Recall alert: CPSC pulls lead-tainted teeth and pens

Plastic "hillbilly" teeth and pens with a seasonal theme were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission Thursday as part of the agency's ongoing effort to rid the marketplace of products that violate the lead paint standard. Most alarming, because ingesting lead has been linked to developmental and learning disorders, was the recall of 26,000 sets of play teeth in which the gray surface paint was lead-tainted.  The recall was similar to one made last fall of Halloween "ugly" teeth.  More than 310,000 pens sold at Michaels Stores were also recalled. Here are the details:

Funtastic Hillbilly Teeth
How many:  26,000
Description: This recall involves a two-pack of fake Hillbilly Teeth with item # 2657. The item number is printed on the packaging. The gums are brown and the teeth are yellow.
Sold at: Grocery, drug, convenience and mass retailers nationwide from March 2005 through March 2008 for about $2.
What to do: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Funtastic for information on receiving a refund by calling (800) 434-5207 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visiting the company’s Web site at www.funtastictoy.com.

Michaels seasonal writing pens
How many: 310,000
Description: The pens were sold individually as one of a series of four including Flower Writer, Christmas Writer, Easter Writer and Spooky Writer. Each pen has themed decorations including flowers, Christmas, Easter and Halloween ornamentation.
Sold exclusively at: Michaels retail stores nationwide from August 2007 through March 2008 for about $1.
What to do: Consumers should stop using the recalled pens immediately and return them to any Michaels store to receive a refund. For additional information, contact Michaels’ customer service at (800) 642-4235 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.michaels.com.

Holiday recall: Check your Easter baskets

In the better late than never department, the Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced a recall of two different Easter items because they violate the lead paint standard.

The toys—made in China and sold by Hobby Lobby Stores—are Camouflage Easter Eggs and Easter Spinning Egg Tops. The CPSC says about 13,000 toys are affected. Lead exposure can result from mouthing the eggs or handling the eggs and putting contaminated fingers in the mouth. And as we've said before, lead poisoning has been linked to developmental and learning disorders. More than 300,000 children in the U.S. have lead levels high enough to cause irreversible damage, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Children six and under are most affected. Because lead accumulates in the body; the only way to reduce the risk is to minimize exposure.

The eggs were sold at Hobby Lobby Stores nationwide from January through this month.  The camouflage egg sold for about $2.50 and the spinning top sold for $2. The CPSC advises parents to immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Hobby Lobby  (800-326-7931) to receive a $3 exchange card that can be used toward other Hobby Lobby products.

Note to Easter Bunny helpers: This recall is a good reminder to review any toys destined for Easter baskets to make sure they do not include the recalled goods, do not have sharp edges and are not inappropriate for the age of the child, such as small items that could be choking hazards for children under three. Among those are the hollow chocolate Kinder Surprise eggs we wrote about recently that contain small toys.

News accounts credit the latest recall to a chemistry profressor at Ashland University in Ohio. Jeffrey D. Weidenhamer, who has previously raised warning flags about toxic lead levels in toys and children's jewelry, tested numerous Easter items and found excessive lead levels (above 0.06 parts per million) in several toys. Sadly, this is just one more sign that lead in children's playthings continues to be a serious problem.

The 'surprise' in Kinder eggs may be a choking hazard

Ever since we wrote about the choking hazards of toys encased in hollow Easter eggs around this time last year, we've been getting comments from devotees who see no issue with the chocolate novelty. While we realize the Kinder Surprise eggs, made by Italy's Ferrero Group, are popular worldwide and considered a collector's item by some, we want to issue a reminder that the Surprise eggs have been banned in the United States since 1997, when the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that the toys could pose a choking hazard to children under 3. (That same year, Nestle voluntarily withdrew a similar product, Nestle Magic.)

The CPSC banned the product because the toy surprise hidden inside can pose choking and aspiration hazards to children younger than three years of age. The Kinder eggs are hollow milk chocolate eggs about the size of a large hen's egg in a colorful foil wrapper. The toy within the egg is contained in an oval-shaped plastic capsule. The small toy requires assembly and each egg contains a different one. The labeling is in various languages.

