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All product recalls affecting Mississippi.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Mississippi in the distribution area.
December 1, 1994 Release # 95-031 WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of its ongoing investigation of injuries associated with mountain bikes, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the following three companies are announcing the recall or retrofit of about 186,700 mountain bike seat posts. The seat posts have clamp bolts under the seat which may break or fracture, depending on the make and model, resulting in loss of bicycle control and serious injury to the rider.Since the summer of 1994, the companies and CPSC have received at least 25 reported incidents of seat post breakage, resulting in 17 claimed injuries.The following companies are participating in this recall: COMPANY MAKE/MODEL DISTRIBUTION DATES PROBLEM SpecializedBicycleComponentsMorgan Hill, CA(800) 214-1468 Polygon PM-215Delta DP127;and DP510 8/93-11/94130,000 units Cracking or fracturing of the seat post clamp bolt. Cannondale Corp.Georgetown, Conn.800-BIKEUSA Polygon PM-215 1994;1994 1/2;1995 models42,753 units Cracking or fracturing of the seat of the seat bolt. Fisher BicycleA Divison ofthe TrekBicycle Corp.Waterloo, Wis.800-879-8735 Polygon PM-215on Advance andRangitoto - GaryFisher models 8/93-12/9314,000 units Cracking or fracturing of the seat of the seat bolt. CPSC and the companies urge consumers to stop using bicycles that have these model seat posts and immediately contact the manufacturer or a local authorized dealer. Owners of recalled seat posts will receive instructions to take their bikes to the place of purchase for a FREE repair and replacment seat post clamp bolt assembly
December 1, 1994 Release # 95-039 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, HarperCollins Publishers, New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 46,500 copies of the children's book, "CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER," by Nola Buck and Felicia Bond.The book, which is for small children, depicts the Christmas nativity story and incorporates textured surfaces on each picture page. The page showing the Three Wise Men is decorated with three, colored, plastic, artificial, jewels pasted to the page. The plastic jewels may separate during use and are small parts, which present a potentially serious risk of being aspirated into a small child's lungs.The publisher reported to CPSC when they learned of two instances where the artificial jewels became detached. Neither the firm nor CPSC is aware of any injuries involving the book. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The book measures approximately 6 inches by 6 1/2 inches and incorporates seven heavy paper pages plus the cover held together by a white, plastic, spiral binding. The front of the book bears the title, "CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER," along with the names of the author and illustrator and shows the manger scene, while the back of the book reads, "HarperFestival A Division of HarperCollins Publishers *** Manufactured in China."The books were sold by Walden Books, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers nationwide from September to November 15, 1994, for about $9.95. The books should immediately be taken away from young children and returned to the store where purchased for a refund of the purchase price. For more information on this recall, call HarperCollins at (800) 538-8856, or the CPSC at (800) 638-CPSC. The firm may correct and continue to distribute their inventory of the same books by substituting paper for the plastic jewels. The corrected books would not be subject to this recall action
December 1, 1994 Release # 95-035 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, The Berton Company of Commerce, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 14,000 roll-back toys.The toy was identified during a joint CPSC and U.S. Customs surveillance at the port of Long Beach, Calif. CPSC testing found that the toy contained small parts that present a potential choking hazards to young children.The roll-back toy is a multi-colored plastic wheel with a weighted plastic bear suspended on a rubber band axle within. The bear pivots and swings as the ball is rolled forward, causing the rubber band axle to twist and force the ball to roll back once forward motion stops. The toy is packaged in clear plastic with a cardboard header labeled in part, "Kidentails Roll-back Toy...Item No. K2539...MADE IN CHINA." The toy was imported from China and sold nationwide from December 1992 to November 1994 at Walgreen, Ralphs, Longs, Luckys, Food 4 Less, and other independent toy retail stores for $3.69.The toy should be taken away from young children immediately and returned to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information about this recall, call The Berton Company toll-free from Arizona, Colorado, California, and Nevada at (800) 227-0522 or write the company at 7101 East Slauson Avenue, Commerce, CA. 90040-9971.Neither CPSC nor The Berton Company is aware of any injuries involving these toys; this recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury
November 29, 1994 Release # 95-026 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Scentex Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 97,000 "Earth Scents Natural Potpourri Candles." Scentex candles in decorative tins are not included in this recall.Due to a manufacturing error, the wick of the candle is positioned in such a way that the potpourri inside the wax of the candle may ignite and flare up during use, resulting in a fire hazard. Scentex received one report of flare up from England associated with the use of this potpourri candle. There was no injury.The Earth Scents candles, which can be identified by its oval shape and the visible appearance of potpourri in the bottom half of the wax candle, were sold nationwide in retail stores and specialty shops from August 10, 1994 through October 1, 1994. Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or for a safer replacement potpourri candle. Consumers with questions can call Scentex collect at (312) 278-0700
November 15, 1994 Release # 95-025 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Black and Decker Household Products Group of Shelton, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 35,000 Surge reversible Shar-pei dog hand puppets. These puppets passed all toy safety tests specified under federal regulations at the time they were shipped. However, in response to recent consumer concerns and product returns, Black and Decker initiated additional testing, which revealed that the puppets' eyes, over time, could detach, posing a potential choking hazard to children. Although no injuries have been reported, the company is taking this action as a preventive measure.The puppets, which were not manufactured by Black and Decker, were distributed in retail stores throughout the United States from April 1994 through November 1994 as premiums (free gifts) with new Black and Decker SurgeXpress Irons, models F850, F855, F860S, F860SP, F895, F895S, and F895SP. Black and Decker also made the puppets available through direct mail order.The puppets, all labeled with "Surge " on a sewn-on tag on the bottom, are approximately 11 inches tall and have either brown or amber (orange) eyes.Consumers should immediately take the hand puppet away from children and call Black and Decker for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the puppet for a $10.00 refund plus applicable shipping and handling expenses. For more information about this recall and to obtain a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for returning the puppet, call Black and Decker at (800) 318-7508 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
November 9, 1994 Release # 95-024 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, PriceCostco of Kirkland, Wash., is recalling about 17,000 reindeer Christmas stockings. During CPSC testing, a small gold colored bead on the reindeer's antlers pulled off, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. PriceCostco originally sold the stockings, item number 74503 (COSTCO) and item number 79750 (Price Club), from September to December 1993, and CPSC and PriceCostco recalled them in December 1993. CPSC and PriceCostco are re-announcing this recall as consumers begin to take these stockings out of storage for the upcoming holiday season.The 20-inch Christmas stocking, which sold for $9.99, is made of a soft red, green, and white furry material with a 4-inch white border on top and the words "Merry Christmas" embroidered on the front just below a pocket that holds a sewn-in stuffed white reindeer. The 10-inch reindeer has a green fur nose and green fur hooves, feet, and antlers with a gold colored bead sewn on each antler. The ears, a bow tie on the reindeer, and the bottom of the feet are red. A tag sewn in the seam of the stocking reads, in part, "Chrisha, Playful Plush, Made in Indonesia."If the beads have not already been removed, CPSC and PriceCostco urge consumers to either remove and discard the beads from the reindeer's antlers or return the stocking to the store where purchased for a full refund.Neither CPSC, the manufacturer Chrisha Creation Limited of Greenville, R.I., nor PriceCostco is aware of any injuries involving these stockings. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.For more information about this recall, call Chrisha Creations at (401) 949-4328 or your local Price Club or Costco Wholesale Warehouse, or call PriceCostco at (800) 774-2678
