Playtex Pacifier Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Playtex Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 1.8 million Classic Patterns "Cherubs" and Soft Comfort latex pacifiers. No other Playtex pacifier is involved in this recall. Because the latex is aging faster than normal, the nipple can detach from the shield, presenting a choking hazard to babies. Playtex has received 21 reports of pacifier nipples detaching from the shields. No injuries have been reported.

If you believe you have these pacifiers, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Vinyl Window Blinds

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ace Hardware Corp. is recalling about 87,000 vinyl white vinyl miniblinds and woodgrain vinyl roll- up blinds. These blinds contain lead exceeding government guidelines, and do not have required labeling warning they contain lead. Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat, forming lead dust on the surface of the blind. Young children can ingest lead by wiping their hands on the blinds and then putting their hands in their mouths. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

If you believe you have these vinyl blinds, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recalls of Power Tools

If you believe you have this grinder, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recalls of Children's Picnic Sets

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Mervyn's California is recalling about 1,200 children's plastic picnic sets contained in clear bags. The paint on the bag contains high levels of lead that violates the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavior problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation. No injuries have been reported.

If you believe you have this children’s picnic set, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recalls of FUBU Sweatshirts

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Jordache Ltd. is voluntarily recalling about 5,400 FUBU brand sweatshirts. The recalled sweatshirts are style FB-3855, which is written on the sewn-in label underneath the care label. The sweatshirts, which fail to meet federal mandatory standards for fabric flammability, could ignite easily and present a serious risk of burn injuries -- in violation of the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act. Fabrics that do not comply with the standard typically burn faster than newspaper. No injuries have been reported.

If you believe you have this sweatshirt, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Bug Zapper Toys Sold With Children's Meals

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Promotional Resources Group of Companies Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 105,000 Bug Zapper toys. The Bug Zapper toy comes in two different styles: a frog and a lizard. When the toy is squeezed, the balloon tongue of the toy rolls out from the mouth about 2 inches. Fast food, drive-in and small franchise restaurants distributed these toys with children's meals.

The balloon tongue on this toy can detach, posing a choking and aspiration hazard to young children. There has been one report of the balloon tongue detaching from the toy. A 3-year-old boy reportedly removed the balloon tongue, placed it in his nose and inhaled it into his sinus cavity. He required medical treatment to remove the part from his nose.

If you believe you have this toy, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Infant Cargo Skirts

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Associated Merchandising Corp. is voluntarily recalling 9,500 infant girls' cargo skirts. The khaki or denim cargo skirts with attached panties read "Baby You're it!" or "Bebe by Cradlecraft" on the inside labels. The snaps on the panty of these skirts can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. No injuries have been reported.

If you believe you have this infant skirt, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Children's Robes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federated Department Stores Inc. is recalling up to 50,000 children's robes purchased for use as sleepwear. The recalled cotton terry cloth robes were sold under the brand names Aegean, Baby Monarch, b kids, Charter Club, Club Room and Jr. By Monarch. Children's cotton swimwear cover-ups and polyester robes are not included in this recall.

These robes, when used as sleepwear, fail to meet federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear. The standards require sleepwear -- including robes -- to be flame resistant, and if the garment ignites, the flame must self-extinguish. Failure to meet the flammability standards presents a risk of serious burn injuries to children. No injuries have been reported.

If you believe you have one of these children’s robes, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Warner Bros. Studio Store Tweety Rattles and Sandals

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Warner Bros. Studio Store is recalling about 3,800 Tweety rattles and 1,000 pairs of Tweety sandals. Both products are being recalled because small parts of each product can detach and pose a choking hazard to young children.

CPSC and Warner Bros. Studio Store have received three reports of parents removing detached parts of sandals and a rattle from their babies' mouths. No injuries have been reported.

The rattle is sold as part of a Tweety bib, rattle and spoon set. The bib decoration on the rattle can detach, posing a choking hazard to a young child. The Tweety girls' jelly swimwear sandals have three round plastic flowers on the top surface which can detach, posing a choking hazard to a young child.

