Scooters and trikes prone to cutting little fingers and faces. Overheating bike light batteries that can cause fires. Flawed climbing equipment with potentially fatal consequences.
The mishaps and potential accidents associated with recently recalled products spotlight the unexpected risks that can accompany recreation for tots and adults alike. No deadly injuries were linked to the latest batch of products recalled in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. But a series of stitches, cuts, fires and an eye injury resulted.
A look at this week's recalls:
CHILDREN'S SCOOTERS
DETAILS: Kiddieland Toys Ltd. is recalling its Lights and Sounds Children's Scooters, made in China and sold at Toys R Us and J.C. Penney Co. stores between January 2009 and February 2011.
WHY: A child's finger can get caught in the hinge between the steering column and the platform, posing a hazard of cuts.
INCIDENTS: At least two children have required stitches after getting their fingers caught.
HOW MANY: 16,000 in the United States and 700 in Canada.
FOR MORE: Call 800-430-5307 or visit www.kiddieland.com.hk .
PLASTIC TRIKES
DETAILS: Kiddieland Toys Limited of Scituate, Mass., is recalling Disney Princess plastic racing trikes, made in China and sold at Target and other major retailers from January 2009 through April 2011.
WHY: The plastic castle display and the princess figures protruding from the top of the handlebar pose a hazard of cuts if a child falls on it.
INCIDENTS: Three reports of children suffering face cuts.
HOW MANY: About 9,000 in the U.S. and 700 in Canada.
FOR MORE: Call 800-430-5307 or visit www.kiddieland.com.hk .
CANDLES
DETAILS: Pacific Trade International Inc. of Rockville, Md., is recalling its tea lights candle, made in Vietnam and sold under the brand names Chesapeake Bay Candle and Modern Light at retail stores nationwide between July 2009 and February 2011.
WHY: The candles have a clear plastic cup that can melt or ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard.
INCIDENTS: One report of plastic cup melting while in use; no injuries reported.
HOW MANY: About 615,000 sets totaling 7.48 million candles.
FOR MORE: Call 800-331-8339 or visit www.cpsc.gov .
BIKE LIGHT BATTERIES
DETAILS: Datseplots Inc., doing business as GeoManGear, of Denver, is recalling Magicshine Series I and II lithium-ion batteries, which were made in China and sold with bicycle light sets with the models Magicshine 900 Lumen (MJ-808), 1400 Lumen (MJ-816) and tail light (MJ-818).
WHY: The batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
INCIDENTS: The company has received three reports of batteries overheating and causing minor fires and property damage.
HOW MANY: About 16,600 in the United States and 1,500 in Canada.
FOR MORE: Visit www.geomangear.com .
AQUARIUM HEATERS
DETAILS: United Pet Group, of Cincinnati, is recalling Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro Aquarium Heaters, made in China and Italy and sold at pet stores and on websites from January 2004 through February 2011.
WHY: A wiring problem can cause the aquarium heaters to overheat or break during normal use, damaging the aquarium and posing fire and laceration hazards. Overheating can cause the heater to shatter or the aquarium glass to break.
INCIDENTS: United Pet Group has received 38 reports of fires resulting in property damage and 45 reports of broken aquarium glass, and one report of a consumer who suffered an eye injury when the heater forcefully broke while he held it.
HOW MANY: About 1.2 million.
FOR MORE: Call 800-338-4896 or visit www.marineland.com .
SATELLITE COMMUNICATORS
DETAILS: Spot LLC of Covington, La., is recalling its spot satellite communicator, made in China and sold by Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, REI, L.L. Bean and other retailers nationwide from July 2010 through March 2011.
WHY: The internal voltage regulator can stop working, resulting in the inability to transmit messages and tracking information in emergency situations.
INCIDENTS: Spot LLC has received two reports of product failure in temperatures below 40 degrees. No injuries reported.
HOW MANY: About 15,400.
FOR MORE: Call 866-727-7733 or visit www.findmespot.com/replacement .
CARABINERS
DETAILS: CAMP USA Inc. of Broomfield, Colo., is recalling its Photon model carabiners, which are used by climbers as connectors, and its related Photon and Mach Express quickdraws. The climbing products were made in China and sold at retail stores nationwide this February and March.
WHY: The carabiner gate may open under a heavy load, posing a risk of serious injury or death if the climber falls.
INCIDENTS: None reported.
HOW MANY: About 15,000.
FOR MORE: Call 877-421-2267 or visit www.camp-usa.com .