Kinder Surprise also falls afoul of a provision in the 1938 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits embedding "nonnutritive items" in confections. Despite the ban, which is fully honored by Ferrero's U.S. arm, Surprise eggs are widely available here, with many imported by companies specializing in foods from countries where the product is legally available. The eggs pictured above, for example, come from Poland, and were purchased for $1.59 each in a suburban New York gourmet food store. A Consumers Union staffer recently confirmed they are available in a small supermarket near our offices in Westchester County, New York. They are also widely available along the U.S.-Canadian border, since they're legal in Canada. Surprise eggs are also easily purchased on the Internet, from ethnic importers and candy merchants.

If you really want to surprise your kids this Easter, you can consider getting them candy and toys separately. Mixing the two, especially when the toy is embedded inside the candy as it is with the Surprise egg, sends a mixed message about what is and isn't edible, and puts younger children at risk. If your child receives a Kinder egg, the CPSC recommends taking it away.

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

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.

Travel alert: Don't place infants on air mattresses

Before you get out that air mattress for holiday guests, consider this warning just issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Do not put infants on air mattresses. Like water beds and pillows, they are too soft for babies, and could be deadly.

Since 2002, the CPSC has gotten reports of 16 infant deaths related to air mattresses. Of the babies, most younger than 8 months, 11 suffocated in face down positions, five died from suffocation after falling into gaps between the mattress and bed frame or the mattress and adjacent furniture or wall.

Even properly inflated air mattresses are usually too soft for infants to maintain a clean airway, the agency said. Air leaks and under-inflation also contribute to incidents.

Remember these other safety tips from the CPSC for your sleeping baby:

• Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Never place a baby to sleep on an adult bed. Infants can suffocate on bedding or can become entrapped between the mattress and bed frame or mattress and wall.
• When using a crib, make sure it meets current safety standards, has a firm, tight fitting mattress and tight fitting bottom sheet.
• As this blog has reported before, do not use bumper pads in cribs.
• When using a portable crib or play yard, be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.

For more details on babies and cribs, read Consumer Report’s Crib bedding 101 as well as Sleeping gear to avoid.

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.

Worse than coal in your stocking, lead in your holiday decorations

A lot of consumers are concerned about potential lead in toys that they may be buying this holiday season. But there’s also reason to consider your lead exposure while decorating for the holidays. Already this fall, there have been recalls of several thousand holiday decorations because of lead including ornaments sold at JC Penney (below)  and figurines sold at Home Depot (at right). 

Meanwhile, many readers have asked us about warning labels that appear on holiday string lights that say they contain lead. Some labels may also advise washing your hands after handling. We think that‘s prudent advice. Lead is often used as a thermal stabilizer in the PVC insulation for electrical wire and cable. It helps keep the string lights flexible in a wide range of temperatures. But in CU’s tests, we found that the lead in the wire’s insulation can rub off on your hands. If you are eating finger foods while hanging your lights, you might be transferring some of that lead to your mouth. Lead accumulates in the body and is a neurotoxin that can cause brain damage and other problems, so it’s important to take precautions to avoid as many sources of lead exposure as possible.

That’s why you should follow the same advice if you have an artificial Christmas tree made of PVC. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that the average artificial Christmas tree does not present a significant exposure risk. However, its limited sampling of trees indicated that some of the older trees it tested—13 and 17 years old—had relatively high levels of lead. The study by the University of North Carolina’s Environmental Quality Institute suggests that’s because lead was more commonly used as a stabilizer in the past. But some environmentalists, such as Christopher Gavigan, head of the nonprofit Healthy Child Healthy World, thinks the higher lead levels could also be due to the older trees breaking down, causing more lead to leach out. “Typically over time, with wear and tear and duress—the lead may shed lead-laced dust out of artificial trees, which may settle on branches or gifts below the tree and be transmitted to finger tips and mouths, especially of small children,” said Gavigan.