If you believe you have this Tweety rattle or these Tweety sandals, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Smoke Alarms

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Universal Security Instruments Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 34,000 smoke alarms. The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover.

Universal has received three reports of alarms failing, releasing smoke. There has been one report of minor smoke damage to the wall of a mobile home. No injuries have been reported.

The smoke alarms are made of white plastic and have the manufacture date code and model number imprinted on the back of the alarm. They were sold under the brand names Safe T Alert, Universal and USI Electric, but some alarms do not have the brand name printed on the unit.

If you believe you have this smoke alarm, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Bouncer Seats

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Kids II is voluntarily recalling about 99,000 bouncer seats for in-home repair. The removable toy bar that attaches to the seat can suddenly release and cause injuries to babies.

Kids II has received 122 reports of toy bars suddenly releasing from bouncer seats, resulting in 31 injuries to babies, including a black eye, a scraped eye, and facial cuts.

Only Kids II bouncer seats with semi-circular toy bars are recalled. Kids II bouncer seats with rectangular shaped toy bars are not subject to this recall.

If you believe you have this bouncer seat, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of IBM AC Adapters

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 220,000 AC adapters that are used with certain models of IBM notebook computers and other mobile devices. These AC adapters can overheat, posing a fire hazard. IBM has received nine reports of the AC adapters overheating, including one report of fire causing minor damage. There have been no reports of injuries.

The recall includes AC adapters used only with IBM ThinkPad 310 (type 2600 only) and IBM ThinkPad i Series (type 2611 only) notebook computers and IBM WorkPad z50 (type 2608 only) companion devices. They also were sold separately.

If you believe you have this IBM AC adapter, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Fire Extinguishers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The 99 Cents Only Store is voluntarily recalling 26,000 "Firestopper" fire extinguishers. Because of the high-pressure contents of these fire extinguishers, they can explode and expose consumers to flying debris, causing puncture wounds and blast injuries.

CPSC and the firm have received five reports of the fire extinguisher exploding in consumers' homes. One consumer was hit by flying debris, but was not injured. The explosions have resulted in property damage.

If you believe you have this fire extinguisher, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Legislation Proposed to Expand CPSC's Authority to Crack Down on Firms Not Reporting Dangerous Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton joined U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) chairman Ann Brown to announce legislation to help expand CPSC's authority to crack down on firms that are not reporting defective products to the agency. CPSC conducts 200 to 300 product recalls each year, yet half of the most serious product hazards are discovered by CPSC investigators -- not reported by the companies as required by law.

CPSC also is launching partnerships with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Women's Association, the American Nurses Association, the Emergency Nurses Association and other health care organizations to help find products that have the potential to cause death or serious injury, especially to children. This new product injury reporting network will provide even more sources of product injury data. CPSC currently collects information from a wide variety of sources, including hospital emergency rooms, fire investigators, news reports and coroners. The new network will expand its reach even further.

"Today, we're giving parents more confidence that the strollers, toys and other products they buy will help -- not hurt -- their children," said Mrs. Clinton.

When companies ignore the law, dangerous products can stay on store shelves, putting you at risk. CPSC has to do its own detective work to find out about the problem products and seek recalls. Increasing CPSC's authority and expanding its product injury reporting network will mean that dangerous products are recalled faster. This will prevent injuries and save lives.

For a list of companies fined for failing to report injuries and deaths associated with hazardous products, see the CPSC Web site.

Recall of Windshield Washer Fluid

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Filter Tech Inc. is recalling about 335,000 one gallon bottles of Aqua Mist windshield washer fluid with twist-off caps. The bottles, which contain methyl alcohol, are not sealed with child-resistant closures as required by federal law. Aqua Mist bottles with caps marked "While pushing down, turn, close tightly" are child-resistant and are not recalled.

Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested. CPSC and Filter Tech are not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

If you believe you have this windshield washer fluid, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Wooden Stacking Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Jack Rabbit Creations Inc. is recalling about 9,000 hand-painted, wooden stacking toys called Stacking King. These stacking toys have seven interlocking multi-colored, doughnut-shaped pieces mounted on pegs.

