One mother, Amy Muir, told KNBC of the postage-stamped rash, saying, "The pajamas were stuck to the skin and back of his neck. I started to pull and the skin came off with his pajamas."

Carter's has not recalled the product, saying the rashes are just rare allergic reactions, and that it received fewer than four reported rashes for every 1 million sold.

Parents are advised to stop using the Carter's clothes if rashes develop, and you can send them back to the manufacturer for a full refund by contacting 1-888-282-4674 or contactus@carters.com.

Carter’s Tag-less Infant Clothing Safety Advisory [KNBC]
CPSC and Carter’s Advise Parents of Rashes Associated with Heat Transferred, or “Tag-less,” Labels [CPSC]
A Message From Carter's [Carter's]

PREVIOUSLY: Carter's Tagless Baby Clothes Causing Rashes?

Sony Recalls Notebook Computers Due to Burn Hazard [CPSC]

The Chicago Tribune, heady with the power of Illinois' badass toy laws, stormed into some stores and bought two of the deadly bassinets.

In fact, a Tribune reporter on Thursday bought two bassinets at Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory on the West Side. Before the reporter left the store, an employee checked the model numbers to see whether those versions contained the deadly flaw. She told the reporter they did not.

But she was wrong. Both had the dangerous design.

Whoops. The Trib says that although the company that bought Simplicity (after it went bankrupt due to a previous crib recall) is denying responsibility for the bassinets, they say their bassinet had a shipping label with the new company's name on it.

SFCA countered by saying Simplicity products are not its responsibility. "The products in question were manufactured and distributed by Simplicity Inc., a company that is no longer in business," SFCA said in a written statement. "SFCA purchased Simplicity's assets at auction after Simplicity Inc. went out of business and has no legal liability for any products distributed previously by Simplicity."

But one of the deadly bassinets the Tribune purchased Thursday carried a shipping label with the name "SFCA Inc." This seemed to contradict the written statement SFCA issued Thursday: "The CPSC product alert does not involve any product manufactured and distributed by SFCA Inc."

Asked to explain this discrepancy, SFCA spokesman Paul Nathanson would not comment directly. Instead, he wrote in an e-mail: "As far as I know none of these model numbers were manufactured and distributed by SFCA."

To read a full list of the model numbers affected by this recall and to see a list of retailers who are cooperating with the CPSC, click here.

We wondered why the CPSC is still unable to issue involuntary recalls, but were unable to find a straight answer anywhere. Consumer Reports says that the CPSC told them that they were using some of their special new powers to deal with the situtaion — namely the ability to skip a 30 day waiting period before issuing a consumer warning about a dangerous product.

"The CPSC is continuing to seek all options with SFCA to ensure there is recourse for the consumer," said agency spokeswoman Julie Vallese. "However, this is a very complicated case and there is a question whether SFCA has legal liabilities for products manufactured by Simplicity."

Consumer Reports suggests that when you try to return the product, that you print out the CPSC's warning and bring it with you to the store. We think that's a good idea.

900,000 bassinets targeted [Chicago Tribune]
Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard [CPSC]
Two deaths trigger safety alert for Simplicity bassinet [Consumer Reports]

"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned that on August 21, 2008, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

CPSC is issuing this safety alert because SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April 2008, has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc.

The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate.

Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models [CPSC]

If the bill is signed, some voluntary safety standards will become mandatory, and companies who fail to report hazards or violate the new laws will face steep penalties of up to $15 million.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, currently toothless and underfunded, will see its budget double and its authority increase.

We're happy to report that the bill enjoyed bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly in both the House (424-1) and the Senate (89 to 3.)

Senate Sends Sweeping Product-Safety Bill On to Bush [Washington Post]
(Photo: Lee Jordan )

Accept it, folks. The tomatoes are going to systematically destroy us. There are 82,000 of these things out there, waiting to attack at any moment.

QVC Recalls Version Of Topsy-Turvy Tomato Planters [KDKA] (Thanks, keith!)

"There's no reason this should have happened to my daughter," said Alison Pregliasco, Lexi's mother. "She was holding onto the rail...I heard her screaming and tried to pull her foot out and it wouldn't come out and the escalator just kept going down. And, I just started screaming at the top of my lungs, 'Somebody stop this thing, somebody stop this thing. We have to make it stop.'"

Pregliasco said it took 15 minutes to get her daughter's right foot out of the escalator. EMTs took the child to the hospital, where doctors put pins in her foot and performed surgery to clean bones and remove contaminated skin.

