entrapments occurred between the mattress and the wall, bed frame, headboard, footboard, bed railings or adjacent furniture.

One of the most tragic aspects of these deaths is that they are largely preventable. In many cases, the adult placing the baby in the adult bed was unaware of or underestimated the danger posed. The practice of co-sleeping can result in the adult rolling on top of or next to the baby smothering him or her. Mothers who breastfeed should be alerted to this hazard and should be encouraged to return the baby to the crib after breast-feeding.

Of the 394 entrapment deaths, 296 were on adult beds, 79 were on waterbeds and 10 were on daybeds. Bed rails, which are portable railings that can be installed on toddler and adult beds to keep toddlers from falling out of beds, accounted for nine baby deaths. CPSC is working with the bed rail industry on the design of these products to reduce the hazard. The following chart provides more details on the fatality scenarios from entrapment and co-sleeping.

For 1998 and 1999, the Commission is aware of at least 76 additional deaths, 35 due to suffocation associated with co-sleeping and 41 due to entrapments. The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, a member of the Journal of the American Medical Association family of journals, study "Adult Beds Are Unsafe Places for Children to Sleep," primarily written by CPSC's Suad Nakamura, Ph.D., was co-authored by Marilyn Wind, Ph.D., (CPSC) and Mary Ann Danello, Ph.D., (CPSC). Nakamura gave details about the findings at an AMA briefing in New York today.

CPSC has also issued a Safety Alert (pdf format) warning against placing babies in adult beds.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2000 -- Woods Industries is voluntarily recalling about 500,000 outdoor extension cords and 19,000 cord reels. The extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a locking plug, which is designed to keep tools plugged in. The plastic housing of the locking plug can separate or break, exposing consumers to live wires and posing shock and electrocution hazards.

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

Woods Industries has received three reports of the plug housing separating or breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a LockJaw™ locking plug. The LockJaw™ plug has the following words embedded on the red, green or yellow locking button, located on the side of the plug, "LOCK, WOODS®, OPEN" or "LOCK, OPEN". The extension cords were sold under the "Woods LockJaw™" and "Yellow Jacket® LockJaw™" brand names in various wire gauges, lengths and colors. The cord reels are 30 feet long, were sold under the "Woods' ACDelco" and "LumaPro" brand names in various wire gauges and colors. Some of the extension cords and cord reels have two-prong plugs and some have three- prong plugs. Some have the brand name on the cord. They are UL listed, assembled in the United States or Malaysia with a LockJaw™ plug made in China.

Home and hardware stores nationwide sold the extension cords and cord reels from January 1996 through July 2000 for between $12 to $35.

Consumers should stop using the extension cords and cord reels immediately and call Woods Industries toll-free at (888) 755-6535 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST to receive a replacement extension cord or cord reel.

Extension cords and cord reels equipped with a gray locking button on the side of the LockJaw™ plug are not recalled.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2001 -- Profile-Design LLC is voluntarily recalling about 8,400 "aero bars" used on racing bicycles. The aero bars are handlebar extensions that either mount in the center of the handlebars or are sold as a complete handlebar and stem system.

The aero bars allow riders to ride in an aerodynamic crouching position. The brackets that attach the aero bars' forearm pads, where riders rest their arms, can loosen or separate during use, causing the rider to lose control and crash.

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

Profile-Design has received one report of a bracket on one of the aero bars loosening, resulting in a rider crashing and suffering a broken rib and abrasions.

The recall includes "Carbon X" TM and "Carbon Stryke" TM aero bars. The Carbon X aero bar is a complete bicycle handlebar and stem system, and includes the writing "Profile Design" and "Carbon X." The Carbon Stryke aero bar attaches to existing bicycle handlebars, and includes the writing "Profile Design" and "Carbon Stryke." Both aero bars are black.

Independent bicycle stores worldwide sold the recalled aero bars. The Carbon X aero bars were sold from August 1999 through November 2001 for about $349, and the Carbon Stryke aero bars were sold from May 1999 through November 2001 for about $139.

