August 2008 Recalls and Product Safety News

• Baby Hammocks Recalled by FlagHouse Inc. Due to Fall and Strangulation Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), FlagHouse Inc., of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 100 Yayita Baby Hammocks. The hammock can flip over, posing a serious fall hazard and strangulation hazard to infants who get entrapped in the seat’s restraint straps while upside down.

• Bonne Bell Recalls Children's Cosmetics Accessory Bags Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bonne Bell Co., of Lakewood, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 945,000 Bonne Bell Children’s Cosmetics Accessory Bags. The metal clasps on the handle of the accessory bags contain excessive levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.

• Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging retailers across the country to protect the health and safety of babies by stopping sale and recalling nearly 900,000 dangerous Simplicity bassinets. Yesterday, CPSC warned parents, caregivers and consumers to immediately stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., due to a serious safety risk. Today, CPSC is announcing that six retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased.

• Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Habermaass Corp. Inc., of Skaneateles, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 118,000 Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, Pacifier Holders, and Stroller Toys. The wooden rattles, pacifier holders, and stroller toys contain small pieces including glued on mirrors and/or prisms that can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. The head of the ladybug puzzle pieces also poses a choking hazard.

• Children's Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Orioxi International Corp., of Brea, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 43,000 Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets. The sweatshirts and jackets have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to young children. 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.

• Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned that on August 21, 2008, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the close-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

• Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Regal Lager Inc., of Kennesaw, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 44,000 Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers (an additional 425 e3 Twin Buggy Strollers were recalled on May 5, 2006). The stroller’s hinge locking mechanism poses a laceration hazard to the user folding and unfolding the strollers.

• Countertop Water Dispensers Recalled by Greenway Home Products Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Greenway Home Products, of Northwood, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 44,000 Countertop Water Dispensers. The internal heating element could overheat and drop molten metal through ventilation openings in the water dispenser’s base onto the countertop, posing a fire hazard. The internal heating element also poses a shock hazard to consumers who touch it through the vents.

• GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), GIA Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415. The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.

•  Indoor Lighting Fixtures Recalled by Lithonia Lighting Due to Impact Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lithonia Lighting, of Conyers, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 1,400 Indoor Lighting Fixtures. The glass reflector can separate from the fixture and fall, posing a risk of injury to consumers below the fixture.

• Goodman Company Recalls Air Conditioner/Heat Pump (PTAC) Units Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Goodman Company L.P., of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump (PTAC) Units. The PTAC’s power cords can overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard.