Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission podcast for Friday, June 22nd, 2007. I’m Nikki Fleming. And I’m Arlene Flecha.

Starting on July 1st, CPSC’s new federal mattress flammability standard goes into effect. It could literally save your life.

Mattresses manufactured on or after July 1st must meet CPSC’s new flammability standard. The mandatory standard is designed to reduce the severity of mattress fires ignited by open flame sources such as candles, matches and lighters.

CPSC estimates that the new federal flammability standard will prevent as many as 270 deaths and 1,330 injuries every year.

The new federal flammability standard limits the spread and intensity of a mattress fire, giving consumers valuable time to escape their homes if there’s a fire.

When shopping for a new mattress or mattress set, consumers should look for a label on the mattress stating that it meets the federal flammability requirement, and whether it is intended to be sold alone or with a specific foundation, such as a box spring.

Although this is an added layer of protection, consumers still need to keep in mind that increased fire resistance doesn’t mean there is no fire risk. CPSC urges consumers to follow these important fire safety tips:

Never smoke in bed.

Do not allow kids to play with candles, lighters, matches or smoking materials.

Do not fall asleep while a candle is burning.

Extinguish candles before leaving the room.

Have working smoke alarms on each level of the home and inside every bedroom.

In case of fire, call 911 from a safe location.

In recall news this week,

GeoCentral recalled about 19,000 children’s butterfly necklaces due to a lead poisoning hazard. The metal clasp on the necklace contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Gateway Inc. recalled about 14,000 lithium ion battery packs used in certain notebook computers due to a fire hazard. The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, which could pose a fire hazard to consumers. This is not an internal battery cell defect.

And Pier 1 Imports expanded its recall of glassware pieces. Pier 1 recalled about 219,000 blue and green large and small tumblers, goblets and margaritas glassware. Pier 1 previously recalled about 180,000 orange and red glassware pieces in May. The glassware can crack or break unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Jakes Fireworks Inc. Recalled about 4,000 March or Die Mine/Shell Fireworks Devices Sold by World Class Distributors The tubes on these fireworks devices could become loose, making the devices unstable during use. If the device tips over during use, it could pose burn and injury hazards to bystanders.

And Far East Imports Recalled about 13,600 of the 300 Shot Saturn Missiles Battery Fireworks. These fireworks devices can travel in an unexpected and dangerous direction, which could pose eye and other injury hazards to bystanders.

For more information on these and other recalls, and safety news announced by CPSC visit our Web site at www.cpsc.gov. Until next time, stay safe.

End.