November 3, 1994 Release # 95-019 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Colgate-Palmolive of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling approximately 25,000 containers, a portion of one day's production, of 50-ounce size FAB liquid Color-Plus laundry detergent sold for $3.99, marked with the date code 4213. The recall affects only certain geographical areas.Colgate is recalling the FAB detergent that contains high levels of a chemical known as sodium hydroxide, which can cause a skin irritation or injure consumers if ingested or when coming in contact with the eyes. While other household products contain similar or higher levels of sodium hydroxide, they are marked with stronger cautionary warnings than FAB. Colgate shipped the recalled products beginning in August to stores in the following states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Some products may also be found in the following metropolitan areas: Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., Detroit, and Chicago.Colgate has not received any reports of injuries from FAB; CPSC and Colgate are conducting this recall to prevent the possibility of injury. Consumers can determine whether they have purchased the recalled FAB by checking the bottom center of the back panel for a rectangular box with an eight-digit number that begins with 4213. Consumers can return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund or exchange. For more information, consumers should call Colgate's toll-free number, (800) 327-7044
November 3, 1994 Release # 95-020 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, KRUPS North America Inc. of Closter, N.J., is recalling defective blades from about 62,000 blenders. The blades on KRUPS blender models 238 "Power X" and 239 "PowerX Plus," which were promoted for their ice crushing features, can weaken or break off once they have been used to crush ice. The broken blades can cause serious injury to the throat or mouth if swallowed or taken into the mouth. To date, KRUPS has received 12 reports from across the country of broken blades, resulting in at least one reported tongue injury. KRUPS models 238 "PowerX" and 239 "PowerX Plus" blenders, were sold nationwide in department and specialty stores from September 1993 through October 1994 for about $40.00 and $60.00 each, respectively.Due to the potential for serious injury, all consumers who own these blenders should immediately stop using the blenders for any purpose and discard their blades even if there are no signs of blade damage. To receive a new blade free-of-charge, consumers should call KRUPS consumer service at (800) 526-5377. KRUPS will send a new blade that has been strengthened to ensure safe ice crushing and safe blending, mixing, pureeing and chopping of food items. Consumers will also receive a $5.00 rebate offer towards the purchase of any KRUPS product
November 3, 1994 Release # 95-023 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Amana Refrigeration Inc. of Amana, Iowa, initiated a program to fix a shock hazard in certain side-by-side refrigerators.Amana estimates that approximately 5,000 of the 353,000 side-by-side refrigerators made from April 1993 to September 8, 1994, have a screw on the light cover that could come into contact with a concealed electrical wire to cause a shock. To date, Amana has received four reports of people receiving electrical shocks. The side-by-side refrigerators, which sold nationwide through appliance retailers for about $1,200 to $2,200, have serial numbers 9304000000 through 9409156208. Some of these refrigerators (Models 596.9530820, 596.9530850, 596.9530880, 596.9535610, 596.9535650 and 596.95356800) were sold under the Sears Kenmore brand name. Owners of these Kenmore models with serial numbers within the range will be contacted directly by Sears.Owners of Amana side-by-side refrigerators with serial numbers within the range who mailed in ownership registration cards will receive screw replacement kits from Amana. The kits contain instructions, a special non- conducting wrench, and nylon replacement screws. Consumers who believe they have one of the recalled units, and who did not mail in their registration cards, should call Amana immediately at (800) 688-9900 for a free screw replacement kit. Media inquiries should be directed to Ann Humbert of Amana at (319) 622-2142
