Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for September 29, 2006.

This week’s podcast includes more news about notebook computer batteries, an alert to parents about in-home drowning dangers, and a new company joins CPSC’s retailer reporting program to provide early warning of product hazards.

First off this week, in cooperation with CPSC, Lenovo and IBM are voluntarily recalling about 168,500 rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers. An additional 357,500 battery packs were sold worldwide. The batteries were manufactured by Sony Energy Devices Corp.

These lithium-ion batteries can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Lenovo has received one confirmed report of a battery overheating and causing a fire that damaged the notebook computer. The incident, which occurred within an airport terminal as the user was boarding an airplane, caused enough smoking and sparking that a fire extinguisher was used to put it out. There was minor property damage and no injuries were reported.

The recalled lithium-ion batteries were sold with or sold separately to be used with various ThinkPad notebook computers.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Lenovo to receive a free replacement battery. Until they receive their replacement battery, consumers can continue to use their computer by turning off the system, removing the battery, and using the AC adapter and power cord.

To determine if your battery is included in this recall, call Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 or log on to www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram.

CPSC is aware of at least 47 incidents involving smoke or fire associated with all notebook computers, from January 2001 through August 2006. To promote safe use of notebook computers, batteries and chargers, CPSC offers the following tips:

Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers.

Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap.

Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.

Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery.

Avoid dropping or bumping the computer.

And, do not place the computer in areas that may get very hot.

Also this week, CPSC warned about in-home drowning dangers to young children. Even though pool season is over throughout much of the country, parents and caregivers need to be on guard year round to drowning dangers. An average of about 280 children younger than 5 years old drown in swimming pools each year, but about 150 additional children also drown at home in bathtubs, hot tubs, buckets, toilets, landscape ponds and other products that contain water.

After pools, more children drown in bathtubs than in any other product in and around the home. In a recent year, CPSC has reports of 69 children younger than 5 who drowned in bathtubs. More than 80 percent were younger than 2 years old. Most bathtub drowning cases involved a child left unattended in the tub.

Follow these tips to prevent Drowning in and around the home:

Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub. Never leave to answer the phone, answer the door, get a towel or for any other reason. If you must leave, take the child with you.

Consider keeping children out of bathrooms by using bathroom door latches that are out of reach of young children.

Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Buckets left outside can collect rainwater and are a hazard.

To prevent children from gaining access to spas or hot tubs when not in use, always secure safety covers and barriers.

Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.

Finally, CPSC announced this week that Sears Holdings Corp. is now taking part in a specialized reporting program with CPSC developed for retailers. Sears Holdings is the nation’s third largest broadline retailer and operates Sears and Kmart stores. Under this reporting model, retailers agree to provide CPSC with regular weekly reports of safety-related information. The retailer analyzes and identifies incidents that involve serious injuries or hazards. Sears Holdings joins Wal-Mart as a participant in the voluntary reporting program.

For more on all these items and other recall and safety news announced this week, visit our Web site at www.CPSC.Gov. And, until next time, stay safe.

End.