"Three broken toes, two pretty severely broken, the other is just a hairline fracture," said Pregliasco. "The toe was severed down to the bone and they called it a 'dirty wound' because they had escalator grease in there."

Crocs is currently being sued over a similar incident. The company responded to that lawsuit by saying that they "take escalator safety seriously."

The CPSC recently issued a warning about "some shoes" causing more risk of entrapment on escalators than others, but were careful not to specify which brand of shoes they were talking about.

CPSC is aware of 77 entrapment incidents since January 2006, with about half resulting in injury. All but two of the incidents involved popular soft-sided flexible clogs and slides.

Girl, 3, Injured On Airport Escalator [WSBTV](Thanks, Ryan!)

Consumers should take these toy phones away from young children immediately and contact the firm for instructions on obtaining a free replacement.

For more information call Kids Station toll-free at (888) 620-0930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kidsstationtoys.com

Kids Station Toys Recalls Little Tikes Toy Cell Phones Due to Choking Hazard [CPSC]

From the Wall Street Journal:

These pools, unlike in-ground models — which usually require a construction permit — are less likely to be subject to local safety codes that call for measures such as fencing, covers or alarms, advocates say. Inflatable pools can be quite large, accommodating several adults and, in many cases, accessible by a ladder.

Donald Mays, senior director of product safety and technical public policy at Consumers Union, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, urges consumers not to buy such inflatable pools. He says that the sides are often pliable, making it easy for a child to topple in.

Mr. Mays also says that such pools' covers are usually designed to keep out debris but cannot withstand the weight of a person. He mentioned an incident in which kids playing on a cover of one of these pools got entangled and drowned.

"The fact is that when people buy these very inexpensive pools at drugstores or the supermarket, towns are not aware they are being installed ... and safety measures don't get put in," Mr. Mays says.

Here's some more pool safety information from Consumer Reports. A particularly useful tip:

Since every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool first. Precious time is often wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool.

Child Drownings Rise, Spark Safety Concerns [WSJ]

Rise in child drownings prompts new warnings on pool safety [Consumer Reports]

Significant differences remain between the Senate and House legislation, but compromise seems assured on several key points:

• Funding for the Commission would rise from $63 million to over $100 million.
• The CPSC would be allowed to work without a quorum, but funding would be available for a full slate of 5 Commissioners.
• Lead would effectively be banned from all children's products, not just toys.
• Toy makers would be required to use independent labs to test their products for lead.
• Maximum fines would rise from $1.8 million to at least $10 million.
• 
  

Thirteen Senators think the bills goes too far and that their families are plenty safe without an expanded CPSC, thank you:

Allard (R-CO)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)

The White House has yet to threaten a veto. Stay tuned for updates as the bill heads to conference.

Senate Votes For Safer Products [Washington Post]
Vote Summary [United States Senate]
S. 2663 - A bill to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide greater protection for children's products, to improve the screening of noncompliant consumer products, to improve the effectiveness of consumer product recall programs, and for other purposes. [THOMAS]
Write Your Representative
PREVIOUSLY: How To Write To Congress

In retirement, Mr. Bennett has also scored some victories, including a recent recall of overheating candles and the relabeling of a rust remover. "We really appreciate what he's doing," says John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager for Underwriters Laboratories, the respected product-safety testing and certification organization. "In a sense he's a kind of hero."

"Marty's a type of guy who finds more enjoyment going into a store and finding violative labels on consumer products than he would playing a round of golf on a sunny course somewhere in Florida," says Steven Garitta, another former CPSC compliance officer, who prefers a restful retirement.

Asked how he felt about being chased from the building, Mr. Bennett says, "It's part of the job." Then he corrected himself. "I mean my old job."

"Safety Inspector Just Can't Stop Poking Around" [WSJ] (Currently accessible w/o registration through Google News)

• The CPSC would create a consumer complaint database that lists death, injury and illness reports, a provision absent from the House bill.
• State attorneys general would be allowed to seek injunctions for violations of federal law, but would not receive broad enforcement powers.
• Whistleblower protection would be extended to private-sector employees, and whistleblowers would be allowed to sue for damages up to $250,000.
• Maximum fines would rise from $1.8 million to $20 million—far less than the $100 million approved by the House.

