728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.

Household Items

Increasing Injuries Prompt Black & Decker to Reannounce Recall of Trimmers/Edgers Due to Laceration and Burn Hazards

Name of Product: Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers

Manufacturer: Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.

Black & Decker string trimmerHazard: The trimmer/edger's spool, spool cap and pieces of trimmer string can come loose during use and become airborne projectiles, posing a serious laceration hazard to the user, as well as bystanders. The trimmer/edgers can also overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: At the time of the original announcement in July 2007, Black & Decker had received more than 700 reports of incidents, including 58 reports of injuries. The firm has received over 100 additional injury reports; 10 that required medical attention and minor injuries such as bruises and lacerations. There were also reports of minor property damage, including broken windows.

Description: The Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmers/Edgers are electric-powered. Trimmer/edgers with date codes 200546 through 200645 (representing manufacture dates of November 14, 2005 through November 6, 2006) are included in this recall. The date code is located on the underside of the trimmer/edger's handle. Only trimmers with black spool caps are included in the recall. Those with orange spool caps are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from November 2005 through January 2007 for about $70.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the string trimmers/edgers immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Black & Decker toll-free at (888) 742-9158 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.blackanddecker.com (8-04-09)

Stamina Products Recalls Elliptical Machines

Stamina elliptical cross trainersName of Product: Elliptical Cross Trainers

Manufacturer: Stamina Products Inc. of Springfield, Mo.

Hazard: Stamina modified the warning/assembly instructions in the owner's manuals to emphasize that the elliptical pedal shafts must be securely tightened to the cranks. If not securely tightened, the pedal shafts could become loose from the cranks, which could result in serious injury to the user and/or damage to the product. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Stamina elliptical cross trainersDescription: This recall includes the following elliptical machines, which can be found here.

Sold by: Various retailers and retail Web sites from October 2007 to May 2009 for between about $200 and $400.

Remedy: Consumers should not assemble or use these elliptical machines until they have reviewed the modified warnings and assembly instructions. Consumers can obtain the new warning and assembly instructions by contacting Stamina at the toll free number below or visiting the firm's Web site at www.staminaproducts.com.

Stamina elliptical cross trainersConsumer Contact: For additional information, contact Stamina at (800) 375-7520, Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT or visit Stamina's Web site at www.staminaproducts.com. (7-24-09)

Fiesta Recalls to Repair Gas Grills Due to Fire, Burn Hazards

Name of Product: Blue Ember Gas Grills

Manufacturers: Unisplendor Corp., of China and Keesung Corp., of China

Fiesta Blue Ember gas grillsHazard: The hose of the gas tank can get too close to the firebox and be exposed to heat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Fiesta has received 161 reports of grill fires, resulting in nine injuries, including two incidents of major burns on different parts of the body, six incidents of minor burns and an incident involving temporary hearing loss.

Description: This recall involves Blue Ember liquid propane (LP) outdoor grills with model and serial numbers listed below. The cabinet style grill has two doors and is silver and black or silver and gray. "Blue Ember" is printed on the grill's hood. The model and serial numbers are printed on a rating plate label on the rear of the grill. Model numbers and serial ranges can be found here.

Sold at: Various home centers and retailers nationwide from November 2006 through June 2008 for between $400 and $500 in the United States and from November 2006 through May 2009 for between $400 and $600 in Canada.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the grill and call Fiesta Gas Grills to obtain a free replacement grease pan assembly and instructions for installing the part and the gas tank. The grill should not be used until the new grease pan assembly and the gas tank have been installed correctly. Consumers should also inspect the gas burner hose and regulator, which will be replaced free of charge if there are signs of damage.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fiesta Gas Grills toll-free at (866)740-7849 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site at www.blueembergrills.com. (7-24-09)

Heating System Thermostats Recalled by OJ Electronics

Name of Product: 208-Volt and 240-Volt Thermostats

Hazard: The recalled thermostat's floor sensor or its cable can be damaged from cutting, drilling or nailing. This poses a risk of electric shock to consumers if the power supply is not disconnected. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

OJ Electronics thermostatDescription: The recall involves thermostats that have a built-in GFCI and are designed for use in under-floor heating systems. Thermostats included in the recall are connected to 208-Volt or 240-Volt power supplies (120V units are not included in the recall). They were sold under the brand names of Canisol, Danfoss, Elektra, Momento, OJ Microline, Raychem, Thermosoft, Warmly Yours and Warmup. The brand name is located on the front of the thermostat.

Sold at: Various home improvement stores, tile shops and other retail shops nationwide from January 2004 through December 2008 for between $150 and $200.

Remedy: Consumers should not cut, drill or nail into the heated floor, and contact the manufacturer to arrange for a free in-home repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OJ Electronics at (800) 380-6940 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.ojelectronics.com. (7-24-09)

Elliptical Exercise Gliders Recalled by Thane Due to Fall Hazard

Thane Orbitrek Elite elliptical exercise glidersName of Product: Orbitrek Elite and Orbitrek Elite Magnetic Elliptical Exercise Gliders

Hazard: The written instructions incorrectly identify the proper location of the spring washer. An incorrectly installed spring washer can put undue stress on bolts, causing them to loosen, which poses a fall hazard to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Orbitrek Elite ("OE") and Orbitrek Elite Magnetic ("OEM") elliptical gliders with model numbers BK2080 (OE) and BK2280 (OEM). The recalled gliders have a blue and gray plastic cover. The model name can be located on the side of the machine. No other models of Orbitrek-branded elliptical gliders are included in this recall.

