Following manufacturer, CPSC recalls grill that melted in CU tests

Four days after Onward Manufacturing of Canada announced a recall of three models of gas grills after the firebox of two samples melted in tests conducted by Consumer Reports, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission followed suit today with its own recall. In the recall notice, the CPSC said the recall involved 4,800 Signet, Sovereign and Sovereign XL series gas grills.

Consumer Reports encountered the problem in a routine test to determine how well a grill handles flare ups from fatty foods. In the tests, a Broil King Signet 90's firebox melted, dripping molten metal onto the area beneath the grill. We subsequently tested two other samples of this grill: The firebox of one melted and that of the other grill had begun to crack and deform by the end of the test. Because we believe that the Broil King Signet 90 is dangerous and poses a serious safety risk, we judged it Not Acceptable.

Our earlier report on the recall details our testing, includes a video, and outlines the steps that Onward is taking to correct the problem.

Manufacturer recalls grill found faulty in CU tests

Onward Manufacturing of Canada Wednesday recalled three models of gas grills after the firebox of two samples of the Broil King Signet 90 melted in tests conducted by Consumer Reports.  The company's recall, which is expected to be followed shortly by an announcement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, involves the Signet, Sovereign and Sovereign XL grills with model numbers starting with 986, 987 and 988. The serial numbers start with X, Y and Z.

In our routine test to determine how well a grill handles flare ups from fatty foods, a Broil King Signet 90's firebox melted, dripping molten metal onto the area beneath the grill, just missing the hand of one tester who was turning off the gas to the grill. (The space beneath the grill is where the propane tank is stored.) We subsequently tested two other samples of this grill: The firebox of one melted and that of the other grill had begun to crack and deform by the end of the test. Because we believe that the Broil King Signet 90 is dangerous and poses a serious safety risk, we have judged it Not Acceptable.

We reported our findings to the company that makes the grill, Onward Manufacturing, the CPSC and Health Canada, a government safety agency in that country.

Onward is offering owners of the affected grills a baffle. On its Web site it says: "A baffle has been designed which reduces flare-ups caused by grease and protects the cookbox from excessive heat should a grease fire occur." Owners can get the baffle by registering at the company's Web site  or by calling (866) 434-7455. A video posted with the recall notice shows owners how to install the baffle.

The model and serial numbers are located on the gas caution sticker, which is either on the bottom shelf near the wheels or on the rear cart support bar on the back of the grill.

We applaud Onward Manufacturing and the CPSC for the speed with which they responded.  Now that a retrofit kit is available, we hope to test it and report soon on how effective it is in addressing this serious safety problem.

Safety alert: Broil King Signet 90 judged 'Not Acceptable'

Most dangers with gas grills are obvious. Our own analysis of data collected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission didn’t reveal many surprises. Almost all of the estimated 11,000 grill injuries treated in hospitals each year are due to burns of the hands, arms and face. About a dozen people are killed each year. Young children are particularly at risk. The U.S Fire Administration  reports that in 2005 gas grills caused approximately 7,200 home-related fires. Grill fires go up during warm-weather months, and have also climbed with the increasing popularity of gas grills. None of this is unexpected.

What is surprising is the type of failure Consumer Reports found with a Broil King grill we tested for our June 2008 issue.  In one of our routine tests to determine how well each grill handles flare ups from fatty foods, the firebox of the Broil King Signet 90 986784LP melted. The result: molten metal dripped down from the firebox onto the area beneath the grill, just missing one tester’s hand. The space beneath the grill is where the propane tank is stored. We subsequently tested two other samples of this grill: in one the firebox again melted and in the other the firebox had begun to crack and deform by the end of the test.

Because we believe that the Broil King Signet 90 is dangerous and poses a serious safety risk, we judged it “Not Acceptable.” We reported our findings to the company that makes the grill, Onward Manufacturing of Canada, the  Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, a government safety agency in that country. Onward told us that they are developing a retrofit kit to resolve this problem and will soon make it available to owners and Onward dealers. We hope to test the kit when it becomes available. (For more information on the retrofit kit contact 866-434-7455, or send an e-mail to kit@omcbbq.com.)

We’ve been testing gas grills for more than 30 years and have never before seen this type of failure. We do not know why the grill deformed and melted. Our flare-up test for a mid-sized grill such as the Broil King Signet 90 involves putting six steaks on the grill and cooking them with the lid down. We do not believe this test to be particularly severe and it is intended to mimic how the grill is likely to be used by consumers. Our article notes that the grill carries two safety certification marks issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), indicating that it complies with applicable safety standards. But those safety standards don’t involve grilling real food. We will lobby CSA to have those standards re-examined and strengthened in the near future.

If you’ve experienced a melting firebox or any other safety hazard with your gas grill, please let us know. Also be sure to report the problem to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.—Don Mays

Don't get burned by these recalled countertop appliances

Three countertop appliances have been recalled over the past five days by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because the small appliances pose a fire hazard. The largest recall included 482,000 Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex toasters because they can remain "on" after popping up and cause nearby items to ignite. JCPenney recalled 27,000 deep fat fryers with faulty heating elements and QVC and Tristar pulled back 13,500 electric grills that can ignite if used with cooking oil or spray. At least three burns have been reported in connection with the fryer and grill. Owners of any of the recalled items are advised to stop using them and follow the remedy outlined in the CPSC's recall notices at the links below.

Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex toasters
How many: 482,000
Description: The recalled toasters are black, red, white, chrome or brushed chrome with 2-slice or 4-slice openings. Hamilton Beach or Proctor-Silex is printed on the side of the toasters. Only specific series codes of each model are included in this recall. The model number and series code are printed on the bottom of the toasters. (The non-sequential model numbers include: 22145B, 22145BC, 22450, 22559, 22625, 22627C, 22635, 22657, 22658, 22779, 22900, 22903, 22903H, 24450, 24559, 24657, 24779.)
Why: The toasters can remain “on” (energized) after popping up, and can ignite flammable items covering or in contact with the toaster.
Incidents: Hamilton Beach has received at least 63 reports of toasters that remained “on” despite being in the “up” position. There have been no reports of injuries or fires.
Sold: At department stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, home center stores, and other retail stores nationwide, and various online retailers from August 2007 through February 2008 for between $13 and $40.
What to do: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and contact Hamilton Beach for instructions on how receive a free replacement toaster at (800) 574-6800 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hamiltonbeach.com for Hamilton Beach toasters, and www.proctorsilex.com for Proctor-Silex toasters.

Cooks deep fryers (JCPenney)
How many: 27,000
Description: The Cooks deep fryer has a brushed stainless steel exterior, a wire mesh basket with a handle, a lid with a window and black handles. The deep fryer has a 1/3-gallon capacity. “Cooks” is stamped on the side and model number 22016 is printed on the bottom.
Why: The deep fryer has a faulty heating element that can cause it to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Injuries: JCPenney is aware of five incidents involving the deep fryers, including one report of a minor burn and three reports of damaged countertops.
Sold: At JCPenney’s stores nationwide, in the catalog and at www.jcp.com from August 2007 through January 2008 for about $50.
What to do: Consumers should immediately stop using the deep fryer and return it to the nearest JCPenney store for a full refund. For additional information, contact JCPenney toll-free at (888) 333-6063 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.jcp.com.

QVC and Tristar electric contact grills
How many: 13,500
Description: This recall involves a dual surface electric contact grill sold under the “Hulk Hogan’s Ultimate Grill” brand. The grills are silver/gray in color, have removable cooking plates, a cassette to catch drippings, and fold for storage or transport. Model number PZ-3012 is printed on a silver label attached to the back of the grills.
Why: Cooking oils or sprays applied to the grill’s cooking plates before preheating can cause the oil to ignite and/or flare up. Cooking sprays can ignite and/or flare up if used on the grill at any time.
Injuries: QVC and Tristar have received five reports of the grill igniting or flaring up, including two reports of minor burns.
Sold: At QVC through its television station, Web page, toll-free number, and its employee, retail and Studio stores; and through Tristar’s Web site www.hulkhogangrill.com, and a direct response television commercial from May 2007 through August 2007 for about $100.
What to do: Consumers should immediately stop using cooking oils on the grill prior to preheating. Cooking sprays should not be used on the grill at anytime. Consumers will receive a revised instruction manual with a cooking spray/oil use warning. QVC has sent warning notices to consumers to whom it sold the product directly. Tristar will do the same. For additional information, contact QVC at (800) 367-9444 between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. ET daily, or visit the company’s Web site at www.qvc.com. Consumers who purchased the grill from Tristar can call (800)718-5135 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.tristarproductsinc.com.

Time to spring ahead and into action

Here's a reminder for those of us who may not be paying close attention: daylight-saving time starts this Sunday, March 9th, at 2 a.m. Even though the old adage tells us we are springing ahead, it's still winter and therefore understandable that this one-time rite of spring may have caught many of us by surprise. While you're getting used to the new routine—this is the second year the time has shifted three weeks early—it's a good time to take stock. When you're resetting your watches and clocks (don't forget the one in your car), use this annual event as a reminder to perform some tasks that will enhance your family's safety year-round.

Clockwork
In addition to your timepieces, reset the clocks on appliances and electronics. Some newer appliances and electronics are equipped with a microchip that automatically resets clock displays at the beginning and end of DST; many of those may still need to be reset manually, due to the change in schedule (and you may need to reset them again in three weeks, when they "think" they're supposed to reset themselves). To facilitate the process, make a list of all devices that you need to reset manually: clocks, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, fax machines, cameras and thermostats. (It's especially important to reprogram your thermostat so that the heat in your home switches on and off at the right time.) Reset everything on the list in one session so that no appliance or electronic is forgotten.

Smoke and CO alarms
Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Always use fresh batteries, not those you "borrow" from other equipment. And follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure that these essential devices are working properly. Also, replace any smoke alarm that's 10 or more years old and any CO alarm five or more years old with a new model. You'll find the manufacture date on the alarm. See our report on carbon-monoxide alarms and our interactive on smoke alarms for more information.

On the road
Drive safely. Remember, an extra hour of light in the evening means dawn will break an hour later as well. So, if you have to get on the road before it gets light to take the kids to school or start your commute, be extra alert for children, animals and runners. I's also a good time to inspect vehicle lights. Take a look at the entire lighting system in your car to ensure that all lights are working properly. Clean the headlights and make sure they are correctly aligned according to the owner's manual.

In case of emergency
Update your family disaster plan. To respond properly to a natural disaster or other cataclysmic event, you need to have a plan in place and the necessary supplies on hand, and be prepared to act. See our free emergency guide to preparing for any storm or disaster. While you're making these preparations also check storage areas for any hazardous materials. Make sure to properly dispose of any materials that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Make sure those you keep are out of reach of kids or pets.

You can find some more information on preparing for daylight-saving time on our Home & Garden blog.

Sears to fix tippy ranges

Sears, the nation’s largest appliance retailer, has agreed to address a dangerous home hazard under a proposed settlement of a recent class-action lawsuit.

We first wrote about the hazard—stove tip-overs and cooking fires—last year. The problem: Over the past seven years when millions of Americans had freestanding gas or electric ranges installed in their homes, Sears representatives failed to secure the ranges with a bracket to keep the stoves from tipping over. This can happen when weight is applied to an open oven door.  Since 1991, brackets have been included with ranges that comply with the Underwriters Laboratories' safety standard for ranges.  But an internal memo from Sears said that the safety brackets were installed in only an estimated five percent of the ranges sold.  Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, says unsecured stoves have accounted for at least 33 deaths and 84 injuries since 1980.

Now, Sears is proposing to correct that problem—at least for its customers who paid for delivery and installation of freestanding or slide-in ranges between July 2, 2000 and  September 18, 2007.  According to the proposed settlement, Sears will offer free installation of antitip devices to eligible customers who do not have such a device already installed or pay up to $100 in reimbursement to those eligible customers who paid for (but never got) installation of an antitip device after Sears delivered the range. Alternatively, Sears will give consumers a $50 gift card good towards purchase of a new Sears range.

If all 4 million eligible consumers participate in this program, the corrective action could cost Sears $546 million, one economist estimates, plus up to $17 million in attorney fees.

We are pretty certain that the problem is not unique to ranges sold at Sears. The retailer's ranges are made by other manufacturers that also sell their own branded products. Those companies were not named in Public Citizen's lawsuit. Public Citizen said it will petition the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the millions of other stoves installed by other retailers—and ask for a stronger safety standard to prevent tip-overs as well as a  public alert.

For more information on the settlement, consumers can consult the settlement Web site.
 

Ladder and heater recalls underline dangers

Two recalls announced this week by the Consumer Product Safety Commission underscore some longstanding safety concerns we've had about two very different products: ladders and oscillating heaters. Although the number of units involved in each recall was relatively small, they're an indication of the hazards of these products—and a reminder that it's prudent to conduct your own safety inspection of these items even if you own ones that haven't been recalled.

The CPSC recalled 152,000 "Aloha Breeze" portable electric heaters because they can overheat, melt plastic parts, and pose a fire hazard. There have been 29 reports of the heaters melting, smoking, or catching fire, including 18 reports of property damage and one report of minor burns to a consumer's hands and feet.

The heater was made in China and sold at Wal-Mart and small retail chain stores nationwide from August 2006 through November 2007 for between $35 and $45. The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Aloha Housewares at 1-800-295-4448 to receive a free replacement product.

It was just recently that we expressed concerns about oscillating heaters—those that move from side to side. The problem: the current safety standard for oscillating heaters may not be strong enough. Although there's an effort underway to revise and strengthen the standard, we encourage you to be vigilant; use the oscillating mode only when necessary, and inspect the cord for fraying or weakness, especially where it enters the unit.

The CPSC also recalled 25,000 fiberglass extension ladders due to fall hazards. The extension or "fly" section of the "Louisville/Davidson" and "Michigan" brand ladders can fail to lock, posing a fall hazard to consumers. The recall involves only models made from September 2007 through October 2007 that were sold at industrial supply stores and home centers nationwide through December 2007 for $130 to $760. The date code can be found on the left side rail. The commission advises consumers to immediately stop using the ladder and contact Louisville Ladder for instructions on inspecting the ladder and receiving a free repair kit, if necessary. Call (800) 660-4356 or go to the firm's Web site, www.louisvilleladder.com.

About 164,000 ladder-related emergency-room visits and 150 deaths are reported each year by the CPSC. Log on to Consumer Reports Online to learn how to use a ladder safely before taking that next step.

Lightweight batteries in remote-controlled aircraft may pose a fire hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about an emerging fire hazard from the battery technology used with remote-controlled helicopters and airplanes.

In the past four months, the agency has received 26 reports of remote-controlled helicopters igniting while being charged and one report of a helicopter igniting while in flight. Minor burns and property damage were reported.

The CPSC, in an alert issued last week, said that it was concerned about the toys' rechargeable lithium batteries (lithium-ion or lithium polymer). The batteries are favored for toys because they are lighter but they pack a lot of power in a small package “so consumers should use caution when charging and handling them,” the agency said. “Overcharging them can result in overheating, fire and/or explosion.”

CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese added that the agency is investigating to see whether this problem is specific to remote-controlled helicopters and airplanes or is a bigger issue affecting other products as well.

Meanwhile, the agency issued a recall for one specific remote-controlled toy, the Fun2Fly Microcopter helicopter made in China, imported by Soft Air USA Inc. and sold in sporting good stores and other retailers from May 2006 through December 2007. The agency said that the rechargeable battery inside the helicopter may catch fire during charging, igniting the helicopter and nearby combustible materials. Soft Air USA has received six reports of helicopters igniting, including one minor injury. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled toy and return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.

The CPSC recommends that all users of remote-controlled toys containing rechargeable lithium batteries take the following safety precautions:

• Do not leave a toy unattended while charging it.
• Have adults do the battery charging.
• Charge the toy on a non-flammable surface and keep it away from flammable items.
• Turn off the charger when the toy’s battery is charged and always unplug it from the toy.
• Disconnect the AC wall chargers from outlets while not in use.
• If the toy has been damaged, immediately stop using it, unplug it and safely remove the toy from flammable materials.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging the toy and do not charge the toy longer than recommended.

Oscillating space heaters may pose an added risk

Using any heating appliance comes with a  certain level of risk, and electric space heaters are among the riskiest.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, space-heater fires in U.S. residences are more deadly than other types of heating fires. They account for 40 percent of heating-related deaths and 30 percent of injuries associated with heating.  More than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space, or room, heaters, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Each year, more than 300 people die in these fires, and another 6,000 people receive injuries severe enough to require hospital treatment.

In the past 10 years, the CPSC has issued recalls of 32 electric heaters of all different types.  Six of those were oscillating heaters—those with motors that move them side-to-side to distribute the heat. Most of the recalls for oscillating heaters were due to overheating, smoking and, in some cases, fires.  Those risks are present with all electric heaters but oscillating heaters may have additional risks.  We wonder if oscillating heaters are a good choice for supplemental heating.

Our concern is that the current safety standard for oscillating heaters, as written by Underwriters Laboratories, may not be strong enough.  As a result of fires and other electrical problems with oscillating fans, UL strengthened its fan standard to require all oscillating fans to pass a 750,000-cycle test to ensure the electrical cords and other connections can sustain long-term oscillation.  But oscillating electric heaters currently undergo only a 100,000-cycle test.  Given that heaters draw significantly more electric current than fans, the standard should be tougher  when it comes to durability associated with oscillation.

The standard for oscillating electrical heaters is in the process of being strengthened, according to John Drengenberg, consumer-affairs manager at UL. That’s good news, but it will take 12 to 24 months for the change to be implemented for new products.

In the meantime, if you own an oscillating heater, inspect the cord carefully, particularly at the point where it enters the unit.  If there’s any fraying or weakness in the cord, unplug it, cut the cord, and dispose of the heater properly.  If your heater checks out, use the oscillation mode only when necessary, and give it an occasional once-over to make sure there are no failures waiting to happen.

Related reading
To learn more about space heaters, read our recent report  including a video and Ratings (for subscribers). 

Major retailers make several post-holiday recalls

Holiday gifts including a popular board game, a play stove and decorative candles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission today for various hazards. About 17,000 "My First Kenmore" pink play stoves were recalled by Sears and Kmart after a child was bruised when a stove tipped over. Cranium recalled 38,000 of its widely-sold Cadoo board games because the paint on the die contains lead. And 185,000 decorative candles were recalled by Pottery Barn after reports that gold paint on the outside of the candles had ignited on at least two occasions.

My First Kenmore stove
According to the CPSC's announcement, a metal bracket connecting the door to the stove can cause the stove to tip over when the door is opened. To stabilize the stove, parents are advised to remove the bracket. A diagram that details how to do so is featured on the Sears Web site. The stoves, which are almost 33-inches tall, were sold at Sears and Kmart nationwide from September 2007 through November 2007 for about $100. For additional information, contact Sears/Kmart at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit either www.sears.com or www.kmart.com.

Cranium Cadoo board game
Cadoo board games with lot numbers 2007195 through 2007244 are included in this recall because the die violates lead paint standards. The seven digit lot number is printed under the plastic tray on the bottom half of the box. The games were sold at Fred Meyer, Kmart, Shopko, Wal-Mart and specialty game stores nationwide between October 2007 through January 2008 for about $20.

Cranium is asking consumers to immediately dispose of the die and to contact the company to get a free replacement. For additional information, contact Cranium at (877) 272- 6486 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cranium.com.

Pottery Barn decorative candles
This recall involves egg-shaped and large and small round candles sold in three sizes because the exterior paint is a fire hazard. The candles were sold in green, red and white with gold glitter and leaf designs at Pottery Barn stores from September 2007 through December 2007 for between $10 and $20. Consumers should stop using the candles and return them to any Pottery Barn store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Pottery Barn toll-free at (888) 922-9245 between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET Monday through Sunday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.potterybarn.com.

Other recent recalls

• 1,300 Wick & Petal jar candles due to fire hazard
• 600 photo frames sold at Babies R Us for lead paint violation
• 5,400 toy wrestler action figures sold at dollar stores for lead paint violation
• 60,000 Kash N' Gold Tinker Bell lamps for lead paint violation

Local news highlights some universal hazards

A few items in the local news caught our attention recently. They could have been articles from any newspaper in the country, but that they happened in the same week in our area made us reflect on the safety challenges we face every day.

The first was a fatal house fire in Yonkers, N.Y. that killed a couple in their eighties. Police say the fire started when a space heater placed too close to the bed ignited the linens. The fire had plenty of fuel in the cluttered house. (In addition, fireman had to break through the front door, which had been bolted shut by the couple to prevent intruders.)

Next there was a report from the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection on its two-month investigation into local grocery stores. In November and December, the county sent inspectors into 59 grocery stores to look for expired foods. They found an average of 88 out-of-date items per store and removed 433 items from shelves at one store. Among the stomach-turners: cheddar cheese that was eight months past its sell-by date and four-month-old coffee creamer. Officials noted that grocery items most likely to be out-of-date were cheese (including cottage cheese and cream cheese) and yogurt, and vacuum-packed deli meat, hot dogs, and bacon. The report said that contrary to what some shoppers think, the back of the display case isn’t always where the freshest goods are, and that the top and bottom shelves of the dairy case held the most problems.

And in a sad (and sadly ironic) clash of timing and technology, an out-of-state computer technician focusing his attention on the GPS in his rental car found himself on the rails instead of the road in Bedford Hills. After the driver made a wrong turn, the car became stuck on the train tracks; the driver was able to escape before the car was hit by a commuter train leaving New York. More than 500 passengers were stranded for two hours and subsequent trains were canceled or postponed.

Perhaps we took special note of these news items because they involve issues we've covered in the past—space heater safety, food safety and GPS safety. Still, it's good to be mindful of such hazards when we're at home, on the road or at the grocery store.

Quiz: Shedding some light on candle safety

Candles and holidays go together like Santa and cookies, Chanukah and dreidels. Unfortunately, the candle combination can be a dangerous one when the candles are used carelessly. Just how dangerous? Take the quiz below to find out. 

Q: What is the peak month for home candle fires?

1. January
2. March         
3. October
4. December

A: (4) December is the peak time for home candle fires. In that month 13 percent of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And the biggest days for home candle fires: Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve and Halloween. 

Q: How often is a home candle fire reported?

1. Nearly every half hour
2. Almost every hour
3. Every two hours
4. Once a day.

A: (1) The NFPA says that, on average, one home candle fire was reported every 34 minutes between 2002 and 2005.

Q: How many deaths are there annually in the U.S. due to candle-related fires?

1. 50
2. 170
3. 350
4. 425

A: (2) The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are about 170 deaths a year in 14,000 candle-related fires. The fires result in $350 million in annual property loss.

Q: Candles cause what percentage of  home fire injuries?

1. 2
2. 5
3. 7
4. 10 percent

A: (4) Overall, candles caused 4 percent of reported home fires in 2005, resulting in 5 percent of home fire deaths and 10 percent of the injuries.

Q: How did more than half of the candle fires get started?

1. The candles were used on dried-out trees.
2. Too many candles on a birthday cake.
3. Children using matches to light candles.
4. Candles placed too close to flammable items.

A: (4) More than half of all candle fires started when the candle was too close to something that could burn—such as  furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains or decorations.

Q: In what percent of the candle-related fires were candles left unattended or forgotten?

1. 5
2. 10
3. 15
4. 20

A: (4) In one-fifth of the fires, candles were unattended or abandoned. What’s more, two-fifths of home candle fires begin in the bedroom—although the candle industry has found that only 13 percent of candle users routinely burn candles in the bedroom. In other words, don’t use candles as a night light or fall asleep before extinguishing any lighted candles.

Santa's safety list

The very nature of this blog means that most of the time, we are writing about things not to buy—the latest recalled toy or unsafe gadget. So today, we want to take a different approach and give you some ideas of things you could buy as gifts to help your loved ones and friends stay safe. Consider treating yourself as well.

For the car owner

• A tire pressure gauge;
• A roadside emergency kit with flares and a compact thermal blanket (if you live in a cold climate) in case the car breaks down;
• A backup system (top photo) to see what's behind the car, so you don't back over anything or anyone in that troublesome blind spot.

For the homeowner or renter

• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors;
• Fire extinguishers—there are some stylish ones on the market;
• Metal ash bin and heavy gloves for the fireplace or wood stove;
• A fully-stocked first aid kit;
• Flashlight and batteries or, better still a hand-cranked radio and flashlight so you don't need to search for batteries or worry that they will run out;
• UL or ETL listed power strips and extension cords.

For the handyman or do-it-yourself woman

• A good, sturdy Type 1A step ladder that opens and closes easily;
• Hearing protectors;
• Safety glasses;
• Steel-toe work shoes.   

For the host or hostess

• An instant-read meat thermometer to know if your meat or poultry dishes are cooked to a safe temperature;
• Different colored cutting boards—one for poultry and meat, another for fruit and vegetables;
• LED candles that look like real candles to decorate your home without worries about fires.

For grandma or grandpa

• A new tub mat to replace the worn-out one that has lost its sticking power;
• A snug-fitting robe; styles with loose sleeves can catch fire easily;
• Socks or slippers with rubber anti-slip grips on the soles;
• Safety grips you can add to your shoes or boots to make walking on ice less treacherous.