The wooden peg in the black and white checked base can come off, presenting a choking hazard to young children. Jack Rabbit Creations has received four reports of the pegs coming loose. No injuries have been reported. (5/16/00)

If you believe you have this toy, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Baby Hammocks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hangouts is recalling about 350 baby hammocks: 6-foot-long hammocks woven from thin cotton strings with nylon end strings in solid or multi-striped colors. The label attached to the end loop reads "Hangouts® from Bellartson" and "Woven by Hand in MEXICO."

These baby hammocks can suddenly become twisted around children’s necks and strangle them. Also, infants sleeping on soft bedding can become wedged in positions in which they cannot breathe. No incidents or injuries have been reported in these hammocks, but between 1984 and 1995, CPSC received reports of 12 deaths of children in other mini-hammocks.

If you believe you have this baby hammock, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Lighthouse Candle Holders

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- ATICO International USA Inc. is recalling about 14,000 lighthouse-shaped candle holders. They are made of wood (painted white or natural) with a glass and metal top. They measure about 11 inches high and 5 inches wide. A tealight candle is placed in the top of the lighthouse and can be seen burning through the glass windows.

The wooden top of the candle holder can ignite, presenting fire and burn hazards to consumers. ATICO International USA Inc. has received three reports of candle holders igniting. No injuries have been reported.

If you believe you have this candle holder, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recalls of By Us International Bicycle Components

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- By Us International Co. Ltd. is recalling about 13,500 Ballistic front suspension forks installed on certain Brunswick mountain bicycles. The recalled forks were installed on Mongoose S-20 and MGX S-20 bicycles and Roadmaster Ridge Rider bicycles. The forks on these bicycles can break apart, causing riders to lose control and fall.

By Us and Brunswick have received 18 reports of forks on these bicycles breaking resulting in nine riders, including teenagers, suffering serious head and bodily injuries, abrasions, bruises and chipped teeth.

If you believe you have this bicycle suspension fork, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Answer Products Bicycle Components

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Answer Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 17,500 BMX and mountain bicycle forks, which were sold separately and installed on bicycles. These 2000 model bicycle forks have been installed on more than 30 models of bicycles and were sold under Answer and Manitou brand names. Bicycles that were made with these forks include high-end models by Specialized, Klein, Jamis and Marin.

The tube that attaches the fork to the bicycle can fail, causing riders to lose control and fall. Answer Products has received six reports of these forks failing resulting in two consumers suffering minor injuries, including cuts, bruises and chipped teeth.

If you believe you have this bicycle fork, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of Weed Trimmer Heads With Metal Chains

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 2.7 million Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains and about 857,000 trimmer replacement chain sets. The end link of the trimmer’s metal chain can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use, propelling the link into the air at a high velocity. If the metal link strikes the user or a bystander, it can penetrate skin and bone, causing injury or death.

Weed Wizard and CPSC have received 47 reports of metal links detaching from trimmers, resulting in 41 injuries, including the death of a 3-year-old girl in Alabama who was struck in the head by a metal link. The injuries included users and bystanders being struck by metal links in the head, neck, legs, ankles and feet, resulting in penetration wounds and lacerations.

The Weed Wizard being recalled replaces the string trimmer head with a metal chain trimmer head on a gas-powered weed trimmer. Only Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains are part of this recall. They were sold with white replacement heads and black chains, yellow heads with black chains or yellow heads with silver chains.

If you believe you have this Weed Wizard, see the CPSC Web site for information.

Recall of BOB Sport Utility Strollers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- BOB Trailers Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 3,700 jogging strollers. The recall involves the BOB Sport Utility Stroller and BOB Sport Utility Stroller D'lux.

The stroller's front wheel connector can crack during use, causing the wheel to separate from the frame. A jogger could lose control of the stroller or the stroller could suddenly collapse resulting in injury to a child. BOB Trailers has received seven reports of the wheel connector cracking causing the front wheel to become loose. No injuries have been reported.

The strollers have three wheels and are pacific blue and black, or hunter green and black. Each stroller has a canopy. The "BOB" logo is on the stroller's frame, canopy and on the seat back.