November 3, 1994 Release # 95-021 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, El Rancho Furniture of Lutts, Tenn., now owned by Seffi Industries Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., is recalling approximately 10,000-14,000 wooden bunk beds after a two-year-old child died in Lake Worth, Fla., when his head got caught between the mattress and the guardrail of the bed. The space between the mattress frame and guard rail was large enough for the child's body to pass through but small enough to catch the child's head.The wooden bunk beds can be identified by a caution label located on the inside frame of the bottom bunk. The label identifies El Rancho Furniture or Seffi Industries as the manufacturer of the bed. The beds have twin-size mattress supports on both the top and bottom bunks and are constructed of pine wood. The beds were sold for about $199.00 each at furniture retail stores between May 1990 through October 12, 1994.Children should discontinue using the beds immediately. The firm is out of business. Discard or destroy these beds immediately.The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standard for bunk beds requires that spaces between the guardrail and bed frame without the mattress measure less than 3 1/2 inches. CPSC is currently looking at other beds in the marketplace to determine whether there is conformance with that voluntary standard and if other beds present a risk of injury or death
November 3, 1994 Release # 95-017 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- CPSC, Four Seasons General Merchandise of Vernon, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 6,500 "Funny Train" and "Elephant" educational pull toys. CPSC testing found that the toys had small parts that broke off, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.The toys, which cost about $2.00, were sold in food stores, discount stores, and retail stores in Southern California between March and June 1994. The elephant toy is pink plastic and the train is blue plastic. The toys are 8 to 9 inches long and 7 inches high, with four red plastic wheels, a clock with arms that can be moved to different positions, two sets of abacus beads, and a 5-inch long white pull cord in front. They were packaged in plastic bags with cardboard headers that read "Diplomat Play and Learn Education Toy No.3062/16151H, Made in China."Consumers should take the toys away from children immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions about this recall can call Four Seasons at (213) 582-4444.To date, CPSC and Four Seasons have not received any reports of injuries involving these toys. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Link to CPSC's provisionally accepted settlement agreement with Four Seasons General Merchandise
November 1, 1994 Release # 95-016 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, DS-MAX U.S.A. Inc. (formerly Wholesale Warehousing Industries) of Irvine, Calif., had voluntarily recalled about 82,000 "My Alphabetic Truck" toys, style SHYE-AT-002. During CPSC "use and abuse" testing, small parts were generated, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. Neither CPSC nor DS-MAX U.S.A. Inc. is aware of any injuries with the toy trucks.The My Alphabetic Trucks, which cost about $5, were sold door-to-door, nationwide between August 1993 and June 1994. The 12-inch truck is lacquered wood with red wheels and one or two non-removablewooden peg men in the front cab. Thirty wooden blocks with a picture on one side and a corresponding letter on the other are mounted to the truck's bed. A "MADE IN CHINA" sticker is located on the underside of the truck. Consumers should take the truck away from children and discard or destory the product. The firm is out of business and cannot be contacted
October 31, 1994 Release # 95-018 Washington, D.C. - Today on Halloween, CPSC is warning consumers that Halloween pumpkin erasers resembling candy pose a choking hazard for young children. The erasers, imported by Oriental Trading Company of Omaha, Neb., do not meet CPSC's small parts regulations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. CPSC issued this warning when Oriental Trading refused to join the agency in a voluntary recall of the erasers. The Halloween Toy Eraser Assortment, model number 9/260, consists of 60 assorted erasers in the shapes of black bats, white ghosts, and orange pumpkins with green stems, which sold for $4.50 in the 1994 Oriental Trading Company Halloween catalog. The assortments are packaged in clear plastic