For the active child or adult

• An updated, certified life jacket to replace the 30-year-old version at the summer cabin;
• A new—and better fitting—helmet for the cyclist, skier or snowboarder;
• A snug helmet and protective pads for the rollerblader, skateboarder or scooter rider;
• A reflective vest for the runner or walker.

For everyone
There are special tools available for anyone who has to open a gift that's been wrapped in a plastic shell to make the job easier—and safer.

Winter warm-up: Home heating tips

Did you know that the peak time for home heating fires is between 6 and 9 p.m.? Or that space heaters account for nearly three-quarters of home-fire fatalities, two-thirds of the injuries and more than half of property damage?

Those are some of the intriguing and yes, disturbing findings of a new survey by the National Fire Protection Agency—findings that serve as a good reminder at the start of winter to take care in heating our homes, especially if we use space heaters.

According to the NFPA, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,200 reported home structure fires in 2005, resulting in 670 civilian deaths, 1,550 injuries and $909 million in direct property damage. Chimneys and chimney connectors accounted for the largest share of home heating fires, 36 percent in 2005, but resulted in no deaths. The chief reason for these fires was failure to clean chimneys and connectors.

But space heaters continue to be the most dangerous, at least in terms of injuries and fatalities. And the major reason for space heater blazes: The heater was too close to something that could catch fire.

Fire safety officials take heart in some of the report’s good news. There has been a steady decline in home heating fires since 1982 when there more than 235,000 fires resulting in 1,190 deaths and 3,480 injuries. NFPA attributes the decline to a variety of factors, including safer equipment, better building codes, wider use of smoke alarms, somewhat warmer winters and public education.

To continue the public education, we offer you these safe heating tips from NFPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Inspect all heating equipment annually, and clean as necessary.
• When buying a space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory and is approved for use in your community (some communities may not allow kerosene heaters, for example).
• Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Use the proper grade of the proper fuel for your liquid-fueled space heater, and never use gasoline in any heater not approved for gasoline use.  Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when the equipment is cool.
• Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
• Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.
• Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen. Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home—when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
• Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Periodically check the CPSC's recall list to make sure a heater you own has not been the subject of a recall, such as the one pictured above that was recalled in June.

Buying advice
If you are considering buying a space heater this winter, read our full report on heaters including Ratings (for subscribers) and a video.

Kitchen appliances recalled because of fire hazards

A General Electric combination wall and microwave oven and a Black & Decker toaster were recalled by the Consumer Production Safety Commission today because they pose a fire hazard. GE recalled 92,000 of its built-in microwave-thermal wall ovens after getting reports of 35 incidents of minor property damage and one incident in which a fire damaged adjacent kitchen cabinets after a door switch in the microwave overheated and ignited plastic components in the control area. The ovens were sold under the brand names GE, GE Profile and Kenmore.

Black & Decker recalled 70,000 Infrawave toasters after getting two reports of the toasters igniting, including one report of fire that damaged a kitchen countertop and cabinets. The CPSC said an electrical component in the toaster can overheat and ignite the circuit board.

Find a full report on these recalls, including what to do if you own one of these appliances, in our Home & Garden blog.

Feast your eyes on these safe turkey-prep tips

A video from our testing labs shows how quickly Thanksgiving plans can go up in flames when things go awry with a propane-powered deep fryer. As we reported around this time last year, Underwriters Laboratories has refused to put its UL mark on any propane fryer to certify its safety—a rare move for the nonprofit safety testing organization that certifies almost every kind of electrical or gas-powered product sold in the U.S. "Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks," says John Drengenberg, UL consumer affairs manager.

The dangers are many. Units can easily tip over, spilling the hot oil. Oil that sometimes overflows when a turkey is placed in the pot can hit the burner and burst into flames. The units have no thermostat controls and the sides, lid and handles can get very hot posing burn hazards.

A few years ago, we tested one of the electric fryers on the market, and it proved safer than propane models. The deep-fryer—designed strictly for indoor use—cooks a turkey up to 14 pounds.  And it has some safety features including a built-in safety switch, a temperature sensor, an outer shield and six legs to  give it more stability.

While such Food Network favorites as Paula Deen and Alton Brown feature recipes for deep-fried turkey, if you are tempted to try it this year with a propane fryer, do so with extreme caution and constant vigilance.  Check out these safety tips from UL.

No matter how you plan to cook your turkey, take the time to review Let's Talk Turkey, safety tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Some of their advice has changed. For example, the USDA recommends against washing a turkey before cooking it and says doing so can actually spread bacteria to other foods and utensils and surfaces. Another change is in testing the turkey for doneness. The USDA says a turkey is safe when all of it is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. (Previously, the agency recommended different temperatures for various parts of the bird.) And don't rely on a pop-up thermometer—check the temperature yourself with a reliable meat thermometer. 

Lower fire fatality numbers provide little comfort

Thanks to smoke detectors, sprinklers, better construction and stronger fire codes, the U.S. has made great strides in reducing fire fatalities. In 1974, there were about 12,000 fire fatalities annually. Thirty years later, the number of victims totaled about 3,900, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) in its latest analysis of fire statistics. (Some of the decline may also be attributed to the fewer number of smokers as smoking contributes to 20 percent of household fires.)

Yet despite the encouraging news, the USFA says "the United States has a severe fire problem, more so than is generally perceived." In fact, the report notes, deaths and injuries from fires far outnumber those from all natural disasters combined (floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc). That's 4,000 deaths annually from fires compared to 200 to 250 per year from disasters. What's more, even though the rate of 13.6 deaths per million population is half what it was in the late 1970s€š it is still almost two-and-a-half times that of several European nations. In fact, of 25 industrial nations examined by the World Fire Statistics Centre, the U.S. ranks fourth highest in fire death rates, USFA says.

The problem, USFA says, is in the home. The largest percentage of deaths,€š 76 percent in 2004,€š occurred in residences, with the majority in one and two-family dwellings. Cooking was the leading cause of fires, accounting for 28 percent, with incendiary and suspicious fires (arson) the second leading cause, accounting for 21 percent. Arson, however, accounts for 28 percent of the deaths, with smoking-related fires the second leading cause at 18 percent. Cooking fires comprise only 6.3 percent of deaths.

