quick clicks

article archive

expert q & a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Household Items

Name of Product: Roman Shades

Distributor: Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been six reports of children becoming entangled in the exposed inner cord on the back of the shade between March 2006 and July 2008. Four children were found with cords entangled around their necks. Scissors were used to release two of these children. Two children were found with red marks around their necks after having freed themselves. No permanent injuries were sustained.

Description: This recall involves all sizes and colors of Pottery Barn Kids roman shades with exposed inner cords on the back. Two sewn-in labels are located at the bottom edge of the shade. The smaller label identifies the manufacturer as "pottery barn kids" while the second larger orange, black and white label warns that "Cords and bead chains can loop around child's neck and STRANGLE." Roman shades with a fabric covering over the cords are not being recalled.

Sold at: Pottery Barn Kids catalog nationwide and through the firm's Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com from January 2003 through May 2007 for between $30 and $60.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled roman shades and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a merchandise card for the purchase value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (800) 492-1949 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com.

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Blinds and shades in their homes. If looped pull cords are present or exposed inner cords are found on the back of blinds or shades and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing them with blinds or shades that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords. (9-02-09)

Name of Product: MELINA Roman Blinds

Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. The Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a strangulation hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and IKEA received a report of a 2-year-old boy who suffered a near strangulation. His mother found him hanging from the looped bead chain.

Description: This recall includes all sizes/colors of MELINA Roman blinds. These blinds have a sewn-in label at the top edge of the blind with the IKEA logotype, article name (MELINA), 5-digit supplier number 19395, four digit date stamp (YYWW) and the words "Made in Taiwan." On the bottom edge of the blind there is a sewn-in orange/white safety warning label. The blinds are made from 100 percent polyester.

Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $20 and $40.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ikea-usa.com.

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Blinds and shades in their homes. If looped pull cords are present or exposed inner cords are found on the back of blinds or shades and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing them with blinds or shades that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords. (9-02-09)

Name of Product: 1/4" Oval Roll-up Blinds and Woolrich Roman Shades

Importer: Lewis Hyman Inc., of Carson, Calif.

Hazard: Roll-up Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

Roman Shades: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Incidents/Injuries: In November 2007, a 1-year-old boy from Norridgewock, Maine, became entangled and strangled in the lift cord loop of a roll-up blind that had fallen into his portable crib. In October 2008, a 13-month-old boy from Conway, Ark., was found with his head between the exposed inner cord and the cloth on the backside of a Roman shade. The cord was not looped around the boy's neck but rather ran from ear to ear and strangled the child.

Description: This recall involves roll-up blinds without release clips (see picture) and all Woolrich Roman shades. The roll-up blinds have plastic oval-shaped slats that measure about 1/4 inch tall. The blinds measure either 72 inches or 96 inches long. The bottom rail has a WARNING label advising that "Young children can become entangled and strangle in cord or bead loops" and a label that reads "Lewis Hyman, Inc." and the year of manufacture. Roll-up blinds that have release clips right below the head rail on the backside of the blind are not included in this recall.

The Woolrich Roman shades come in twill fabric and micro-suede fabric and measure 72 inches long. The head rail has two labels that read "Lewis Hyman, Inc., www.lewishymaninc.com and "LHI, 005301, Made in China" respectively.

Sold at: The Roman shades were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com from March 2006 through December 2008 for between $25 and $43. The roll-up blinds were sold at retail stores nationwide from January 1999 through December 2003 for between $6 and $20.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately check the backside of the roll-up blinds to determine if they have release clips. If the roll-up blind does not have release clips, stop using it immediately and contact Lewis Hyman for a free repair kit.

Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact Lewis Hyman for a free repair kit. The repair kits for the Roman shades will be available by the end of September.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lewis Hyman toll-free at (877) 354-5457 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT daily, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lewishymaninc.com/recall.

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman shades and roll-up blinds in their homes. If looped pull cords, exposed inner cords or exposed lifting loops are found and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing the blinds or shades with products that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords. (9-02-09)

Name of Product: Shop Fox Dust Collection Remote Switches

Manufacturer: Woodstock International, of Bellingham, Wash.

Hazard: An incorrectly sized wire inside the remote switch can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Woodstock International has received 10 reports of the remote switch overheating. No injuries were reported.

Description: The recalled product is a remote dust collector switch, which remotely turns on and off a woodworking dust collector. The product is a black electrical outlet box that comes with two hand-held remote controls. The electrical outlet box has a label that reads "Remote Dust Collector Switch." Both the electrical box and remote controls have "Shop Fox" molded into the plastic on the top side of the product. Model numbers D3038 & D3346 were printed on the carton but not on the remote control unit. The recalled switches measure 4 and 13/16 inches long by 3 and 7/16 inches wide.

Sold by: Woodworking stores nationwide from July 2008 through June 2009 for about $50.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact Woodstock International for directions on how to receive a replacement or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Woodstock International at (800) 840-8420 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's Web site at www.Woodstockint.com. (8-18-09)

Name of Product: Black & Decker Thermal Coffeemakers

Distributor: Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla.