cylindrical containers with a sticker on the lids that read, "Item No. 9/260, Q'TY :1 TUBE(60 PCS), MADE IN TAIWAN." Underneath the container's lid is a cardboard Halloween night scene with the words "Eraser Fun" printed below a haunted house. While CPSC asked Oriental Trading to stop sale on all of the erasers, the pumpkin erasers, which measure 3/4 inch long and 3/8 inch thick, pose the greatest choking risk for children under 3 years of age. CPSC urges consumers, who may find any of these erasers in their children's bags as Halloween treats, to take them away from young children immediately. Parents and caregivers should be careful not to let younger siblings play with toys that are only appropriate for older siblings
October 28, 1994 Release # 95-014 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, Link and Pan of Texas Inc. of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling more than 4,000 stuffed toy bears. During CPSC testing, the bears' noses and eyes came off presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.Three styles of stuffed bears, all labeled with a "MADE IN CHINA" sewn-on tag on the bottom, are included in this recall: a white bear, a black and white panda bear, and a white bear with two red ears, two blue paws, and two neon yellow paws. The white bear and the black and white panda bear are wearing red sweaters with raised lettering that says "I Love You." The bear with the blue and yellow paws does not wear a sweater. All three bears, measuring 11 inches tall from their permanent sitting position, have black plastic noses and brown/black plastic eyes.The bears were distributed throughout the United States as premiums/prizes between June and August 1994 by three traveling carnivals: The Brass Show and The Hildebrand Show, headquartered in Florida, and the Crabtree Show, headquartered in Texas. Consumers are urged to take the stuffed bears away from young children immediately and call Link and Pan of Texas for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the toy for an exchange of a similar item. For more information about this recall and to obtain a self- addressed, postage-paid envelope for returning the bears, call Link and Pan of Texas Inc. at (800) 528-8259.Neither CPSC nor Link and Pan of Texas is aware of any injuries involving these stuffed bears
Metal Bunk Beds Recall NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: AGA Warehouse and Datong Inc. are out of business. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elaine Tyrrell Originally issued October 25, 1994; Revised July 10, 2001 (301) 504-6815 Release # 95-013 CPSC & Companies; Companies Recall Metal Bunk Beds Washington, DC - As part of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) ongoing investigation of tubular metal bunk beds, CPSC, in cooperation with the following companies, is recalling approximately 11,000 metal bunk beds. The upper level of the recalled beds can separate from the frame causing the bed to collapse and possibly injure an occupant in the bed. The following companies are participating in this recall: Company Model(s) Distribution Dates Distribution Location Distributed By AGA Warehouse Hayward, Calif. OUT OF BUSINESS 4701s twin/full (T/F) 12/90 - 12/92 Northern Calif. and Ore. Philip M. Bell Co. Loveland, Ohio (800) 837-0102 6005 T/F 6005-01 T/F 11/91 - 9-93 Ind., Ohio, Ky., Pa., Western N.Y. Mich., Ill. Datong Inc. Cerritos, Calif. OUT OF BUSINESS 74230 T/F 10/90 - 10/92 East Coast Home Line Industries, Philadelphia, Pa. and Kanes Furniture, Pinellas Park, Fla. Beekman Partners Inc. (800) 445-4318 500 T/F 520 T/F 1988 - 1991 Fla., Calif. Ariz.,Ill., Ky.,Ind., W. Va., San Francisco, Calif. Rent to Own (RTO), Deerfield, Ill. (Early in 1993, RTO voluntarily ceased distribution of all tubular metal bunk beds). Sunrise Importer Mableton, Ga. (800) 833-2436 2606 T/F 1991 - 8/93 Southeast United States Imported from Canada BB70 twin/twin (T/T) BB80 T/F 7/91 - 9/93 Nationwide B&D Sales Ltd., Tacoma, Wash. and United Furniture Warehouse Inc., Seattle, Wash. To determine whether you have a recalled bed, contact the store where the bed was purchased. Anyone owning one of the listed recalled models will receive a free reinforcement kit or replacement of the bed. To date, importers of metal bunk beds industry-wide have received over 500 complaints of defective bunk beds. CPSC has recalled approximately 317,000 metal bunk beds that present a similar hazard. Owners of all metal bunk beds should examine all eight mattress support corners of their beds for breaks or cracks in the paint or metal around the weld. IMMEDIATELY STOP USING DAMAGED OR BROKEN BEDS.