Other interesting data from the report:

• There is a surprisingly large number of vehicle fires,€š nearly one out of every five fires to which fire departments respond.
• The Southeast continues to have the highest fire death rate in the nation and one of the highest in the world.
• African Americans have much higher fire death rate per capita than the national average, accounting for 24 percent of fire deaths, nearly twice as high as their share of the overall population.
• Approximately 50 percent more men die in fires than women. One reason may be that men are more likely to be in dangerous occupations (most industrial fire fatalities are males). Men also suffer more injuries trying to extinguish fires and rescue people.

One thing is clear: It's better to take precautions. To lower the chances of a fire in your home follow this safety checklist from the National Fire Protection Association.

• Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Keep the furnace in working order.
• Use a fireplace screen.
• Have proper ventilation for heaters and other small appliances.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Use the correct size fuses.
• Don't use worn out electrical wiring or run it under rugs or out windows or doors.
• Clear away refuse; the less clutter, the less fuel a fire has to feed on.

Shedding a little daylight on trick-or-treating

This year with Daylight Savings Time ending after Halloween instead of before, trick-or-treaters will benefit from having more light as they travel from house to house that evening. Motorists and homeowners will also be able to better see the ghosts, goblins and superheroes prowling about.

Even so, you should keep safety in mind as you plan your family's costumes. The leading danger on Halloween isn't tainted candy; it's the risk of pint-sized pedestrians tripping over their costumes -- or getting hit by cars that fail to see them in their dark cloaks and gowns. Costume flammability remains an issue as evidenced by a cape recalled last season for not meeting flammability standards. And fire from unattended candles can result in a Halloween horror. We've covered these tips before but they bear repeating each season.

And while we don't want to give you a fright about all your holiday preparations, we'd like to remind parents about ways to safely carve a pumpkin, which can be tricky if you use the wrong tools. At Consumer Reports, we tested several kits and found they can reduce the risk of accidentally getting cut.

Playing with fire: lighters that look like toys

    In North Carolina, a six-year-old boy sustained second-degree burns after playing with a lighter that looked like a toy cell phone.
    In Maryland, playground equipment was set on fire by three five-year-old girls using a gun-shaped lighter.
    In Oregon, one child died and another was permanently brain damaged after a six-year-old, playing with a lighter that looked like a toy dolphin, started a fire. In another incident, a mother was severely burned after her child, playing with a lighter that resembled a Christmas tree, ignited the mother’s bed.
    In Arkansas, two young boys recently died after their apartment caught fire. News reports said the children had been playing with a motorcycle-shaped lighter in which the flame came out of the exhaust pipe. 

There are no hard and fast numbers on just how serious a problem these toy-looking lighters have become. But certainly incidents like these have been disturbing enough to prompt the National Association of State Fire Marshals to call for a ban on the sale and use of these novelty lighters during its annual meeting.

The lighters come in all shapes and sizes and their most common characteristic is that they look like anything but a lighter. They can be made to look like a soda can, a toy car or gun, a ladybug or frog, a felt-tip pen and even a rubber ducky.

The European Union banned the sale of novelty lighters in March 2007; it’s now time for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to follow suit, the fire marshals said in a recently passed resolution. As Oregon state fire marshal Nancy Orr wrote to the CPSC, “there are no good reasons that lighters should be manufactured to resemble toys.”

Current CPSC safety standards, adopted in 1994, require all cigarette lighters to be child resistant.  The cigarette lighter safety standard requires disposable and novelty lighters to have a child-resistant mechanism that makes lighters difficult for children younger than age five to operate.

Fire and industry officials say that some of the novelty lighters meet these standards, some don’t. But even those that do meet the standards are attractive to children because of their fun shapes and bright colors.

The Lighter Association, which represents the major lighter manufacturers, is also opposed to novelty lighters. “We think they serve no purpose and are likely attractive to children,” said David H. Baker, the association’s general counsel.  However, Baker said his members have an even bigger safety concern: the lack of general safety standards for all disposable lighters in the U.S. The lighter association has been pressing the CPSC to adopt such standards since 2001.

“We are the only country in the western world that doesn’t have a general safety standard for lighters,” he said. So far, the CPSC staff has been reluctant to endorse a mandatory standard, saying that the risk of death or injury from lighter malfunctions was low given the number of lighters on the market.

The issue of novelty lighters doesn’t appear to have changed the CPSC’s stance so far. Agency spokeswoman Julie Vallese told us, “We do know that children are attracted to them, see it as a play value, because of their design and shape … That’s why the enforcement of child-resistant lighters is important.” Even more important Vallese added, “parents should ensure children be kept away from these lighters.”

But will the agency consider issuing a ruling on these lighters? “At this time, I don’t think so," Vallese said.

Accidental deaths, a silent epidemic

Here’s a scary fact: Every five minutes, a person dies from an accident. The National Safety Council calls accidental deaths “a silent epidemic,” rising at an alarming rate -- more than 20 percent over 10 years -- reaching 113,000 fatalities in 2005, the latest data available.

According to a recent safety council study, accidental deaths are the fifth leading cause of death but the number of accidental fatalities is rising at a faster rate than the top four causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke and chronic lower respiratory disease. Accidental deaths reached an all-time high of 116,385 in 1969. At the current rate of increase, annual fatalities could surpass that record in just a few years, the safety council says.

Driving the increase is the aging population, which translates into more falls and more medication, leading to accidental overdoses, the council says. The safety council also pins some of the blame on new technology that distracts drivers. Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of injury-related deaths, although they have dropped significantly from the record high of 56,278 in 1982 to 42,642 in 2006.

The second leading cause of accidental death is poisoning, particularly from overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription and illicit drugs. In fact, poisoning is the fastest-rising cause of accidental death, with a  5 percent increase in 2005 alone. Deaths from falls rank third, with choking and drowning rounding out the top five. These five leading causes account for 83 percent of all accidental deaths. But while drowning was the fifth-leading cause nationally, many states ranked fire as the fifth-leading cause of accidental death.

There is some good news from the safety council’s report. The death rate from workplace injuries has dropped by 17 percent since 1992. On the other hand, the death rate from injuries incurred at home and in community settings has increased by 30 percent for that same time period.

Accidents also accounted for more than 24 million nonfatal injuries in 2005. The economic cost of all fatal and nonfatal injuries amounted to $625.5 billion nationally, or $5,500 per household. “Our research shows that when it comes to safety, most Americans are more concerned about being the victim of a random act of violence than they are about being seriously injured in an accident,” said NSC President and CEO Alan McMillan. “The reality is that while we are at greater risk of experiencing an accidental injury, we have greater control over managing those risks.”
   