Congress should arm state attorneys general with broad enforcement powers and authorize staggering fines that can threaten the reputation and wallet of any company. Still, the current compromise would give consumers more than the pitiful excuse for protection that we currently endure. Even if the bill passes in its current form, consumers need and deserve Commissioners who are willing to wield the tools Congress provides.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) did not protect consumers from the hazardous stoves because existing agency regulations require a prolonged dialogue with manufacturers of hazardous products, the consumer groups said.

"Currently, CPSC must give companies 30 days notice, allowing them time to file suit to stop the CPSC from alerting the public about hazardous products. Essentially, it has to get the manufacturers' permission, which is absurd," Claybrook said.

Lawmakers need to end such loopholes and give the CPSC more authority in a consumer product safety reform bill now moving through Congress, she said.

Retailers: Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hazard: A metal bracket connecting the door to the stove can cause a tip-over when the door is opened. This poses a risk of injury to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Sears has received one report of the product tipping over, resulting in bruises to a child.

First, the CPSC must be allowed to work with its current slate of Commissioners. Businesses will continue to laugh at our dawdling Commission until it regains its limited powers to oversee the marketplace. Congress could allow the CPSC to act without a proper quorum as part of a reauthorization bill.

Second, Congress needs to reauthorize the Commission. S. 2045, the CPSC Reform Act, is currently stalled in the Senate, but if passed, it would:

• Fund a full slate of 5 Commissioners;
• Boost the CPSC budget from $62 million to $147 million by 2015;
• Add 80 new staffers;
• Repair the CPSC's decrepit inspection facilities;
• Increase civil penalties from $8,000 per violation to $250,000;
• Increase the maximum penalty for a series of violations from $1.8 million to a staggering $100 million;

We have an idea for breaking the logjam. How about if the administration names — oh, let's see — an advocate for consumer product safety to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

White House Vetting Product-Safety Candidates [Washington Post via U.S. PIRG Consumer Blog]

...much of Nord's speech before the National Press Club in Washington was spent discussing 2007, often dubbed "the year of the recall." Nord faulted the press for its "near-hysteria levels" of coverage. And politicians—who have been working on legislation to give the agency more funds and powers—did not escape her criticism either.

We don't agree with that characterization of hysteria or several other of Nord's statements. Here are a few of the key points she made in her speech and in the question and answer period that followed—and our concerns about them:

"The fact is, consumer products are safer today than they have ever been," Nord said in her prepared remarks. And toys, she later added "are safer than they have ever been."

More than 25 million toys were recalled in 2007 because of safety problems. Need we say more? That large number of recalls in a single year certainly suggests there are a lot of unsafe toys on the market and in our homes.

Nancy Nord, the CPSC's acting chairman, looks forward—€”and back [Consumer Reports]
(Photo:)

Bob, our small parts guy, came to the CPSC after he was fired from a chain saw manufacturing company for reporting a safety defect. He became the nation's full time toy tester shortly after writing the regulations that prevent accidental chain saw decapitations.

"I can't have knowledge something is unsafe and not say anything," he said.

What he liked most about working in government was that he could speak his mind.

"When I saw something I didn't like, I could say something," he said. "I could do that without fear of getting my head chopped off."

He also liked being in the business of helping to save lives. He's worked on voluntary standards and regulations that have helped prevent children from getting killed or hurt using baby walkers, cribs and trampolines. He spent his last few weeks at the CPSC investigating the death of an infant in a crib. Almost all the deaths he has investigated over the years stay with him. He can recall in vivid detail autopsy photos he saw 20 years ago.

Preventing deaths and injuries is what kept him and his colleagues going through years of budget cuts.

"We didn't say, 'We don't have any money. We don't give a damn.' We said, 'We don't have any money, how do we do it anyway?' " he said.

Nancy Nord has announced that Bob's responsibilities will be assumed by other Commission staffers, but we think the world's wealthiest nation can afford at least one full-time toy tester. We here at The Consumerist know that Nancy considers the safety of America's children to be her foremost concern, which is why we heartily nominate our own Senior Editor, Meghann Marco (pictured right, inspecting toys,) to fill Bob's lead-detecting shoes. She always takes gravity seriously, even before a toy is dropped. Her sharp eye is eager to protect us from the most dangerous playthings American toy designers can order from China. Watch for her application, Chairwoman Nord.