October 20, 1994 Release # 95-011 Washington, D.C. -- CPSC, Deb's Toys Inc. of Eatontown, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 24,400 "Rattlin Rocking Rings," model number 63259, because they pose a choking risk for young children.The Rattlin Rocking Rings are plastic stacking toys that have a yellow and blue rocking base with a cone-shaped pole in the center and six graduated doughnut-shaped rings that stack on top of each other. Three of the rings are clear plastic with multi-colored beads inside.CPSC testing found that the beads can come out and may choke a young child. To date, neither Deb's Toys nor CPSC has received reports of accidents or injuries associated with the Rattlin Rocking Rings. Deb's Toys distributed the recalled toy, which sold for $6.99 each, from January 1993 through May 1994 at Toys 'R' Us and Small World stores nationwide. Consumers can identify the toy by the word "chicco ," which is painted in blue on two sides of the base, and the words "MADE IN CHINA" embossed underneath the base. The cardboard boxes in which the toys were packaged reads, in part, "chicco 'pronounced Kee-Ko' 8 pcs, 6-36m. . . . MADE IN CHINA FOR ARTSANA S.P.A. COMO-ITALY." Consumers should take the toy away from young children immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund. However, the distributor, Deb's Toys Inc., is out of business and cannot be contacted
October 17, 1994 Release # 95-008 Washington, D.C. - CPSC and the Lyons Group of Richardson, Texas, urge parents who own a 6-inch BARNEY doll with a red and white scarf and red Santa hat to remove a potential choking hazard from the doll. Parents should snip off the small white pom-pom from the tip of the hat to ensure that their child will not choke on the pom-pom.CPSC and the Lyons Group are issuing this safety warning after the company received seven reports of the pom-pom coming off of the hat on the doll. In one case, a child needed medical attention for choking on the pom-pom. The child fully recovered.About 594,000 videotapes and BARNEY dolls with a red and white scarf and red Santa hat were sold nationwide last holiday season in retail stores as the Barney Holiday Gift Pack. The Lyons Group sent notices to retailers, who still have the Santa Barney in stock, to remove the pom-pom before selling the dolls. The Lyons Group, which is also sending 800,000 notices of the choking hazard to members of the Barney Fan Club, removed pom- poms from the dolls for this year's holiday season.Consumers should remove the pom-pom from the doll immediately. The Lyons Group is asking consumers to attach the pom-pom to a 3" by 5" card, with their name and address also written on the card, and send it to the Lyons Group, P.O. Box 9523, Allen, TX 75002. Cards, which are received by Dec. 15, 1994, will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-foot BARNEY or 4-foot Baby Bop doll. One of each doll, retail-valued at approximately $250, will be awarded in a random drawing on or about Dec. 16. More information and complete sweepstakes rules can be obtained by calling (800) 791-8093
October 11, 1994 Release # 95-004 Washington , D.C. - CPSC, Gracious Living Industries Inc., Ontario, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 95,300 white, molded plastic "Maui Plastic Patio Chairs" model 1025. When a person sits in one of these chairs placed on a polished or smooth surface, such as in a retail store or on a deck or patio, the chair's rear legs may spread beyond normal range, break, and cause the chair to collapse.Gracious Living is aware of at least 11 chair collapses that involved eleven known injuries to backs, shoulder, heads, and elbows. As a result of these accidents, Gracious Living discontinued the sale of this chair in June 1992.The Maui Plastic Patio Chairs model 1025 were sold in the United States from February 18, 1992 to June 15, 1992 through two retailers, F.W. Woolworth and Jamesway.Consumers owning this molded plastic chair should stop using the chair and contact Gracious Living's parts department at 1-800-465-5660. Gracious Living will arrange to have the chairs picked up free of charge and will reimburse consumers for their purchase price
Originally issued October 4, 1994; Revised March 3, 2011Release #95-003 CONTACT: Elaine Tyrrell(301) 504-6815 CPSC And Industry Redesign Products To Save Lives Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today a major cooperative effort with the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) to protect children from strangling in window covering pull cords. Window covering pull cords are associated with at least 140 deaths since 1981, a rate of one death per month.CPSC Chairman Ann Brown said, "This collaborative effort between CPSC and manufacturers, importers, and retailers of drapery and blind cords epitomizes how government and industry can work together to save lives. This program will change future production, and give consumers who