If you believe you have this jogging stroller, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

Recall of "Road Runner" Jogging Strollers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Baby Trend Inc. is recalling for inspection about 1,500 "Road Runner" jogging strollers. Strollers were shipped without straps attached to the frame to secure the seat. Unless the frame straps are attached, a child in the seat of the stroller can lean forward and fall out.

Baby Trend has received one report of an 8-month-old baby leaning forward in a stroller with unsecured seat straps, falling out of the seat and bumping his head.

The "Road Runner" jogging strollers are aluminum, three-wheeled strollers with hand brakes. The seat and back is made from a blue canvas-type fabric. The stroller has a three-strap harness that secures the child in the seat. Two additional straps snap together and secure the back corners of the seat to the stroller frame.

If you believe you have this jogging stroller, see the CPSC Web site for more information.

CPSC, Sta-Rite Industries Inc. Announce Recall of Battery Chargers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sta-Rite Industries Inc., of Delavan, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 29,000 battery chargers used in battery back-up sump pump systems. The battery chargers can overheat and ignite, melting the charger housing and posing a fire hazard.

Sta-Rite has received seven reports of battery chargers overheating or catching fire. Four incidents have involved smoke or fire damage to homes, confined to the immediate area of the charger. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled battery chargers are used in the "Flotec" and "Sears" back-up sump pump systems. The sump pump system is used to remove water from homes that have basements. This recall involves the charger only, not the sump pump. You can identify whether the sump pumps battery charger is being recalled by checking the sump pump system model number.

Large and small home centers, auto parts and plumbing supply stores, including Sears, W.W. Grainger, Advanced Auto Parts, Home Quarters, Home Depot, and Hechinger sold the sump pump systems nationwide from December 1994 through September 1997 for about $200. The battery chargers also were sold as a replacement part for the sump pump systems for about $130.

Stop using the sump pumps with the recalled battery charger immediately. You can receive a free replacement battery charger by calling the Sta-Rite Consumer Assistance Hotline toll-free at (800) 845-6541 anytime.

CPSC and U.S. Postal Service Announce Recall Round-up to Get Hazardous Products Out of Consumers' Homes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are partnering to post recall notices in Post Offices nationwide. As part of the annual "recall round-up," CPSC and the Postal Service will send product recall alerts to all 33,000 Post Offices to be posted on bulletin boards. Everyone has seen the FBI's Most Wanted list in the corner Post Office. Now, people can see the most wanted dangerous products as well. The goal of recall round-up is to get hazardous products out of people's homes. Despite recall notices and public warnings, CPSC has found that many products with the potential to seriously injure or kill are still being used by consumers.

CPSC, Graco Announce Recall of Infant Swings

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Graco Children's Products Inc., of Elverson, Pa., is providing new safety restraints for about 7 million infant swings made before November 1997. These new restraints will upgrade older swings. The restraint systems on the older swings consist of a waist belt only and a hinged or removable tray, which serves as a restraint. If parts are missing, the restraints are not used or the tray pops off, infants can slip down into the seat and strangle or fall from the swing. There have been six deaths. These occurred when parts were missing or the restraints were not used and infants slid down the swings' seats and became tangled in the restraints. In five instances, the swings were second hand. Of 209 incidents, 181 were reports of infants falling from the swing. In nine of the falls, infants suffered serious injuries including bone fractures and concussions. Twenty-two infants were caught at the neck or chest.

Graco is offering a free, new safety restraint to replace the swings' old restraint systems. The safety restraint kit comes with instructions and can be installed easily. The new safety system has a buckle that assures the crotch strap is used each time the waist belt is buckled, so that infants are securely fastened into the swings.

If you have a Graco infant swing, call Graco to determine if your swing needs a new safety restraint. The swings are battery-powered or wind-up, and are either the traditional A-frame or open top design. Some models have removable seats, which can be used as an infant carrier. Graco will help you identify swings that need new safety restraints.