Goodbye to Bob [Washington Post]
(Photo: Annys Shin/Washington Post)

Previously, CPSC action has focused on manufacturers. Interesting. The cynic in me says this is a sure sign of how well manufacturers have the CPSC in the pocket. You know they're just itching to not be on the hook. Wouldn't it be more cost effective to focus on the source of the goods, rather than after the fact? On the other hand, everyone in the supply chain should bear some responsibility for the safety of the goods they sell. Perhaps if manufacturers know they can't make a defective product and have it be sold anyway, they will be more careful about what they make in the first place?

In addition, Nord announced the CPSC would use new funds to post full-time inspectors at high-traffic ports, took time to defend trips she took that had come under political fire and scrutiny, to decry presidential candidates using the CPSC issue as a political tool, to describe the media frenzy around 2007 product safety as having approached "hysteria", and settled once and for all that she definitely, definitely, did not break Mom's favorite lamp back at the old Cedar Brook house.

Safety Push Focuses on Retailers [WSJ]
(Photo: AP)

For starters, consumer rights attorney and friend of the blog Sam Glover looked to see which candidates supported bills on our list of noteworthy legislation from the 110th Congress.

Dennis Kucinich co-sponsored the Arbitration Fairness Act and the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. John McCain co-sponsored the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Barack Obama co-sponsored the Industrial Bank Holding Company Act (whatever that is). And Hillary Clinton co-sponsored the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act. If co-sponsoring is an expression of a legislator's interest in and desire to be identified with a particular piece of legislation, then this is a pretty disinterested showing, although Kucinich does seem to have a passing interest.

Only the College Cost Reduction and Access Act actually got a roll-call vote in both chambers, and the candidates apparently voted the party line, assuming Democrats favored the act and the Republicans opposed it.

Since not all Presidential candidates are sitting legislators, we decided to look at their websites to see who cares about toy safety, one of the more press-worthy consumer issues of 2007.

Candidate's websites are a good barometer of interest. Unlike debates or impromptu Q&A sessions, candidates have exclusive control over the issues discussed on their sites. Staffers don't add material without approval, and the positions presented are the idealized version of what the candidate would enact into policy, if elected.

Our methodology was simple. We attacked each website with our google ninja skills. Here is what we uncovered.

Democrats

Barack Obama: Obama went so far as to call for a complete ban on lead-ridden toys from China, though his aides quickly corrected his statement, but not before Beijing could lambast his plan as "unobjective, unreasonable and unfair."

In 2005, Obama introduced the Lead-Free Toys Act, which would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban children's products containing more than a trace amount of lead. Following news reports that millions of Chinese-made toys were being recalled because of lead paint, he has also directly pressured toy manufacturers and Bush administration officials to do a better job protecting American children from the threat of imported toys, especially those manufactured in China.

As President, Obama will enact a plan to protect Americans from unsafe products. In addition to banning lead-tainted toys and increasing fines for companies that fail to disclose known safety hazards with their products, Obama will:

• Double the funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and make sure it has the inspectors it needs to ensure that the goods we're buying are safe.
• Expand the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulatory powers, and help the agency respond quickly and efficiently when it's alerted to a problem.
• Increase fines for companies that fail to disclose known safety hazards with the products they're making.
• Appoint a chairman with a proven record of standing up for consumer safety.

"In America in 2007, the products Americans buy should be safe and secure. As President, I would:

• Immediately require independent third-party testing for at-risk imported toys to ensure they are safe before they can be put on our shelves and sold.
• Dramatically increase the number of product inspectors and deploy them as part of a strategy to meet the threat posed by imported toys.
• Establish a complete ban on lead in children's products.
• Increase and enforce both civil and criminal penalties for violators.
• Require selected companies to pay a bond pending completion of third party testing to protect consumers and taxpayers from fly-by-night foreign importers.
• Improve our system of toy recalls so that parents get swift notification and companies face swift sanctions if they don't remove recalled products from their shelves."

Ban Lead in Children's Products: The ingestion of any amount of lead is harmful. As president, Edwards will ask the CPSC to prohibit lead at any level above the most minute trace amounts in children's products including toys and jewelry. [CU, 2007; Best, 2007; Best, 2004]

Require Independent Testing: Edwards will require manufacturers and private-label resellers to certify that the children's products they sell have been tested to meet U.S. safety standards. Testing must be conducted by an independent third-party organization accredited by CPSC, and products that have not have been certified should be banned.

Stop Risky Products at the Border: Until effective independent testing of all toys is in place, Edwards will give the Customs Service and the CPSC the authority to detain shipments of toys containing paint or magnets without independent safety certification - just like the Food and Drug Administration temporarily detained Chinese seafood - and hold them until testing of a random sample demonstrates that they are safe.