It goes without saying—be careful.

More information
For a state-by-state accident report visit the National Safety Council site.

College students need a lesson in fire safety

Packing your kid off to college? Well, along with the computer, iPod, bedding and clothes, make sure your student also brings some fire-safety sense.

The number of fires in campus housing—dorms, frats, sororities, etc.—has risen dramatically in the past few years from 1,800 fires in 1998 to 3,300 fires in 2005. These fires caused an annual average of 7 deaths and 46 injuries.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment caused about three of every four dorm fires. But the majority of the fatalities occurred in the bedroom. And, not surprisingly, fires were more common during the evening and on weekends when students are in the residences.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety has found four common factors behind the campus fire deaths:

• No automatic fire sprinklers
• Missing or disabled smoke alarms
• Careless disposal of smoking materials
• Impaired judgment from alcohol consumption 

We’ve written about this issue before, but with colleges again in session there’s no time like the present to issue some reminders. First check out our dorm safety tips.  And remember these guidelines, just issued by the CPSC:

• Don’t disable smoke alarms.
• Students should cook in designated areas only, and never leave cooking equipment unattended when in use.
• Because more deaths and injuries occur in sleeping areas--and are associated with smoking materials like tobacco products, candles, and incense--always extinguish flames before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep combustibles away from heat sources, such as portable heaters, lights (including halogen lamps) and don’t overload electrical outlets, extension cords or power strips.
• Take special care with holiday and seasonal decorations.  Don’t use combustible materials.
• Never block access to safety devices, doors, etc.
• Know your building’s evacuation plan in case something does go wrong.

And one more tip from us: In light of the 23 students who were recently sickened by carbon monoxide poisoning at Virginia Tech, add a CO detector to your packing list.

Sprinklers recall: last call on O-ring sprinklers replacement

Time is about to run out on one of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s largest recalls: the O-Ring sprinklers made by Central Sprinkler Co.

The recall, first announced in July 2001, involved about 35 million O-ring sprinklers after it was discovered that the sprinkler heads could corrode, or minerals, salts and other contaminants in the water could affect the rubber O-ring seals. As a result, the sprinkler heads could fail in the case of fire. Central promised to provide new fire sprinklers and installation services free of charge.

In May 2007, however, the CPSC announced that any claims to receive free replacements and installation services would no longer be honored if they were submitted after Aug. 31 -- 10 days from now.

It’s rare for the CPSC to set a recall deadline; most recalls are open-ended, with no expiration date for redress. We are aware of three previous cases:  one involving heaters, one involving several brand of furnaces, and the last regarding another brand of fire protection sprinklers.

CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese said the reason for the deadline was that recall claims had fallen off so the Aug. 31 deadline could motivate those who haven’t submitted claims to do so. Vallese said the recall was already “one of the most effective recall campaigns” conducted by the commission, with the company spending about $500 million to retrofit the problematic sprinklers. Anne Buchanan, a spokeswoman for Tyco, which owns Central Sprinkler, said 21.9 million of the 35 million affected sprinklers have been located and/or replaced. That's more than a 60 percent replacement rate.  Over the years, she added, the response rate has dropped significantly, which is why the company wants a deadline--to prompt more consumers to take action.

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, thinks it’s a bad idea to put a deadline on any recall action.  Although setting deadlines may help prompt action for people who have delayed seeking redress for their recalled products, it may leave those who have yet to learn about the recall in harm's way.  If they learn about the recall belatedly when redress isn't an option, consumers may take the chance of leaving unsafe products in service.  We think it's better to continually try to reach customers of defective products until the vast majority have been removed from service.  CPSC's annual Recall Roundup notices are helpful in reminding consumers to take action on unsafe products. 

Meanwhile, if you have O-ring sprinklers, make sure to submit your claim by Aug. 31. Information can be found on Central Sprinkler's special Web site set up to handle recall issues.

Ford's recall of 3.6 million vehicles takes effect

Ford's recall of 3.6 million vehicles to fix faulty speed control deactivation switches begins today. The carmaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall August 3 to alert owners that the switches could leak, overheat and cause fires under the hood.

The recall affects a number of models of cars and trucks built between 1992 and 2003 including the Town Car, Crown Victoria, Explorer and Grand Marquis, among others.

The switch is designed to turn off the cruise control when the driver steps on the brake. Even drivers who do not use the cruise control feature should have the part replaced.

Owner notification is slated to begin today and be completed by Sept. 19. In the notice, Ford advises owners of the trucks and sport utility vehicles to take their vehicle to a dealer immediately for installation of a replacement system.

Because there are not yet enough parts to repair all the cars, owners of those vehicles are being advised to go to the dealer immediately to have the switches disconnected. In October, when the replacement parts become available, car owners will be asked to return to the dealer for the repair.

A full list of the vehicles follows:

• 1993 Ford Bronco
• 1992-1997 Ford Crown Victoria
• 1992-1993 Ford E-150 - E-350
• 1997-2003 Ford E-150 - E-350
• 1999-2001 Ford Explorer
• 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
• 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
• 2003-2004 Ford F-150 Lightning
• 1995-2002 Ford F-53 Motorhome
• 1993 Ford F-Series
• 1998-2002 Ford Ranger
• 1993-1995 Ford Taurus SHO (automatic)
• 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
• 1992-1997 Lincoln Town Car
• 1994 Mercury Capri
• 1992-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
• 1999-2001 Mercury Mountaineer

You can find more information on Ford's web site or NHTSA's site. Owners can also contact Ford at 800-392-3673.

For more news about cars and trucks, read our cars blog.

Hasbro recalls Easy-Bake Ovens following partial finger amputation

Just five months after issuing a recall of its pink and purple plastic oven, toymaker Hasbro and the Consumer Product Safety Commission today asked owners of the ovens to stop using them immediately and return them to the company. The recall affects one million ovens purchased since May 2006.

 In February, Hasbro offered oven owners a retrofit kit intended to solve the problem of little chefs inserting their fingers into the oven cavity. Since then, however, Easy-Bake has received 249 reports of children getting their hands or fingers caught in the opening, including 77 reports of burns, 16 of which were reported as second and third-degree burns. Easy-Bake also received one report of a serious burn that required a partial finger amputation of a 5-year-old girl.

 The oven, which can reach temperatures of 350 and 400 degrees, is not recommended for children under 8 and even children that age should use it only with adult supervision. Still, some of the burns were reported in younger children.