You should stop using the swings immediately. To receive the free safety restraint, call Graco at (800) 934-9082 anytime. You may also visit Graco's Web site or write to Customer Affairs, Graco Children's Products Inc., P.O. Box 100, Elverson, PA 19520. Have the swing in front of you when you call so that Graco can determine if the swing needs the new safety restraint. (4/13/00)

CPSC, Proctor-Silex Announce Recall of Toasters

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Proctor-Silex Inc., of Glen Allen, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 95,000 toasters. The heating elements in these toasters can remain on after the toast pops up. This poses a fire hazard.

CPSC and Proctor-Silex have received at least 24 complaints from consumers of these toasters staying on after the toast popped up. There have been three reports of food fires, resulting in property damage to kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.

These are traditional upright electric toasters with single lifters and four extra-wide slots that can accommodate bread or bagels. The toasters with model number 24205 are white, and toasters with model number 24208 are black and chrome.

Mass merchandise stores nationwide, including Ames, Bradlees, Burdines, Eckerd, Rite Aid, Servistar and Walgreens, sold these toasters from April 1997 through September 1999 for between $20 and $25.

Immediately unplug and stop using these toasters. For information on receiving a free replacement toaster, call Proctor-Silex toll-free at (800) 992-4616 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m ET Monday through Friday. (4/12/00)

CPSC, John Deere Consumer Products Inc. Announce Recall of Homelite® Handheld Power Blowers/Vacuums

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- John Deere Consumer Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 200,000 Homelite® handheld power blowers/vacuums. The fuel line location can cause it to contact the edge of the engine shroud, causing the line to prematurely wear. This can result in a gasoline leak, presenting a fire hazard and causing burn injuries.

John Deere Consumer Products has received two reports of the fuel line leaking from these power blowers/vacuums. There have been no reports of fires or injuries.

These gasoline-powered, handheld power blowers/vacuums are red and black. The Homelite® logo is written on the inlet cover door. They can be identified by the following UT and serial numbers on a sticker attached to the unit near the blower tube. See a complete list of recalled models.

Home center and hardware stores including the Home Depot, Eagle Hardware and Ace Hardware, sold these blowers/vacuums nationwide from August 1998 through January 2000 for about $150.

Stop using these power blowers/vacuums immediately and contact the nearest Homelite® service dealer for a free inspection and repair. To locate the local service dealer or for more information, call John Deere Consumer Products at (800) 242-4672 anytime. (4/11/00)

CPSC, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Lawnmowers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance, Calif., is recalling about 112,000 lawnmowers. The lawnmowers' fuel tanks' seam can split or crack, leaking fuel, and creating a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

American Honda Motor Co. has 25 reports of fuel leaking from these lawnmowers. There have been no fires or injuries reported.

Honda power equipment dealers and The Home Depot sold the lawnmowers nationwide from May 1998 through January 2000 for about $430.

Stop using these lawnmowers immediately, and check to see if the gas tank is leaking. If there is a leak, immediately move the mower away from any possible ignition sources, for example, water heaters or electric appliances. Empty the fuel tank by following owner manual instructions. Take these mowers to a Honda power equipment dealer who will inspect and replace the fuel tanks free of charge. For dealer locations and more information, call American Honda Motor Co. at (800) 426-7701 anytime. (4/11/00)

CPSC, Kmart Corp. Announce Recall of Children's Lamps

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Kmart Corp., of Troy Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 280,000 children's decorative lamps. The lamps can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.

Kmart has received eight reports of the lamps short circuiting and catching fire, resulting in property damage. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

The "Little Ones" wooden accent lamps being recalled come in six different styles: an airplane lamp, alphabet letters (ABC) lamp, numbers (123) lamp, baseball with bat lamp, train lamp and sailboat lamp.

Kmart stores nationwide sold the lamps from January 1993 through March 2000 for between $13 and $15.

You should immediately unplug the lamps and stop using them. Return the lamps to your local Kmart for a refund. For further information, contact Kmart at (800) 63KMART anytime. (4/7/00)

CPSC, Fisher-Price Announce Recall of Infant Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling two infant products. About 105,000 "3-in-1 Cradle Swings" with detachable carriers are being recalled, along with 235,000 "Bounce 'n Play Activity Domes."