Provide the CPSC with the Power and Resources it Needs: To deter even large companies from marketing dangerous products, Edwards will increase the maximum civil fine to $100 million. He will give CPSC authority to act far more quickly, rather than giving manufacturers 30 days notice while children's safety is at stake. Finally, he will double resources for the CPSC.

No.

Republicans

Things became more difficult here. We don't want to say Republicans don't care about toy safety, but if their websites are any indication, the Republican Presidential candidates don't think the federal government has any responsibility for toy safety. Of the six potentially viable Republicans candidates, we found only one passing mention addressing toy safety.

Mike Huckabee: During an in-depth three paragraph look at our relationship with China, Governor Huckabee acknowledged that our children's toys are "not safe."

Looking forward we've got to do a better job to balance our trade relationships, especially with China. We have not challenged them enough on intellectual property rights Nor have we challenged them enough on the regulatory front. That's why we see products coming into this country, particularly food, whether it's ours or our pets that is not safe. Even our children's toys have recently been recalled because they're not safe. The result is what I think ought to be considered an alarm sounding off that something isn't quite right in what now is becoming a very unbalanced relationship, specifically with the Chinese.

We can infer Ron Paul's position because he is one of the few candidates with a clearly defined political ideology. A quick glance at Article 1 Section 8 doesn't seem to mention toys, lead, or the CPSC. Paul would likely scrap the Consumer Product Safety Commission and let the market fix the industry's defective toy addiction.

Senator John McCain's failure to mention toy safety is especially egregious. The Senator chaired the powerful Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee that handles most consumer issues for six years, but apparently doesn't think consumer protection should be part of his Presidential campaign.

The Bush Administration has trashed the CPSC. Congress put the ailing agency on life support with plans to infuse staffers and funds, but it will take a renewed commitment from the next Administration to empower the agency to keep Americans safe. Toy safety is just one of many consumer issues the next President will face. Candidates who are not willing to mention toy safety during the campaign are sending a clear signal that neither the CPSC nor consumer protections will matter much in their Administrations.

Presidential candidates' votes on 2007 consumer legislation [Consumer Law & Policy Blog]
(Photo: Getty)

In 2007, 17,181,210 items were recalled for lead contamination alone.

Here's a full list of all the lead related recalls for 2007. Be sure none of this junk is in your home. You have a few spare hours to go through all of this, right?

Enjoy.

AAFES Recalls "Soldier Bear" Toys (December 19, 2007)

Discount School Supply Measuring Chart (December 19, 2007)

Children's Toys Recalled by Dollar Tree Stores  (December 13, 2007)

Codee International Corp. Children's Jewelry (December 13, 2007)

Fishing Games Sold at Grocery Stores (December 12, 2007)

United Scientific Horseshoe Magnets  (December 12, 2007)

Children's Sunglasses by FGX International (December 7, 2007)

The Home Depot Holiday Figurines (December 6, 2007)

RC2 Potty Training Seats (December 6, 2007)

Bell Racing Collectible Mini Racing Helmets (December 5, 2007)

American Greetings Corp.Confetti Bursts (November 29, 2007)

Reeves International Inc. Holiday Ornaments (November 28, 2007)

Slipcovers Used With Boppy Pillows (November 21, 2007)

Children's Pencil Pouches by Raymond Geddes & Co.(November 21, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry by Buy-Rite (November 21, 2007)

Cherrydale Fundraising  Bracelets  (November 21, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry by Colossal Jewelry & Accessories (November 21, 2007)

La Femme NY Inc. Children's Necklace and Earring Sets (November 21, 2007)

Pure Allure Metal Jewelry Sold at Michaels Stores to Children (November 21, 2007)

Discount School Supply Paint Brushes (November 21, 2007)

Metal Jewelry Sold by Family Dollar Stores (November 21, 2007)

Hobby Lobby Stores Halloween-Themed Baskets (November 16, 2007)

Children's Sunglasses by Dollar General (November 8, 2007)

Curious George Plush Dolls By Marvel Toys (November 8, 2007)

Schylling Associates Collectable Toy Robot (November 7, 2007)

Schylling Associates Dizzy Ducks Music Box (November 7, 2007)

Spinning Top by Schylling Associates (November 7, 2007)

Schylling Associates Duck Family Collectable Toy (November 7, 2007)

Toy Cars by Dollar General  (November 7, 2007)

