[Recalls Page]

September 2008 Recalls and Product Safety News

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers on the Gulf Coast to protect themselves and their families against dangers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), PB Heat LLC, of Bally, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 1,200 Gas Boilers. The pressure switch could have an internal defect that could fail to shut down the boilers under vent or air inlet blockage. This switch defect could allow the boilers to produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware that some bassinets in the Simplicity recall announced August 28, 2008 include the Graco logo and “Winnie the Pooh” motif licensed by Disney Consumer Products. Consumers are urged to check their bassinets to ensure they are not using one of the recalled Simplicity models, including those with the Graco logo or “Winnie the Pooh” motif.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JLA Home, of Plano, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 2,900 Zebra Rugs. The rugs do not meet the federal flammability standard for small rugs and do not have the required flammability warning label.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ashley Collection Inc., d.b.a. Protocol, of New York, N.Y, is voluntarily recalling about 78,000 “Protocol” Remote-Controlled Mini Helicopter Toys. The rechargeable battery inside the helicopter can overheat. This can result in the helicopter’s body melting, as well as a risk of fire or burns to consumers.

As parents prepare for a new baby with love and care, CPSC urges keeping safety in the mix. One area of great concern for the CPSC is pillow use in cribs. The CPSC is urging all parents to forego putting any kind of pillows in the crib due to the high risk of suffocation and entrapment.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Aqua Lung USA, of Vista, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 6,000 Titan DIN 1st Stage Scuba Regulators and Titan/Conshelf DIN Scuba Adaptors. Over-tightening of the DIN retainer by a technician during installation can result in the retainer breaking under pressure, a rapid escape of air from the scuba cylinder, and the regulator detaching from the scuba cylinder. This poses a drowning hazard to divers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sony Electronics Inc., of San Diego, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 73,000 VAIO TZ-series Notebook Computers. Irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating. This poses a burn hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wolf Appliance Inc., of Madison, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 24,000 Wolf Appliance Gas Ranges. Delayed ignition of gas in the 18-inch oven can cause a flash of flames to be projected at a consumer when the range door is opened, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Benjamin International, of Middlebury, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 57,000 Fairy Dust Pendants and Candle Charms. The recalled metal pendants and charms contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Optave Inc., of Alpena, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 250 Action Baby Carriers. The baby carrier’s chest strap can detach from the shoulder straps, posing a fall hazard to the baby.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Menards, of Eau Claire, Wisc., is voluntarily recalling about 42,000 MasterForce 3.6-volt Cordless Screwdrivers. The battery can overheat and ignite during charging, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. There is no protective device on the lithium battery to prevent overheating.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Worldwise Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 223,000 SlyDog™ Retractable Dog Leashes. The metal clasp connecting the leash to a dog’s collar can bend or break while in use, causing the leash to recoil back unexpectedly. This poses a serious risk of injury to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Target, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 330,000 pairs of Circo Rosette Bobbie Socks. The ribbon on the sock can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Deda Elementi S.r.l., of Italy, is voluntarily recalling about 400 Deda Forza Bicycle Handlebar Stems. The top of the bicycle handlebar stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control, posing a crash hazard.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Eley Corporation, dba Rapid Reel of Lincoln, Neb., is voluntarily recalling about 7,000 Portable Garden Hose Reel Carts and Wagons. The tires on the portable garden hose reel can explode while being inflated, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Empress Arts Ltd., of Monterey Park, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 130 Children’s Hooded Sweaters. The sweaters have drawstrings through the hood. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. From 1985 through June 2008, CPSC received reports of 27 deaths and 70 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children’s clothing drawstrings.