Office of Information and Public Affairs | Washington, DC 20207 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 1999 Release # 00-018 |
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 |
Each year, CPSC recalls 250 to 300 hazardous products. CPSC gets recalled products off retail shelves, but cannot go into consumers' homes and remove them. Recalled products end up being donated or sold in the second-hand goods market, including thrift stores.
"The products found pose a danger of death or serious injury to consumers," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Many consumers and thrift store operators may be unaware of recalls, bans and current safety standards of products offered for sale in the stores."
CPSC found that thrift stores nationwide, including those run by national organizations and local and independent stores, sell the following hazardous products:
CPSC is seeking a commitment from thrift stores to stop selling hazardous products. To help accomplish this, CPSC has prepared a Thrift Store Checklist (Texto Español) for thrift stores and shoppers, and model legislation for state governments. CPSC also has developed detailed guidance for thrift stores.
The checklist (Texto Español) includes information on how to contact CPSC to check on product recalls, bans and current safety standards. The checklist can be used as a guide when shopping at thrift stores. Thrift store owners and managers should use the checklist before accepting donations, consignments or purchasing inventory for the store. CPSC is distributing this checklist to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NARTS) and national organizations, including the Salvation Army and Goodwill. CPSC also is giving this information to state and local governments for distribution to area stores. To get a free copy of the checklist, visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov or send a postcard to Thrift Store Checklist, CPSC, Washington, DC 20207.
CPSC is encouraging states to adopt model legislation prohibiting thrift stores from selling certain banned or recalled products. CPSC will distribute this model legislation to organizations such as the National Association of Attorneys General and the National Governors Association.
Anyone who purchases a second-hand product should check with CPSC to determine if it has been banned, recalled or violates current safety standards, and to get information on the appropriate remedy. To receive recall notices directly, sign up for instant email notices at our web site www.cpsc.gov or send a fax with your name and fax number to (301) 504-0399.
FINDINGS OF STUDY
Product and (i.e. Thrift store has: ) |
Study Counts |
National Estimates |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of Stores with Product |
Number of Products Found in Stores |
Estimate of Number Of Stores with Product |
Percent of Stores with Product |
Estimate of Number of Products in Thrift Stores |
|
Drawstrings around the hood or neck of children's outerwear: Strangulation hazard |
155 |
1,047 |
4,916 |
51.4% |
32,810 |
Hair dryers without protection against electrocution: Electrocution hazard |
64 |
130 |
1,897 |
19.8% |
3,359 |
Cribs that do not meet current safety standard: Entrapment hazard |
34 |
44 |
1,175 |
12.3% |
1,462 |
Halogen torchiere floor lamps without wire guards: Fire hazard |
32 |
64 |
989 |
10.3% |
1,092 |
Recalled play yards/playpens with protruding rivets or rotating top rails: Strangulation and entrapment hazard |
20 |
28 |
670 |
7.0% |
954 |
Recalled infant car seat carriers: Fall hazard |
12 |
16 |
399 |
4.2% |
534 |
Recalled toy basketball nets: Strangulation hazard |
8 |
10 |
250 |
2.6% |
311 |