Steven Patch, EQI’s director and one of the study’s authors, said that he is more concerned about lead in everyday products, such as phone cords, toys, PVC lunch boxes and raincoats. Those items, he said, “present a greater hazard because there is more of a year-round chronic exposure.” However, he added, if he had to give personal advice to families with artificial trees it would be: “If you have a tree, use it, but wash your hands very carefully after assembling and dissembling and do not let children play near the tree, where some of that dust might settle. With newer trees, the risk should be minimal.”

Consumer Reports has not tested artificial trees so we can't say whether lead is a real problem or not. Since no one appears to know at what point a tree might shed it's lead, we urge consumers with older trees—especially families with young children who are most susceptible to its effects—to take extra care, keeping children away from trees and perhaps even discarding older trees for new ones particularly if you notice it generating dust or if the needles get brittle and start falling off.

One more piece of advice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:  When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the “Fire Resistant” label. “Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning,” says the CPSC.

Whether the tree is real or artificial, be sure to place it away from fireplaces, radiators, and candles. And unplug the lights when you go to bed or leave home.

Holiday recalls

• Home Depot recalls 64,000 holiday figurines
• Reeves International recalls 36,000 holiday ornaments

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. 

12 toy shopping tips for a safer holiday

If you are left feeling a bit scared and confused shopping for children this holiday season, you are not alone. So far this year there have been tens of millions of toys recalled due to lead paint, small magnets, or toxic chemicals.   

Consumers Union has 12 shopping tips that will help families enjoy a safe and merry holiday:    

1. Do not buy metal jewelry — especially cheap metal jewelry — for young children.  About 20 percent of children’s metal jewelry has high levels of lead lurking beneath the surface coating.  A child who mouths or accidentally swallows a piece of lead-laden jewelry can suffer lead poisoning.
2. You can test toys for lead by using a home lead test kit.  Although they are not always accurate, a positive test result indicates a high likelihood that the product you’re testing has lead.  Consumer Reports recommends the Lead Check and the Lead Inspector, which performed best in our tests.
3. Be careful of toys with magnets.  Many toys have small magnets that can fall out and, if swallowed, can cause serious health problems that are hard to diagnose.  Don’t buy toys with magnetic parts that are small enough to be swallowed. 
4. If you find loose, small magnets anywhere around the house, track down the source.  Immediately take the product and any of its other magnetic components away from your child and contact the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.
5. Avoid no-name products and be careful of toys purchased at dollar stores, street fairs, vending machines, thrift stores, or yard sales.
6. When purchasing arts and crafts materials, stay away from permanent paints and markers. Look for water-based paints and glues.  For a child under three years old, purchase age-appropriate material that your child can’t swallow rather than small foam pieces or small pom-pom balls.
7. Look for the age grading on toy packages and purchase only age-appropriate toys for your child.  The age grading not only relates to play value but also to safety.
8. Some toys may be inappropriate for your toddlers and babies.  Toys labeled for children 3 and over may have small parts that can be a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.  If you have children under 3 don’t buy a toy with this warning label.
9. Do your own safety check to determine if your child’s toys are choking hazards for young children.  If his or her toy fits through a toilet-paper tube, it is a potential choking hazard. The government-approved test for choking hazards is done with a smaller tube. The more stringent toilet-paper tube test helps you keep questionable toys out of your child’s hands and mouth.
10. Beware of toys that can be broken into smaller pieces such as chalk, crayons, or caps from markers.  They can pose choking hazards to toddlers and babies.
11. Small balls, tricycles, and balloons are the leading causes of death attributed to toys.  Balls smaller than 1-3/4 inches in diameter can pose a choking hazard to young children.  Balloons were associated with more than 110 deaths since 1973.  Children can suffocate while trying to blow up a balloon or while chewing on or sucking a balloon.
12. Before you shop, check recent toy recalls at www.recalls.gov and at www.notinmycart.org. You can also sign up for automatic recall notifications at www.cpsc.gov.