have or will buy window coverings a way to prevent the needless deaths of children."CPSC, which investigated seven window covering cord strangulation deaths this year in Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, and California, is currently investigating an eighth death in the state of Washington.Although some children were described as "entangled" or "wrapped" in window covering cords, most were found hanging in the loop of the cords. The younger victims, usually 8 to 23 months old, were in cribs, which were placed near window covering pull cords. While a few older children found the cords hanging near the floor, most of these victims, usually between 2 1/2 to 4 years old, became entangled and strangled in cords when they climbed onto furniture to look out windows.Although a few of the older children were previously seen playing with the cords, most of the accidents occurred when the children were alone in a room for only a short time. CPSC and the Window Covering Safety Council announced a three-part program that will eliminate the loop in most window blind cords by (1) improving the safety of existing window coverings, (2) modifying the future production of window coverings, and (3) implementing an educational campaign for consumers. Part one - Consumers who have window coverings in their homes should call the toll free number (800) 506-4636 immediately. The Window Covering Safety Council will either give the names of retail stores where consumers can pick up safety tassels now or send consumers safety tassels free-of-charge with installation instructions. Callers should be prepared to specify the number of individual tassels needed in their households. Part 2 - As of Jan. 1, 1995, two-corded window coverings sold in stores will be manufactured with a new safer design. Part 3 - The industry is committed to an educational campaign, which includes, brochures, posters for pediatricians offices and public health offices nationwide, and product alerts in window covering packaging. In the interim, consumers should look for brands already manufactured with a safer design or get the tassels from retailers when they purchase new blinds. Consumers should add the safety tassels to new blinds immediately upon installation. Parents should KEEP WINDOW COVERING CORDS AND CHAINS PERMANENTLY OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Never place a child's crib within reach of a window blind. Unless the cords can be completely removed from the child's reach, including when the child climbs on furniture, CPSC recommends against knotting or tying the cords together because this creates a new loop in which a child could become entangled. Upon receiving their replacement safety tassels, consumers should install them as follows: For two-corded HORIZONTAL BLINDS, Cut the cord above the tassel, remove the equalizer buckle, and add a new safety tassel at the end of each cord. For two-corded PLEATED OR CELLULAR SHADES: leave the cord ball or buckle near the top rail in place, cut the cord above the tassel and add a separate safety tassel at the end of each cord. When shades are raised, a loop will appear above the cord stop. Keep cord out of the reach of children. VERTICAL BLINDS, CONTINUOUS LOOP SYSTEMS, DRAPERY CORDS and CHAINS cannot be fixed with the replacement safety tassels but can be fixed with tie-down devices. Consumers should call CPSC at (800) 638-CPSC for information on modifying these types of window coverings
October 3, 1994 Release # 95-002 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, BernzOmatic, once located in Medina, New York (now a brand under Irwin Industrial, located in Wilmington, OH), is offering owners of model TX900 and TX900A propane heaters $250 to return the heaters to the company. Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a defective burner in the heaters has killed at least 42 people, six of them since 1987.About 40,000 of these portable propane gas radiant heaters were sold for $30-35 nationwide from 1962 to 1966. Bernzomatic originally recalled the camping-style heaters in 1966 and reissued the recall in cooperation with CPSC in 1987. Bernzomatic repeated the recall in 1988, 1989, and 1990.About 7,000 of the recalled heaters are believed to still be in use. The heaters are often re-sold in yard sales and in second-hand stores.Recalled heaters have a green metal cabinet that is approximately 9 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 7 inches deep with room inside for one or two 14.1 ounce propane gas cylinders. "BernzOmatic" appears on the front of the heater and on the instructions inside the rear door. The model number TX900 or TX900A and the words "Portable Gas Radiant Heater" also appear on the instructions inside the rear door.Consumers should stop using the heater and call call Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name) toll-free at 800-654-9011 for instructions on how to return it for the $250 bounty