Consumers should stop using the recalled aero bars immediately and contact the company to receive two free replacement brackets. For more information, consumers should contact Profile-Design at (888) 800-5999 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.profile-design.com.

Aero bar ZB brackets that are welded together or have a spring- loaded flip-up design are not part of the recall.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2000 -- American Honda Motor Co. is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 off-road motorcycles. The two bolts that attach the handlebars can break. If the handlebars separate from the motorcycle, the rider loses steering control and can crash, posing the risk of serious injuries.

Honda has received four reports of handlebars separating from these motorcycles. No injuries have been reported. Honda also received four reports of loose handlebars caused by one of the two bolts failing.

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

The recall includes only years 2000 and 2001 off-road motorcycles with model number XR50R. They are red, and "50R" is written on the sides of the seat on 2000 models, and on the sides of the tank shroud on the 2001 models. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of these motorcycles, listed below, can be found on the left side of the steering head frame tube.

-- 2000 XR50R motorcycles have VIN ranges from JH2AE03**YK000013 to JH2AE03**YK0016046

-- 2001 XR50R motorcycles have VIN ranges from JH2AE03**1K010001 to JH2AE03**1K0110056

Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide sold these motorcycles from September 1999 through October 2000 for about $1,300.

Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately, and call their local Honda motorcycle dealer to schedule a free repair. To locate their local dealer or for more information, consumers should call American Honda at (888) 289-8226 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the company's web site.

Registered owners of the vehicles have been notified directly by American Honda about the recall

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 1999 -- Viking Sewing Machines Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 1,100 Husqvarna Viking sewing machines. 

When removing the sewing machines power cord from the power transformer on the sewing machine, loose pins from the power transformer could remain in the cord, posing a risk of electric shock.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

These model #1+ sewing machines have "VIKING Husqvarna" and "#1+" written on the front of the machine. Authorized Viking dealers sold these sewing machines nationwide from January 1998 through September 1998 for about $4,000. Consumers should check their sewing machine's serial number, located on the bottom of the machine. The machine is part of the recall if it falls within the following ranges:

Serial Number Range between 10000001 and 19999991
Serial Number Range between 20000009 and 29999999
Serial Number Range between 33600003 and 33699993
Serial Number Range between 50000002 and 59999992

Consumers should only unplug these machines from the wall outlet, and should not remove the power cord from the sewing machine power transformer. Consumers should call an authorized Viking dealer to arrange for a free safety inspection. If needed, the dealer will replace the defective power transformer free of charge. For additional questions, contact Viking at (800) 446-2333 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2001 -- Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC) is recalling about 320 AquaStar natural gas water heaters. The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Controlled Energy have received reports of two deaths and two injuries in Manitoba, Canada, reportedly caused by the release of carbon monoxide from the water heater.

The AquaStar natural gas water heaters were made in Portugal, and were distributed in the United States as model number AQ38B NG. The water heater is off-white in color, with the word "AquaStar" in red, on the front of the unit. The model number can be found on the rating plate, on the right side of the water heater.

The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus installation.

Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG), should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2000 -- Profile Design LLC is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 mountain bike handlebar stems. The stem connects the bicycle's handlebars to the fork. These stems can break during use, causing the bicycle rider to crash and suffer serious injuries.

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

Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.

This recall only involves "Stiffy"^TM threadless mountain bike stems. Threadless stems clamp directly around the fork's steering tube. These stems were sold individually, and also on custom-built bicycles and in bicycle parts kits distributed by:

• Porter Frames
  
• Slingshot Bicycle Co.
  
• Cicili Fondriest
  
• Javelin Cycle
  
• Hillside Mountain Cycles
  
• Security Bicycle Accessories
  
• Mountain Cycle
  
• Ellsworth Bicycles
  
• G. Joannou Cycle Co.
  
• Simo Cycle Corp.
  
• Jamis Bicycles
  
• Samchulu Bicycle Co.
  
• Softride Bicycle Co.
  
  

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.

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.

Huffy Recalls Men's Mountain Bicycles

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.

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.