Hazard: The coffeemakers can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a coffeemaker melting. No injuries reported.

Description: This recall involves Black & Decker 8-cup programmable thermal coffeemakers. Model number TCM1000IKT is printed on the rating plate on the bottom of the coffeemaker.

Sold at: Walmart and small retail stores nationwide from April 2008 through July 2009 for between $50 and $65.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the coffeemakers and contact Applica to receive a free replacement household product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Applica at (866) 699-4595 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.acprecall.com. (8-18-09)

Name of Product: Homelite, Husky and Black Max Brand Generators

Distributor: Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Hazard: The fuel gauge can leak excessive amounts of gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Homelite and Husky brand generators sold exclusively at Home Depot stores and Black Max brand generators sold exclusively at Sam's Club stores. Affected generators include Homelite models HG3500, HG3510, HG5700 and HG5700R; Husky models HU3650, HUCA5700 and HUCA7000; and Black Max models BM10700A, BM10700B, BM10711A, BM10700DG, BM10700R, BM10700BR and BM10722G. Generators included in this recall have manufacturing date codes between BML306-BMM151, CHL122-CHM151 and CRL153-CRM059. The model number and manufacturing date code are included on the data label located on the top or side of the generator engine. Products with a green "dot" on the outside of the package or a "silver dot" on the fuel gauge face are not included in the recall.

Sold exclusively at: Home Depot and Sam's Club stores nationwide from July 2008 through May 2009 for between $480 and $1,600.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using their generator and contact Homelite Consumer Products Inc. (Homelite and Husky brands only) or Black Max (Black Max brands only) for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information regarding Homelite or Husky brand generators, contact Homelite Consumer Products, Inc. at (800) 242-4672 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.homelite.com. For additional information regarding Black Max brand generators, contact Black Max at (800) 726-5760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visiting www.blackmaxtools.com. (8-18-09)

Name of Product: Bay West & Hillyard Hybrid Wave N Cut Paper Towel Dispensers

Manufacturer: Global Plastics Ltd., of City of Industry, Calif.

Hazard: The dispenser's electric board can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two incidents of the dispenser overheating. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled product is a Baywest & Hillyard Hybrid Wave N Cut hybrid paper towel dispenser. The product can operate in either a mechanical or electronic mode.

Sold by: Bay West & Hillyard directly to its commercial customers from February 2009 through May 2009.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and remove the batteries; the dispenser will operate in a mechanical mode. Consumers should contact Global Plastics for instructions on how to receive a replacement dispenser. Global Plastics is directly contacting its customers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Global Plastics at (888) 225-7380 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.globalplastics.com. (8-05-09)

Name of Product: Domestications Bed Steps

Retailer: Domestications, of Weehawken, N.J.

Hazard: The bed steps can break during use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Domestications received 14 reports of the bed steps breaking or cracking during use, including four reports of injuries from falls.

Description: The recalled wooden bed steps with style numbers 17593A and 17878A have two steps and are 16 inches high by 24 inches wide and 18 inches deep. They were sold in white, cherry and oak.

Sold by: Domestications Web site and catalog nationwide. Style 17593A sold from June 2008 through July 2008 for about $50 and style 17878A sold from October 2008 through November 2008 for about $60.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bed steps and return it to Domestications to receive a refund. The company has directly contacted all known consumers who purchased the bed steps.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Domestications at (800) 969-4094 between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. (8-05-09)

Name of Product: Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat and White-WestinghouseŽ clothes washers

Distributor: Frigidaire, of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: An internal defect in the washer's drain pump can cause heat to build up, posing a fire hazard to the consumer. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat and White-Westinghouse top load washers, 3.1 cubic foot front load washers and laundry centers. See all the serial numbers here.

Model and serial numbers can be located as follows:

Top load washer: Open the product's lid, and the model and serial number are located inside the product's lid, on the top, right hand corner.

Front load washer: Open the door, and the model and serial number are located with other information at the top, center.

Laundry center: Open the door to the dryer, and the model and serial number are located on the outer edge of the door nearest the door's handle.

Sold by: Sears and other retailers nationwide from February 2009 through May 2009 for between $300 and $1,100.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the machine. Consumers should contact Frigidaire or Sears (if unit was purchased there) to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Frigidaire at (800) 734-4519 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.laundrypumprecall.com. For consumers who purchased their product at Sears, call Sears toll free at (888) 549-5870 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, or visit Sear's Web site at www.sears.com. (8-05-09)

Name of Product: Marble Top Plant Stands

Importer: Ross Stores Inc., of Pleasanton, Calif.

Hazard: The marble top of the plant stand can detach from the base and fall onto consumers, posing a risk of injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Ross Stores has received two reported incidents in which the marble top fell off the plant stand's base and bruised consumers.

Description: The plant stands have gray marble tops and black wrought iron bases. They were sold in three sizes: small 24 inches tall, medium 28 inches tall and large 32 inches tall.

Sold exclusively at: Ross Stores nationwide between March 2009 and June 2009 for between $15 and $27.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these plant stands and return them to any Ross Store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ross Stores at (800) 305-0510 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.rossstores.com. (8-04-09)