The 3-in-1 Cradle Swing has a detachable seat that can be used as a carrier. When used as a carrier, the locks for the handle can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip forward. When this happens, infants can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries. There have been 28 reports of the carrier's handle unexpectedly releasing when used as a carrier, resulting in injuries to 10 infants. The injuries include a skull fracture, bumps, bruises and scrapes to the head. According to the reports, some injuries occurred to infants who were restrained in the seat.

The recalled Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Cradle Swings are model numbers 79321 and 79322. The model number is on the underside of the motor housing and on the bottom of the seat. "Fisher-Price" is on the front of the motor's housing and on the bottom of the seat. Only swings with detachable carriers are included in this recall.

Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount stores sold the 3-in-1 Cradle Swings nationwide from March 1997 through January 1999 for about $100.

Stop using the swing's seat as a carrier immediately. Fisher-Price will provide a free repair kit that will lock the carrier's handle in place. The repair can be done quickly and easily in the home. You can continue to use the seat as intended as a cradle swing. Fisher-Price Cradle Swings that do not have a detachable carrier (model numbers 79454, 79456 and 79386) are not included in this recall. (4/7/00)

CPSC, Fisher-Price Announce Recall of Infant Products

Recall of Bounce 'n Play™ Activity Dome

The Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome is a portable play and nap space for indoor and outdoor use. The product resembles a pop up tent. It features a zippered canopy attached to a raised metal frame that suspends the play and nap surface so that it can bounce. The nylon bands that hold the surface level can detach allowing the surface to tilt. This can cause an infant to slide down against one end and be trapped in a position in which it is difficult to breathe, posing a suffocation hazard.

There have been 28 reports of the nylon band detaching and causing the play and nap surface to tilt. No injuries have been reported.

To determine if the Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome is part of the recall, check the notice tag on the bottom of the product. Model number 79534 is on the left side of the tag and a 6-character code is on the bottom of the tag. All codes that end with number 8 are included in the recall. All codes that end with number 9 and begin with numbers 001 through 286 are included in the recall. Only products with these codes are recalled. Fisher-Price will help consumers determine if their Activity Dome is recalled. "Fisher-Price" is on the canopy of the product.

Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount stores have sold the Bounce 'n Play Activity Domes nationwide from December 1998 through March 2000 for about $50.

You should stop using the Bounce 'n Play Activity Dome immediately. Fisher-Price will provide a free repair kit that will strengthen the support for the play and nap surface to keep it level. The repair can be done quickly and easily in the home.

Fisher-Price Bounce 'n Play Activity Domes with a green dot on the bottom of the product (and a "quality approved" sticker on the box) have been repaired and are not recalled.

To receive free repair kits for either one or both of these infant products, or for more information, call Fisher-Price at 1-800-505-0600 anytime Monday through Friday. The free repair kits are available only through Fisher-Price. Consumers also can visit the Fisher-Price website at http://www.fisher-price.com/us/help/cradle.asp for 3-in-1 Cradle Swings and http://www.fisher-price.com/us/help/cradle.asp#BounceNPlay for Activity Domes for more information. (4/7/00)

CPSC, Toymax Inc. Announce Recall to Replace Skeet Shoot Game Cartridges

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Toymax Inc., of Plainview, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling approximately 435,000 Arcadia Electronic Skeet Shoot games to replace the game cartridges. The skeet shoot games' cartridges can be defective, and can cause the projector to overheat, melt and smoke, presenting a risk of burns to consumers.

Toymax has received 100 reports of projectors overheating, melting and smoking. A consumer reportedly suffering a minor burn injury on the hand, and damages included two scorched carpets and one scorched bedspread.

Toy and discount department stores nationwide, including Toys R Us, Sam's Club, K·B Toys™ and Costco, sold these games from October 1998 through March 2000 for about $65.

Stop using these games immediately and remove the game cartridge from the console. To receive a free replacement game cartridge or for more information, contact Toymax at (800) 477-6215 anytime. You also can go to the company Web site at www.toymax.com. Do not return these games or cartridges to stores.

