WASHINGTON -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission is launching a campaign to raise awareness about product recalls, contending that despite the government's recall warnings consumers continue to use hazardous products and put themselves at risk.
The commission was announcing its recall roundup Tuesday to highlight some of the millions of recalled products consumers may still be using, from playpens with protruding rivets to an under-the-counter toaster that can start fires.As the agency responsible for protecting the public, the CPSC announces about 300 recalls each year as it works with companies to ensure that new products with the same safety dangers do not end up on store shelves.
But getting consumers to dispose of faulty products is another story.
"We can get dangerous products off store shelves, but the real challenge is to get them out of families' homes," says Ann Brown, the chairwoman. The commission sometimes learns of deaths or injuries caused by products after they have been recalled, she added.
Thousands, sometimes even millions, of units of a product can be recalled at once, making it difficult to reach everyone who bought them and is at risk.
For example, the commission has recalled nearly 10 million sets of play yards or playpens, by various manufacturers, because of protruding rivets that can pose a strangulation hazard, such as to children wearing loose clothing who could become entangled. The products have caused eight deaths, according to the CPSC.
They are made by Bilt-Rite, Evenflo, Gerry, Graco, Kolcraft, Playskool, Pride-Trimble and Strolee. Consumers can get a free repair kit by calling 1-800-794-4115.
About 10 million battery-powered Power Wheels vehicles by Fisher-Price, made before October 1998, have been recalled because the electrical components can overheat and cause fires. The agency has received 700 such reports, and 150 reports of fires with nine children suffering minor burns. Consumers should remove the batteries and call Fisher-Price at 1-800-977-7800 for a free repair.
The Spacemaker Optima toaster by Black & Decker can set food on fire and, when the door opens automatically, also expose cabinets to flames. The agency knows of more than 1,000 fires and eight burns. The company offers a free replacement by calling 1-800-746-2159.
Consumers can learn about recalled products from the CPSC's hotline at 1-800-638-2772 or by visiting the Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.
Health officials and grass-roots groups plan to publicize the recall campaign and, in some states, recalled products will be rounded up and brought to central locations for disposal.