Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for October 6th, 2006.

First off this week… October is Window Covering Safety Month and CPSC, the Window Covering Safety Council and independent retailers have joined forces to urge consumers to repair or replace older window coverings.

From 1991 through 2004, CPSC has received reports of about 200 strangulation deaths involving cords and chains on window coverings. Strangulations can occur when young children become entangled in the inner or outer cord on the window covering.

To help prevent strangulation from window coverings:
Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords.
And Keep all window cords out of the reach of children.

Newer window coverings and repaired, older window coverings reduce the risk of strangulation, but they have not fully eliminated the hazard. Long, dangling window cords and chains still pose a strangulation hazard, because young children can wrap the cord around their neck.

Consumers possessing window coverings purchased before 2001 can obtain a free repair kit from the Window Covering Safety Council’s Web site at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 504-4636.

Also this week, MTD Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 130,000 Snow Throwers. If the snow thrower’s tires are over-inflated, the plastic wheel rims can burst, posing a risk of lacerations and fractures.

MTD has received reports of 16 injuries, including fractured fingers, a broken toe, and facial lacerations.

These are Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines and Craftsman brand snow throwers. Consumers can contact MTD for a free service kit.

For more information, contact MTD toll-free at (888) 848-6038.

And finally this week, Agio International is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 Outdoor Gas Fire Pits.

If the regulator hose for the propane cylinder contacts the burner during use, the hose can rupture, presenting a risk of a fire outside of the unit.

Agio has received eight reports of hoses rupturing, including three reports of fire. No injuries have been reported.

The fire pit is an outdoor gas fire pit with a surrounding housing that serves as a table. The fire pits were sold in various shapes and sizes and have model number 98500 or 98500A.

Stop using these fire pits immediately, and contact Agio to receive a free repair.

For more information, contact Agio-USA, the recall coordinator, at (800) 598-6532.

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.