Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for August 18, 2006.
This week, CPSC announced a dozen product recalls, including millions of laptop computer battery packs posing a fire hazard, scooters sold at Target stores which have breaking parts causing fall hazards, and bendable cat and dog toys containing lead given away as part of reading programs by libraries.
First off this week, CPSC and Dell Inc. announced the recall of about 4.1 million Dell-branded lithium-ion batteries made with cells manufactured by Sony. About 2.7 million of these battery packs were sold in the United States and an additional 1.4 million battery packs sold worldwide.
These lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Dell received six reports of batteries overheating, resulting in property damage to furniture and personal effects. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled batteries were sold with or sold separately to be used with Dell notebook computers from April 2004 through July 2006. For a list of the notebook computers that used the recalled batteries, go to the firm’s Web site at www.dellbatteryprogram.com
Consumers should stop using these recalled batteries immediately and contact Dell to receive a replacement battery. Consumers can continue to use the notebook computers safely by turning the system off, ejecting the battery, and using the AC adapter and power cord to power the system until the replacement battery is received.
For more information, contact Dell toll-free at (866) 342-0011.
Also this week, Target announced the Recall of 185,000 Scooters because the handlebars and wheels can break or detach, and the brakes can fail, causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer injuries.
Target has received five reports of incidents and injuries, including a fractured arm, cracked teeth; and bruises to the head, face and arm.
The recall involves F Forward Firestreet scooters. The red or blue aluminum scooters have a fold-down frame and model number BZ 020 SP. The “F Forward” logo is on the stem, wheel or base deck of the scooter.
They were sold at Target stores nationwide from February 2004 through July 2006 for about $24.
Consumers should take these scooters away from children immediately and return the scooter to the nearest Target store for a gift card. For more information, consumers can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 or log on to the firm’s Web site at www.target.com
Finally this week, Fun Express Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 340,000 Bendable Dog and Cat Toys. This toy was a free giveaway by libraries nationwide as part of reading programs from January 2006 through August 2006.
The paint on the bendable toys contains excessive levels of lead, which is banned under federal law. Lead is toxic and if ingested by young children can cause adverse health effects.
No incidents or injuries have been reported.
The recalled toys are made of bendable plastic, and they are about 3 and 3/4 inches tall.
Take these recalled toys away from children and throw the toys away.
For more information, contact Fun Express Inc. at (800) 723-6155 anytime.
Check out these and other recalls announced this week at our Web site on CPSC.Gov. Our Web site is an excellent resource to help keep you and your family safe. Surf through our free publications on a wide variety of subjects, including, Poison Preventions, Sports and Recreation Safety, and ATVs. Also, We want to hear from you. Write to us at Podcast@cpsc.gov to give us your feedback on CPSC’s weekly podcast. And join us each week to get more updates on consumer product safety news. Until next time, stay safe.
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