 Julie Vallese, spokesperson for the CPSC, said when Hasbro learned of the partial amputation it decided to do more than provide the repair kit. "We’re big fans of doing more," she added.

 Hasbro is asking that owners of the Easy-Bakes return them to the company in exchange for a voucher for another of its products. For more information, you can call the company at (800) 601-8418 or visit their Web site at www.easybake.com.

 Consumers who ask for instructions will be sent a box and a prepaid label to return the oven. Those who requested the repair kit earlier will automatically be sent a box with prepaid shipping.

 

To learn more:

• Read the announcement from the CPSC
• Get more information from Hasbro

Fireworks safety tips for Independence Day

There's really only one tip we need to give you when it comes to fireworks: Leave it to the pros. Using fireworks on your own is both dangerous and, in many parts of the country, illegal. In 2006, according to figures from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 deaths and over 9,000 injuries associated with fireworks. Children under 15 accounted for 36% of the injuries; one four-year-old boy died when he and his older brother set off fireworks in their front yard, igniting a nearby gas tank.

The risks aren't just limited to Roman candles and rockets. Sparklers, which many people assume are safe, can burn at 2,000°F (hot enough to melt gold) and have been identified as the most common cause of firework-related injuries among children under 5. During 2006, the CPSC recorded over 1,000 sparkler-related injuries, including 200 eye injuries.

If you insist on doing it yourself, never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers. Check with local police to see what devices are legal to use in your area. Several states, including New York and New Jersey, ban all consumer fireworks, including sparklers. Check the CPSC full list of state laws. And, of course, legal doesn't mean safe. According to the CSPC, illegal products cause only about 2% percent of firecracker injuries. Also, be sure to check for recalls. This month, there have already been two fireworks recalls announced.

You can find more tips on fireworks safety at ConsumerReports.org. However, if you follow our first piece of advice, you can skip the rest, and have a fun — and safe — Fourth of July.

How to fireproof our furniture, not the whole planet

As the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently reminded us, a new mattress flammability standard will go into effect on July 1. And as it does, we feel compelled to ask: have we been preventing fires in ways that contaminate ourselves, our homes, and the environment with hazardous chemicals? 

Several studies published in Environmental Science and Technology add to the growing evidence that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a common group of flame retardants, are moving from mattresses and upholstery to indoor air, drinking water, the food chain, and our bodies.   

American blood and breast milk have some of the highest average measured amounts of PBDEs in the world. That’s probably because we’re exposed to large quantities of these flame retardants in electronics, foam furniture, and cars with PBDE-treated plastics and upholstery. 

The compounds are so persistent in the environment that they’re showing up in arctic polar bears (who already have enough to worry about what with the ice cap melting). The most persistent compounds are also the most toxic. Studies in lab animals suggest that PBDEs can affect thyroid function, fetal and child development, fertility, and liver function. Some PBDE compounds have been classified as potential carcinogens. 

That doesn’t mean we need to give up on stronger fire-protection standards. The Association of State Fire Marshals estimates that upholstered furniture accounts for some 20 percent of all fire-related deaths each year, killing 10 people a week. 

There are effective alternatives to PBDEs, and manufacturers here and in Europe are beginning to turn to them as federal and state governments initiate phase outs or bans of certain PBDE compounds. Some scientists are already seeing an impact, finding lower levels of PBDEs in air samples from spaces whose furnishings use alternative flame retardants. 

As often happens in this country, state regulators lead the way. The new mattress rules were based on California's stronger mattress flammability standards. Recently, Washington State tentatively voted to ban deca-brominated diphenyl ether (DBDE) by 2011. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has effectively banned two PBDEs and is considering doing the same with DBDE. 

But the EPA is waiting to act on DBDE until the CPSC issues a standard for furniture other than mattresses, and there’s no telling when that will happen. It’s been 13 years since the CPSC initiated rulemaking on furniture flammability, and they’re still studying the issue. 

We’re looking to the CPSC to break the logjam and achieve effective fire protection at the federal level that doesn’t threaten human and environmental health.

See also:

• New mattress-flammability standard to go into effect 
• Mattress-flammability standard approved 
• Tougher fire-safety standard for mattresses

Gas can safety gets a hearing

If there’s an easy, affordable, efficient fix for an obvious hazard, it shouldn’t be subject to as much political push and pull as we saw recently at a hearing held by the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection. 

At issue was a bill designed to make gasoline containers safer: the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act (HR 814). Our analysis of CPSC data shows that about 3 children under age 5 die and more than 2,000 are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year from a variety of incidents involving gasoline. Data show that some 27 percent of the injuries are from thermal burns; the majority are from poisoning and chemical burns. Despite the bill’s title, effective child-resistant closures would go a long way toward protecting young children from all of those types of injuries.

The bill would require that all gasoline containers designed for residential use have child-resistant closures. Although the 1973 Poison Prevention Act calls for child-resistant caps on toxic household cleaners and the like, gasoline cans are exempt since they’re sold empty. The industry does have a standard for childproof caps on gas cans, but compliance is voluntary. 

Some players in the debate, including minority subcommittee leader Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), suggested that a cost-benefit analysis be conducted to consider whether the “1,200 child injuries” that might be prevented are worth the extra cost of a childproof cap. 

We have no such qualms. We support the bill, though it’s not ideal. It would make the voluntary industry standard mandatory. That standard requires only 80 percent effectiveness to pass, which still puts some particularly determined or intuitive young children at risk. In addition, it’s limited to gasoline containers; portable kerosene containers, which don’t currently require child-resistant caps, aren’t included. Although the incident rate for kerosene containers is a fraction of those for gasoline containers, the hazards are the same.

The safest cans are those that are both childproof and spillproof. For more on spillproof cans, see our June 2006 article (we found one model worth recommending). 

Sally Greenberg, Senior Safety Council of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, testified earlier this month along with Ed Mierzwinski, Consumer Program Director of U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Notably absent was Nancy Nord, acting Chair of the CPSC. Nord did submit written testimony.

Swimming pool and spa safety, raising limits on civil penalties for violating CPSC laws, and the need for registration cards for juvenile products, were also on the agenda. We’ll be commenting on all of them in this blog in the coming weeks.

While we’re waiting for the politicians to act, keep your old gasoline and kerosene cans — even those with child-resistant caps — well beyond the reach of children.

Removing old paint can pose big hazards if not done right