Lead-painted Halloween teeth among today's recalls

Sets of Halloween "ugly" teeth painted with lead paint are among recalls made today by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Also recalled were "Elite Operations" military-style action figures and accessories sold at Toys 'R' Us, "Galaxy Warriors" sold at Family Dollar stores and a "Ribbit" board game in which the game pieces are painted with lead. Of these, the recall of 43,000 sets of lead-painted teeth is most worrisome because ingesting lead has been linked to developmental and learning disorders. Of course, these lead-tainted products should be immediately taken away from children. Details of the recalls follow. For refund information, click on the title link.

“Ugly Teeth” party favors
How many: 43,000
Description: The fake Halloween teeth are painted white, black and orange with brown gums. They were sold as party favors in packages of eight. “Ugly Teeth,” “Amscan,” “Party Favors,” “Value Pack Party Favors,” UPC 0-48419-65002-7 and UPC 0-48419-61663-4 are printed on the packaging.
Reason: The surface paint on the teeth contains excessive levels of lead.
Sold by: Various retailers nationwide from January 2006 through October 2007 for about $2.
Made in: China
Importer: Amscan Inc., of Elmsford, N.Y.
Contact: Amscan Inc. at (800) 335-7585 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.amscan.com.

Elite Operations action figures
How many: 16,000
Description: Four military-style Elite Operations toys, including Super Rigs (#1004), Command Patrol Center (#1020), Barracuda Helicopter (#1023), and a three-pack of 8-inch figures (#1024). The product number is located on the toy’s packaging.
Reason: Surface coatings on the toys contain excessive levels of lead.
Sold by: Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and toysrus.com from July 2007 through October 2007 for between $10 and $30.
Made by: Toy World Group Ltd/Chun Tat Toys Factory Limited, of Guangdong, China.
Importer/Retailer: Toys “R” Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.
Contact: Toys “R” Us at (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.toysrus.com.

Galaxy Warriors action figures
How many: 380,000
Description: The posable spaceman figures are about 4½-inches tall and come with two accessories. They were sold in various colors including yellow, gray, silver, blue, green, gold, black, and red.
Reason: Surface paints on the recalled toys contain excessive levels of lead.
Sold by: Family Dollar Stores nationwide from January 2006 through October 2007 for about $1.
Made in: China
Distributor: Henry Gordy International Inc., of Plainfield, N.J.
Contact: Henry Gordy International toll-free at (888) 790-2700 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Ribbit board games
How many: 1,500
Description: SimplyFun Ribbit board games. The games are sold with five frog-shaped wooden pieces that act as pawns for movement. The wooden pieces are blue, red, green, yellow and lavender.
Reason: Surface paint on the five wooden pieces contain excess levels of lead.
Sold by: SimplyFun independent consultants nationwide from March 2007 through October 2007 for about $18.
Made in: China
Importer/Distributor: SimplyFun LLC, of Bellevue, Wash.
Contact: SimplyFun toll-free at (877) 557-7767 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.simplyfun.com.

Recall roundup: Diego, jewelry, Halloween pails and more

In what has become almost a weekly event, the Consumer Product Safety Commission today recalled a variety of children's toys, jewelry and holiday products because they contain lead. Among the recalls are 38,000 toy boats by Fisher-Price featuring the popular cartoon character Diego in the driver's seat. Also recalled were 308,000 pieces of children's jewelry, 142,000 Halloween pails for trick-or-treating, 80,000 bobble-head cake decorations and a third recall of 97,000 children's gardening tools that expanded two recalls made this summer. The recalled items should be taken away from children immediately. Here are the details. Click on the title links for photos and refund information.

Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boats
How many: 38,000
Description: An orange and yellow boat that squirts water. Cartoon character Diego is in the driver’s seat. “Fisher Price,” product number K3413, and a date code between 137-7HF and 223-7HF are marked on the toys.
Reason: Surface paints contain excessive levels of lead.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from June 2007 through October 2007 for about $15.
Made in: China
Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.
Contact: Fisher-Price at (888) 299-0579 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Beary Cute, Expressions, and Sassy & Chic Children’s Metal Jewelry
How many: 198,000
Description: Beary Cute, Expressions, and Sassy & Chic children’s jewelry (necklaces, bracelets and earrings) with items number 855589, 873091, 873097, or 903950. The item number can be found on the reverse of the packaging.
Reason: The jewelry contains high levels of lead.
Sold at: Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks and Only $1 stores nationwide from December 2005 through July 2007 for $1.
Made in: China
Importer: Greenbrier International, Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.
Contact: Dollar Tree Stores Inc. at (800) 876- 8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dollartree.com