International Sourcing Ltd. Toy Dragster and Funny Car  (November 7, 2007)

Northern Tool & Equipment "Big Red" Wagons  (November 7, 2007)

Toy Figures  by Henry Gordy International (October 31, 2007)

Halloween "Ugly Teeth"  By Amscan Inc.  (October 31, 2007)

Pearl-like Bead Attachment Sold with Girl's Gift Sets; Sold exclusively at Limited Too Stores (November 1, 2007)

Toys "R" Us  Elite Operations Toys (October 31, 2007)

SimplyFun  Ribbit Board Games  (October 31, 2007)

Family Dollar Stores  Halloween Pails  (October 25, 2007)

DecoPac Inc. Football Bobble Head Cake Decorations  (October 25, 2007)

Jo-Ann Stores Children's Toy Garden Tools (October 25, 2007)

Fisher Price Go Diego Go Boat Toys  (October 25, 2007)

Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Children's Jewelry (October 25, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry By WeGlow International (October 25, 2007)

Albert's Halloween Skull Pails (October 17, 2007)

Antioch Publishing Bookmarks  (October 17, 2007)

Guidecraft Inc. Children's Puppet Theaters (October 17, 2007)

J.C. Penney Breyer Stirrup Ornaments (October 11, 2007)

Flaghouse Inc. Kidnastics Balance Beams (October 11, 2007)

J.C. Penney Deluxe Art Sets (October 11, 2007)

J.C. Penney  Disney™ Winnie-the-Pooh Play Sets (October 11, 2007)

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®  Travel Art Sets  (October 11, 2007)

Bendable Dinosaur Toys by Kipp Brothers (October 11, 2007)

Riddell Collectible Mini Racing Helmets (October 11, 2007)

Kahoot Products Inc.  Cub Scouts Totem Badges  (October 9, 2007)

Sports Authority Aluminum Water Bottles (October 4, 2007)

Antioch Publishing Bookmarks and Journals (October 4, 2007)

Key Chains by Dollar General  (October 4, 2007)

CKI Children's Decorating Sets; Sold Exclusively at Toys "R" Us (October 4, 2007)

Dollar General Tumblers (October 4, 2007)

Eveready Battery Co. Toy Flashlights (October 4, 2007)

Baby Einstein Color Blocks  (October 4, 2007)

KB Toys Wooden Toys (October 4, 2007)

TOBY N.Y.C. Children's Metal Jewelry (September 26, 2007)

Children's Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces By Rhode Island Novelty (September 26, 2007)

Guidecraft Inc. Children�s Puppet Theaters (September 26, 2007)

Children's Toy Rakes Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores  (September 26, 2007)

RC2 Knights of the Sword Toys (September 26, 2007)

Target Children's Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs (September 26, 2007)

RC2 Corp. Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys (September 26, 2007)

Fisher-Price Bongo Band Toys (September 4, 2007)

Fisher-Price Geo Trax Locomotive Toys (September 4, 2007)

Mattel Various Barbie® Accessory Toys (September 4, 2007)

Toys "R" Us Wooden Coloring Cases (August 30, 2007)

Children's Watering Cans Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores (August 28, 2007)

Martin Designs Inc. SpongeBob SquarePants™ Character Address Books and Journals (August 22, 2007)

Thomas and Friends, Curious George and Other Spinning Tops and Tin Pails By Schylling Associates (August 22, 2007)

Children's Charm Bracelets Sold by Buy-Rite  (August 22, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry by TOBY N.Y.C. (August 22, 2007)

Hampton Direct Magnetic Toy Train Sets (August 21, 2007)

Mattel  "Sarge" Die Cast Toy Cars  (August 14, 2007)

Fisher-Price  Licensed Character Toys  (August 2, 2007)

Children's Earrings Sold at Wal-Mart Stores in Florida  (July 17, 2007)

AAFES "Soldier Bear" Toy Sets  (July 18, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry by Future Industries  (July 5, 2007)

Children's Necklaces by GeoCentral  (June 19, 2007)

RC2 Corp. homas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys  (June 13, 2007)

Silver Stud Earrings Sold Exclusively at Kmart by Crimzon Rose Accessories  (June 12, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry Sold at Limited Too and Justice Stores by Tween Brands  (May 31, 2007)

Toy Drums by The Boyds Collection Ltd.  (May 30, 2007)

AAFES "Soldier Bear" Toy Sets  (May 23, 2007)

Troy-Bilt Children's Gardening Gloves (May 16, 2007)

Children's Rings By Cardinal Distributing (May 15, 2007)

Children's Metal Jewelry By Spandrel Sales and Marketing  (May 15, 2007)

Cardinal Distributing Children's Rings (May 2, 2007)

Target Anima Bamboo Collection Games  (May 2, 2007)

Oriental Trading Company Inc.Children's Necklaces (May 2, 2007)

900,000 Children's Necklaces and Charm Bracelets by Cardinal Distributing Co.(April 17, 2007)

Various Metal Key Chains by Dollar General  (April 3, 2007)

A&A Global Industries Children's Bracelets (April 3, 2007)

Regent Products Corp.Stuffed Ball Toys  (March 28, 2007)

Children's Mood Necklaces by Rhode Island Novelty (March 15, 2007)

Children's Necklaces Sold Exclusively at Claire's Stores (March 15, 2007)

Toys "R" Us "Elite Operations" Toy Sets (March 13, 2007)

Children's Necklaces Sold Exclusively at Accessories Palace (March 13, 2007)

Discount School Supply Children's Two-Sided Easels (March 7, 2007)

Children's Rings Sold at Big Lots! Stores (February 23, 2007)

Children's Jewelry Sold Exclusively at Kmart (February 23, 2007)

Samara Brothers Boys' Jackets (February 13, 2007)

Children's Bracelets by DM Merchandising  (February 7, 2007)

Children's Rings by Shalom International (February 7, 2007)

U.S. Toy Co.Children's Butterfly Necklaces (January 18, 2007)

Samara Brothers Children's Two-Piece Overall Sets (January 5, 2007)

Consumer Product Safety Commission

"Under the Consumer Product Safety Act," writes the CPSC, "Manufacturers, distributors and retailers are required to immediately report to CPSC information about products that could create a substantial risk of injury to the public or that create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death."

"Shopping Channel HSN Agrees to Pay $875,000 Civil Penalty" [CPSC]

I want to thank the U.S. House of Representatives for passing landmark legislation today that finally gives the CPSC the additional tools and resources to address the growing issue of imports and other important product safety issues.

Back in July, I submitted to Congress a list of 41 specific legislative recommendations to give the agency added enforcement powers and tools, like the ability to require that all products covered by a mandatory safety standard be tested and certified to that standard. I have also repeatedly requested adequate resources and personnel to be able to effectively use these new tools. Today's House action and the recent passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Act are significant steps toward giving the agency both the tools and resources we need to better protect American consumers.

I want to congratulate the members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, particularly Chairmen John Dingell and Bobby Rush and Ranking Members Joe Barton and Cliff Stearns, for their leadership and hard work and that of their staffs on this, the most significant product safety legislation since the creation of the agency. Theirs was a truly bipartisan and comprehensive effort to craft and pass sound legislation and for that I am truly grateful. This bill vests the agency with significant new missions and mandates. I am committed to fully utilizing all the provisions of the bill for the benefit of the American people.

I urge the Senate to follow the House's lead in passing bipartisan and sensible product safety legislation. The Senate and Congress should not go home this year without sending a bill to the President and I continue to stand ready to assist in that effort.

"US Consumer Product Safety Commission Acting Chairman Nancy Nord Applauds House Vote on Landmark Consumer Product Safety Legislation" [CPSC.gov]
(Thanks to burgundyyears for also seeing this, although burgundyyears seems pretty angry at us for making a Wild at Heart joke at Nord's expense.)
(Photo: CPSC)

Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan sent a second letter Friday to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urging a law banning magnets in children's toys.

The letters follow the Tribune series "Hidden Hazards," which revealed how the understaffed and sluggish commission fails to protect children from dangers in toys and other products.

Earlier this year, the Tribune reported the agency's botched recall of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets and the death of a child who swallowed magnets that fell out of the toys. This week, the Tribune reported on the dangers posed by loose magnets in children's jewelry.

Millions of toys have been recalled this year due to design flaws in which toys can break and release dangerous magnets.

Attorney general again urges ban on toy magnets [Chicago Tribune]

The House bill would:

• Increase the CPSC's budget by 30%, its largest increase in 30 years;
• Require manufacturers to place tracking labels on products to improve recalls;
• Provide funds to improve the CPSC's testing facilities;
• Require testing by independent labs approved by the CPSC;
• Effectively ban lead in children's products by reducing the allowable amount to 100 ppm 4 years after the law goes into effect;
• Re-institute the CPSC's full board of 5 commissioners (down to two right now); and
• Raise fines on manufacturers from $1.25 million to $10 million.

"House unanimously endorses toy safety crackdown" [Reuters]
"House Approves Product-Safety Overhaul" [Forbes]
(Photo from "Wild at Heart")

Consumer Reports analyzed the full CPSC report:

• Non-motorized scooters: Three deaths occurred when children either hit or were hit by an automobile. The children ranged in age from six to 13 years.
• Toy nails and pegs: Three children died when they choked on or aspirated plastic nails or pegs. One 19-month-old boy died after choking on an oversized plastic nail from a toy workbench. A second boy, 2, died when he fell while running with a toy nail; the nail got wedged in the back of his throat. Another two-year-old suddenly started coughing and stopped breathing. He died at the hospital where an autopsy showed a plastic peg from a toy had become lodged in his left bronchus.
• Rubber balls: Three children died when they either aspirated or choked on small rubber balls. Two of the children who choked on small rubber balls were about one year old while the third child was an autistic eight-year-old who aspirated a rubber ball.
• Powered riding toys: There were three fatalities. A boy, 3, was riding a battery-powered toy four-wheeler unsupervised and fell into a pond. A girl, 2, was riding her battery-powered toy truck as her family walked along on a sidewalk; a speeding car hit and killed her. A 6-year-old died when the cape of his costume became entangled in the axle of the gasoline-powered ATV he was riding and strangled him.
• Tricycles: There were two fatalities. In separate incidents, a three-year-old female and a three-year-old male fell into the family in-ground swimming pool while riding a tricycle and drowned.
• Stuffed toys: There were two deaths associated with stuffed toys . A six-month-old fell off the parents' bed into a pile of stuffed animals and suffocated A three-month-old fell off a bed into a container of stuffed toys and suffocated.
• Other balls: There were two deaths from unspecified types of balls. One struck a girl, 10, while she was playing at school; she died of inter-cerebral hemorrhage. A 17-month-old was run over when he followed the ball with which he was playing as it rolled behind a truck.
• Balloons: A nine-month-old female died of upper airway obstruction caused by an uninflated balloon.
• Rubber darts: A 10-year-old boy died from aspirating a rubber dart. He had been chewing on a toy gun dart when he had trouble breathing and collapsed. At the ER, he was found to have a rubber dart in his right lung.
• Toy organizer: A nine-month-old, found underneath a wooden toy organizer, died of neck compression.
• Unspecified: A seven-year-old boy was chewing on a plastic toy when a small part of the toy broke off and became lodged in his throat. He died of asphyxia.

The CPSC cautions that toys were associated with these incidents, but not necessarily their cause.

Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries, Calendar Year 2006 (pdf) [CPSC]
CPSC: 22 children died in toy-related deaths in 2006 [Consumer Reports]
(Photo: Getty)

The agency's 90 field investigators — who oversee 15,000 products, work from their homes and live mostly on the East Coast — are so overstretched that they frequently arrive at carnival accident scenes after rides have been dismantled.

As a result, critics say, supermarket shopping carts feature a more standardized child-restraint system than do amusement rides, which can travel as fast as 100 mph and, according to federal estimates, cause an average of four deaths and thousands of injuries every year.

On Thrill Rides, Safety Is Optional [Washington Post] (Thanks, Michael!)
(Photo:Benimoto)

Mr. Stone and his daughter Montana began their testing nine months ago after Montana heard news reports about lead in children's jewelry. She asked her father about the safety of the jewelry she had received as favors at birthday parties.

Mr. Stone, 68, used a lead testing process that he usually uses on deer carcasses to test for bullets in New York. (It is illegal in some circumstances to shoot deer with guns rather than bow and arrow.)

Mr. Stone found that more than half of his daughter's jewelry tested positive. Soon, the Stones bought 75 more pieces of jewelry in stores near their home in Albany. Of those, 56 pieces contained more than 0.06 percent lead, the federal limit, and some were half lead, Mr. Stone said, adding that he plans to continue testing children's jewelry even after the recall.

Mr. Stone works in an agency of New York state government unrelated to the attorney general, but he took his test results to Mr. Cuomo's office last February. Mr. Cuomo then started an investigation of children's jewelry sold in the state, including additional testing.

"As an individual, it's like a voice screaming in the wilderness. It's hard to be heard," said Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, a nonprofit organization in Washington. "Bureaucracies are not really set up to listen to the public."