New and replacement game cartridges are orange. All the Arcadia Electronic Skeet Shoot games cartridges that are not orange should be replaced. (4/5/00)

CPSC, Firms Announce Recalls of Chairs and Converters

WASHINGTON, DC -- Boston Warehouse Trading Corp., of Norwood, Mass., is recalling about 1,800 folding wooden chairs. The recall involves the B.W. Home brand folding chairs made of white wood with a rush seat. The chair measures 15.75 inches wide, 18.25 inches deep and 35 inches high. The seat is 18 inches high. There is a "bw HOME" sticker and a "MADE IN TAIWAN" sticker on the seat's frame. A hang tag identified the chair as "Lilla," model number 00222, but neither "Lilla" nor the model are on the chair. Specialty gift, department and furniture stores nationwide sold the chairs from January 1999 through January 2000 for about $150.

AC Converters -- Coast Electronics Supply, of Cerritos, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 AC converters that are used to convert overseas consumer products that run on 220 volts to American household current at 110 volts and vice-versa. The converter is available in nine different watts varying from 100 watts to 3000 watts. It is labeled in part, "UP/DOWN AC-CONVERTER...220V...110V...TAIWAN." Small electronic stores in California, Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas sold the product for $25 to $30. (4/4/00)

CPSC, BISSELL® Homecare Inc. Announce Recall of Upright Vacuum Cleaners

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- BISSELL® Homecare Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 207,000 PowerCleanTM and PureAirTM upright vacuum cleaners. The power cord insulation can tear where the cord attaches to the vacuum, exposing bare wires. This poses a risk of shock and burns to consumers.

BISSELL is aware of 54 reports of the cords on these vacuums tearing. There has been one report of a consumer suffering a burn injury on her hand.

The recalled vacuums do not have a 3-inch plastic flex relief where the power cord enters the vacuum handle. Major discount, appliance and department stores sold these vacuum cleaners nationwide from July 1998 through March 2000 for between $89 and $159.

Stop using these vacuum cleaners immediately, and contact BISSELL to arrange for a free repair through BISSELL's authorized service network. Vacuums cannot be repaired by the retailers. For the location of the nearest authorized service center or for more information, contact BISSELL toll-free at (888) 445-6688 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at http://www.bissell.com/recall/recall_press_release.htm. (4/4/00)

CPSC, The Standard Mattress Co. Announce Futon Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Standard Mattress Co., of Hartford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling approximately 47,000 futons. Some of these futons may fail cigarette ignition resistance tests, in violation of the federal Flammable Fabrics Act, because the boric acid flame retardant inside the futons may not have been evenly disbursed. This could result in burn injuries, should one of these futons catch fire.

CPSC and The Standard Mattress Co. are not aware of any fires or injuries involving these futons. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The futons being recalled were sold between May 1998 and October 1998 with model numbers 605, 608, 611, and 613, sold under the brand names of Gold Bond, IKEA, and Verlo. The model number and brand name are located on the permanently sewn-in label.

Furniture and futon stores nationwide sold the futons from May 1998 through October 1998 for $140 to $250.

If you purchased one of these futons during this period, you should immediately call The Standard Mattress Co. toll-free at (888) 512-6169 anytime to obtain a free replacement futon. You should not return the futons to the store where you purchased them. Replacements are available only by calling the company. (4/3/00)

CPSC, Lane Urge Renewed Search for Cedar Chests; Another death and two near fatalities reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Lane Co., of Altavista, Va., is calling for a renewed search for cedar chests to replace their locks. In 1996, Lane recalled 12 million chests with lids that automatically latch shut when closed, following reports of six children suffocating inside the chests. CPSC and Lane have since become aware of another suffocation death and two near fatalities to children who became entrapped in the chests when the lid closed and automatically latched shut.

All "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests manufactured between 1912 and 1987 need to have their locks replaced. The chests are often handed down through families, and it is likely that many were purchased second-hand.

Lane is providing new locks, free of charge, that will prevent entrapments because they do not automatically latch shut when the lid is closed. The new locks are easy to install by consumers in their homes.

