Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission podcast for Friday, June 29th, 2007. I’m Nikki Fleming.

CPSC is warning of deadly dangers when consumers use illegal fireworks.

Between 2000 and 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reports of 49 fireworks-related consumer deaths. More than half of these incidents involved illegal fireworks.

CPSC’s staff estimates that there were 9,200 emergency room-treated injuries associated with all fireworks in 2006. Most of these injuries, 6,400, occurred during the one month period surrounding the July 4th holiday.

For those consumers who choose to use fireworks, CPSC encourages them to do so safely and legally.

CPSC recommends following these fireworks safety tips:

Never allow young children to play with fireworks.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional shows and could pose a danger to consumers.

Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that sparklers have caused more injuries to children under age five than any other type of firework. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak with water and throw them away.

And -- keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

In recall news this week, Lasko recalled about 1.2 million ceramic heaters due to a fire hazard.

Bond Manufacturing Co. issued a recall for about 68,000 folding recliner chairs that can collapse and injure users.

And -- Target recalled about 2,300 Play Wonder Toy Barbeque Grills due to a laceration hazard.

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.

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