WeGlow Children’s Metal Jewelry
How many: 110,000
Description:  WeGlow children’s flashing rings. The character-themed rings were sold in Shrek the Third and Spiderman 3 designs. The rings have item number 920422 printed on back of the packaging.
Reason: The jewelry contains high levels of lead.
Sold at: Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks and Only $1 stores nationwide from December 2005 through August 2007 for $1.
Made in: China
Importer: WeGlow International, of Virginia Beach, Va.
Contact: WeGlow toll-free at (866) 934- 5692 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.weglow.com.

Purple Halloween Pails with Witch Decorations
How many: 142,000
Description: Purple Halloween pails with a picture of a witch figure silhouetted against a green moon. The pail measures about 6 1/2 inches high. “Distributed by Family Dollar, Inc,” SKU number 1033953, and UPC number 017845000591 are printed on a label on the pail. Orange Halloween pails with black jack-o-lantern decorations are not included in this recall.
Reason: The green paint on the pails contains excessive levels of lead.
Sold at: Family Dollar stores nationwide from August 2007 through October 2007 for about $1.
Made in: China
Importer: Family Dollar Stores, of Charlotte, N.C.
Contact: Family Dollar at (800) 547-0359 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.familydollar.com.

Football Bobble Head Cake Decorations
How many: 80,000
Description: Plastic miniature football bobble heads with green bases only, which were sold for placement on a cake. The bobble heads represented at least 15 major teams in the NFL.
Reason: Surface paint on the body of the bobble head contains lead
Sold at: Bakeries and ice cream stores nationwide from January 2006 through October 2007 with the purchase of a cake or ice cream.
Made in: China
Manufacturer: DecoPac Inc., of Anoka, Minn.
Contact: DecoPac Product Safety at (800) 536-6558 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.decopacproductsafety.com.

Children’s Toy Gardening Tools
Earlier recalls: September and August.
How many: 97,000
Description: This recall involves the Robbie Ducky children’s leaf rake, hoe, broom and spade from the “Robbie Ducky Garden Collection,” which is printed on a tag attached to the handle. The tools measure between 27 and 29 inches long.
Reason: Surface paint on the handle of the toy gardening tools can contain excessive levels of lead paint.
Sold at: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores nationwide from January 2007 through September 2007 for about $7.
Made in: China
Importer: Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio.
Contact: Jo-Ann Stores Inc. toll-free at (888) 739-4120 ext. 7 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at guest.services@jo-annstores.com or visit the firm’s Web site at www.joann.com.

Add recalls to the list of Halloween hazards

Halloween always prompts a host of safety warnings. You’ve heard many of them before: Make sure costumes can be seen in the dark; be careful when placing candles and, of course, beware of tainted candy. This year, we’re sad to say, we’ve got one more caution to add to the list: Check out your costumes and accessories,  candy containers and decorations to make sure they have not been recalled because they contain excessive levels of lead.

Already, in the weeks before the holiday, a Halloween product has been caught up in the onslaught of lead recalls. Last week, the agency recalled a Frankenstein cup because its paint contained excessive amounts of lead. We won't be surprised if there are more recalls before trick or treating time.

In fact, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio had 16 Halloween products tested for lead by Ohio's Ashland University. The results: three products, including the Frankenstein cup, significantly exceeded the CPSC's standard for lead. The other two products--a witch candy bucket and a skull candy bucket--have not yet been recalled. UPDATE: 55,000 skull pails were recalled on Oct. 17. The pails, containing a mixture of candy, were sold at retail stores nationwide beginning in September for two dollars.

