[Patty]: Welcome to CPSC's podcast for Thursday, February 14th, 2008. I’m Patty Davis.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about a fire hazard with remote-controlled helicopters and airplanes. At issue are the rechargeable lithium batteries that power the toys.

Joining me to talk about the agency’s consumer alert is CPSC’s Director of Information and Public Affairs Julie Vallese.

Julie, what brought this problem to CPSC’s attention?

[Julie]: What brought the problem was really consumer reports. The agency is aware of 26 different cases just over the last four months of products that are powered by these small batteries catching fire.

[Patty]: What is the potential problem with the batteries?

[Julie]: Well the potential problem is overcharging. The agency knows with this new technology, lithium polymer charging batteries, that there is the case that they can charge too much, put too much juice into the battery that’s going to make the toy fly, and it can catch on fire. We’ve seen minor burns and we’ve seen small fires causing some property damage.

[Patty]: What is CPSC recommending consumers do if they have remote-controlled helicopters or airplanes with these batteries?

[Julie]: First and foremost, consumers need to follow manufacturer’s instructions. As with any product, consumers should really read the directions and the directions do tell you how long you should charge these batteries for. So consumers should always be with the toy. Never leave it unattended while charging it. Make sure that it’s adults that are charging the batteries. And make sure that you are charging it on a non-flammable surface.

[Patty]: Great tips. CPSC announced a recall this week of 30,000 remote-controlled toy helicopters by Soft Air USA. They were sold from May through December of last year. Are the rechargeable batteries the issue here?

[Julie]: The rechargeable battery in these helicopters is the problem. The agency, after learning of six reports with this helicopter, found that it’s a fire hazard, and has announced the recall of these 30,000, because the battery can overcharge and possibly ignite during the charging process.

[Patty]: What should consumers do if they have one of these?

[Julie]: If consumers have one, first and foremost stop using the product. Make sure that the batteries aren’t being charged. And then consumers should contact the number (800-638-2772), or return it to the retailer where it was purchased and consumers will get a full refund.

[Patty]: Thanks Julie.

Visit our Web site, www.cpsc.gov, for more information on CPSC. And while you’re there, don’t forget to sign up to receive CPSC’s recall announcements directly to your email inbox.

That’s it for this week’s CPSC podcast. Thanks for listening.

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