Thane Orbitrek Elite elliptical exercise glidersSold: Directly to consumers at www.thane.com and through television infomercials from March 2007 through May 2009 for between $200 and $300.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled machines until they inspect their unit and confirm that the spring washer is in the correct location. Thane is directly contacting consumers to provide new assembly instructions, which can also be located on the firm's Web site.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Thane toll-free at (888) 863-4003 between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. PT Saturday and Sunday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.thane.com. (7-24-09)

Violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Standard Prompts Recall of Mattresses by Foamorder.com

Name of Product: Natural Sense Foam Blocks with Cotton Cover (Mattresses)

Manufacturer: Foamorder.com, of San Francisco, Calif.

Foamorder.com Natural Sense Foam BlocksHazard: The foam blocks with cotton covers (intended to be used as mattresses) fail to meet the mandatory federal open flame standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Natural Sense foam blocks with cotton covers intended to be used as a mattress. The foam block was sold in the following sizes:

Twin: 38" x 7'5"
Twin Long: 38" x 80"
Full: 53" x 75"
Full Long: 53" x 75"
Queen: 60" x 80"
Cal. King: 72" x 84"
E. King: 76" x 80"

Foam mattresses that have a cover with a gold ribbon pattern and a label stating "This mattress meets the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1633 (federal flammability [open flame] standard for mattress sets) when used without a foundation or with foundations" are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Online at www.foamorder.com from July 2007 through May 2009 for between $225 and $1,420.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Foamorder.com to determine if their mattress is included in the recall, and if it is, to receive a free additional cover to be placed over their mattress.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Foamorder.com at 800-256-6162 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.foamorder.com. (7-23-09)

Steam Cleaners Recalled by Thane International

Thane International H2O Mop steam cleanerName of Product: H2O Mop Steam Cleaners

Distributor: Thane International, Inc., of La Quinta, Calif.

Hazard: The power cord can unexpectedly wear down and expose the wiring, posing a shock and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Thane has received 10 reports of incidents involving shock injuries and eight reports of incidents involving burn injuries.

Description: The H2O Mop is an electrically-powered appliance for cleaning a variety of floor surfaces that uses microfiber or disposable cloths on a cleaning head through which steam is dispersed. H2O Mops are white with a purple water tank with the "H20" and "M" symbol printed on the top of the cleaning head. The model numbers of affected units are 808.092 and OEM-TV-001. This recall only includes H2O Mops with the following reference numbers printed on the label on the back of the product: 200709198 to 200803148 or H20M1000 to M-H20M1198.

Sold: Directly to consumers by Thane through television infomercials; on the Web at www.thane.com; by QVC, through its televised shopping program; and by retailers nationwide from June 2007 through December 2008 for about $100.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using recalled steam cleaners and contact Thane to receive a free repair kit. Thane is sending repair kits to all consumers who purchased recalled units directly from Thane.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Thane anytime at (800) 485-0017 or visit the firm's Web site at www.h2omopservice.com. (7-17-09)

Leather Shag Rugs Recalled by Chandra Rugs

Name of Product: Art Collection Leather Shag Rugs

Importer: Chandra Rugs, of Adairsville, Ga.

Chandra leather shag rugHazard: The rugs fail to meet federal flammability standard, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves "Art Collection" leather shag rugs. The style number for the rugs included in this recall can be located on the rug's label, and a list can be found here.

Sold at: Furniture stores nationwide and by Internet retailers from December 2007 through May 2009 for between $280 and $615 (suggested retail price).

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled rugs. Consumers should contact Chandra Rugs to schedule a pick-up and to arrange for a store credit or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Chandra rugs toll-free at (800) 258-6614 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.chandrarugs.com. (7-17-09)

Butterfly Chairs Recalled by Hobby Lobby Stores

Hobby Lobby butterfly chairName of Product: Leather Butterfly Chairs

Importer: Hobby Lobby Stores, of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Hazard: The chair legs can detach unexpectedly, causing the chair to collapse, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Hobby Lobby Stores has received nine reports of the chairs collapsing, resulting in minor injuries including contusions.

Description: This recall involves brown leather butterfly chairs with copper tubing legs. The leather seat has stitching similar to baseball stitching. Item# MI-1007 and PO#9073513 are printed on the front of the hang tag.

Hobby Lobby butterfly chairSold at: Hobby Lobby Stores nationwide from February 2009 through April 2009 for about $200.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and return them to the nearest Hobby Lobby for a full refund or exchange card.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobby Lobby Stores at (800) 326-7931 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or visit the firm's Web site at www.hobbylobby.com. (7-17-09)

Energizer Wallplate Nightlights Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Energizer wallplae nightlightsName of Product: Energizer Light on Demand Wallplate Nightlights

Importer: Energizer, of St. Louis, Mo.

Hazard: The nightlight can overheat, especially if additional devices are plugged into its outlets, posing a fire hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled wall light is white, plugs into the wall, has a plug-in base into which additional devices can be plugged, and has a removable/rechargeable light/flashlight. Model LODNLWP is stamped on the back of the unit. The wall light measures about 6X5X3 inches. No other Light on Demand products are included in this recall.

Energizer wallplate nightlightSold at: Mass merchandisers, office supply stores and various other retailers nationwide and on the Web from August 2008 through July 2009 for about $26.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using this recalled nightlight, unplug it and contact Energizer for information on returning the light to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Energizer at (800) 782-2013 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.energizer.com. (7-17-09)

recall indexmore recalls