Hallmark's over-heated snowman and other holiday recalls

When we wrote about holiday fire hazards recently this one escaped us: A snowman snow globe that causes nearby materials to burst into flame. Frosty, say it ain't so! Today Hallmark recalled 7,000 17-inch-tall snow globes after getting two reports that the decorative globes had caused items nearby to ignite. According to the recall notice, when exposed to sunlight, the snow globes can act as a magnifying glass and ignite combustibles. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall, is advising consumers to immediately remove the snow globes from exposure to sunlight. They can be returned to Hallmark for a refund.

The "Jumbo Snow Globe" is in the shape of a snowman with model number 1XAG5093 and UPC code 795902066666. The snow globe measures 11 by 12 by 17 inches. The model number and the UPC code can be found on the back of the hangtag. They were sold at Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide from October 2008 through November 2008 for about $100. For additional information, contact Hallmark at (800) 425-5627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hallmark.com.

More holiday hazards
The CPSC also made several other holiday and winter-related recalls today including:

1,500 Gardener’s Supply Co. candle-powered carousels
The candle holder on the base of the carousels is too close to the structure, allowing the candle flame to come in contact and ignite different parts of the carousel, including the fans, trees and deer, posing a fire hazard. There have been three reports of the carousels catching on fire but no injuries.

125,000 Alpine ski bindings
The heel housing of the bindings can crack, causing the binding to release unexpectedly. This can cause the skier to lose control or fall and suffer injuries. Alpine has received four reports of injuries, including a concussion and injuries to the shoulder and knee from falls. (An additional one million bindings were sold outside the U.S.)

2,800 Woodstock Percussion steel drums
Surface paint on the red and black toy drums contain excessive levels of lead.

1,300 Foursquare hooded jackets
The boys and girls jackets have drawstring-through hoods that pose a strangulation hazard to children and violate CPSC guidelines.

Comments

[Fred Mills-Winkler]

To the best of my recollection, this si the first 'snowglobe' I have ever heard of being recalled because of a 'magnifying' effect that can start a fire. Is there something unique about this particular globe that sets it apart from all other 'snowglobes' or is this now a potential hazard for all 'snowglobes'?