To prevent another tragedy, CPSC and Lane are urging consumers to check their "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests. The brand name "Lane" or "Virginia Maid" is located inside the cedar chest. If the lid latches shut without depressing a button on the outside of the chest, the lock needs to be replaced. Contact Lane toll-free at (888) 856-8758 anytime or access their Web site at www.newlock.net to order the free replacement lock. Consumers should have the chest's serial and style numbers, which are branded on the outside bottom or back of the chest, available when contacting Lane. (3/30/00)

CPSC, Advance Thermo Control Announce Recall of Baby Wipe Warmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Advance Thermo Control (ATC), of Hong Kong, is voluntarily recalling 152,000 baby wipe warmers distributed by Prince Lionheart Inc., of Santa Maria, Calif. A wipe warmer is an electric appliance that warms baby wipes. Cracks in the interior tub of these wipe warmers can allow water to contact the electrical components. This can result in consumers receiving an electric shock.

Prince Lionheart has received four reports of electric shocks when consumers touched the wipes in the warmers with cracked tubs.

This recall involves Prince Lionheart Baby Wipe Warmers with style number 0224 and date codes between 9803 and 9901 with cracked tubs. The style number and date code are written on the bottom of the units. The wipe warmers are white plastic boxes that are 9 inches long, 6 inches wide and 4.75 inches high. "PRINCE LIONHEART" is written on the lid of the warmers. A orange light is located on the front of the warmers to indicate when it is on. "Santa Maria, CA USA" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the bottom of the units.

Toy, department and baby specialty stores, including Toys "R" Us and Burlington Coat Factory, and mail order catalogs, sold these wipe warmers nationwide from February 1998 through December 1999 for about $25.

You should immediately unplug the warmers, remove the wipes, and check to see if the interior tub is cracked. If so, stop using the warmer immediately, and call ATC for information on receiving a free replacement unit. If the tub of the wipe warmer is not cracked, the unit is not part of the recall, and consumers can continue to use the appliance. For more information, contact ATC at (888) 843-8718 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. (3/23/00)

CPSC, Russ Berrie & Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Rattles

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Russ Berrie & Co. Inc., of Oakland, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 13,400 rattles. The shape and size of the rattle's handle allow it to become lodged in the throats of babies, posing a choking hazard. The rattles violate the Federal Hazardous Substances Act for the design and construction of baby rattles.

CPSC and Russ Berrie are not aware of any incidents or injuries involving these rattles. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The Precious KeepsakesTM silver-plated "New Baby" rattle is 6 inches long and consists of a spinning ball on top of an ornate handle, which includes a small bear and a bow. The rattle was sold as item number 10399. The item number appears on the product packaging. A silver tag attached to the rattle with a ribbon reads "NEW BABY."

Specialty and drug stores, and flower and gift shops nationwide sold these rattles from November 1998 through December 1999 for about $14.

You should take these rattles away from babies immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Russ Berrie & Co. at (800) 272-7877 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Russ Berrie & Co. Inc., Attn: Customer Service Dept., 111 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436. (3/22/00)

CPSC, Maxim Enterprise Inc. and Zany Brainy Inc. Announce Recall of Wooden Pull Toy

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maxim Enterprise Inc., of Middleboro, Mass., and Zany Brainy Inc., of King of Prussia, Pa., are recalling about 4,900 wooden pull toys. The pull toy's wheels can break off and the bead can detach from the pull string, posing small parts choking hazards to young children.

The firms have received a report of wheels coming off and a report of the bead detaching from the pull string. The detached bead was found in a child's mouth. No injuries were reported.

The toy is called the Wooden Pull Along Bead Coaster, which is written on the packaging. It is a flat, wooden platform with wooden wheels, and is about 10 inches long. On top of the platform are twisting, red and blue plastic wires threaded with multi-colored beads. The red pull string that attaches to the platform has a bead at the end. "BEAD COASTER" is printed on top of the wood platform of the toy in multicolor block letters. The pull toy was part of a toy box set from the "Childhood Classics Wooden Chest & Toy Collection." The other toys in the set included wood puzzles, a pounding bench and a block set.