So as you get ready to carve your pumpkin and buy treats for the neighborhood kids, take the time to sign up to for recall product alerts at the CPSC's web site. And while you’re at it, check your holiday stash from last year to make sure it doesn’t include previously recalled items such as the vinyl Creepy Cape costume sold by Family Dollar (a fire hazard) or the Mr. Potato Head pumpkin decorating kits sold by Target (a choking hazard because the kits contained small parts).

If you spot any of these items on store shelves, make sure you notify the store manager as well as the CPSC.

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.

Hop on these tips for a safer Easter egg hunt

While the chokable toys hidden within Kinder Surprise eggs may be one of the more obvious safety risks at this time of year, a bigger issue for many people may be the safe handling of real eggs. After all, unlike the chocolate Kinder eggs, real eggs are perfectly legal in the U.S., and are available in stores nationwide. In fact, over a billion eggs will be hunted on lawns around the country this season (according to the bunnies at Hallmark), making egg safety a major issue. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be, if you follow a few simple rules. Here are some tips for safe Easter egg coloring, hunting and eating, from the Food and Drug Administration:

• To prevent the spread of dirt and germs, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling eggs at every preparation step, including cooking, cooling, dyeing, and hiding. 
• Keep hard-cooked Easter eggs refrigerated until just before the hunt. Cold temperatures keep most harmful bacteria from multiplying. 
• Hide eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets, and other potential sources of bacteria. 
• After the hunt, discard eggs that are cracked or dirty. Bacteria can enter eggs through cracks in the shell. 
• Rinse uncracked eggs, then place them back in the refrigerator until it's time to eat them. 
• Discard eggs or food left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. On a hot day (90°F or higher), reduce this time to one hour.

Previously: Candy racks may contain an unwelcome "Surprise"

Spring forward with a safety check

Daylight saving time starts three weeks early this year (the official start time is Sunday, March 11th at 2 a.m.). But that doesn't mean you should be caught by surprise. 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 the tasks outlined below. They'll enhance safety for you and your family year-round.

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 5 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 exclusive interactive on smoke alarms for more information. (The CO report and Ratings are available to subscribers).

Reset 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 this year, 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, DVDs 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.

Drive safely. Remember, an extra hour of light in the evening means dawn will break an hour later as well. So, if you're an early riser, be extra alert for children and animals.

Inspect vehicle lights. Inspect the entire lighting system in your car to ensure that all lights are working properly. Clean headlights and make sure they are correctly aligned according to the owner's manual.

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.

Check storage areas for hazardous materials. Properly dispose of any materials that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Make sure those you keep are out of the reach of kids or pets.

You can find some more tips on preparing for daylight saving time here.

Candy racks may contain an unwelcome "Surprise"

As merchants remove the last remnants of leftover Valentine's Day candy from their shelves and replace it with Easter treats, shoppers should be aware that there may be a hazardous, illegal product mixed in with the marshmallow bunnies and creme-filled eggs. Kinder Surprise eggs, made by Italy's Ferrero Group, are hollow chocolate eggs containing "surprise" toys. The eggs are popular worldwide; there's even a thriving collectors' market for some of the rarer toys. However, Surprise Eggs have been banned in the United States since 1997, when the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that the toys could pose a choking hazard to children under 3. (That same year, Nestle voluntarily withdrew a similar product, Nestle Magic.) Kinder Surprise also falls afoul of a provision in the 1938 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits embedding "nonnutritive items" in confections.

Despite the ban, which is fully honored by Ferrero's U.S. arm, Surprise Eggs are widely available here, with many imported by companies specializing in foods from countries where the product is available legally. The eggs pictured above, for example, come from Poland, and were purchased for $1.59 each in a suburban New York gourmet food store. A Consumers Union staffer recently confirmed they were available in a German specialty store in the Washington, D.C. area. They are also widely available along the U.S.-Canadian border, since they're legal in Canada. Surprise Eggs are also easily purchased on the Internet, from ethnic importers, candy merchants, and, until recently, even from Amazon.com, which offered Surprise Eggs sold by a Greek importer through its Marketplace program (the products were sold and shipped by the importer, but Amazon provided the e-commerce infrastructure, and they showed up as part of a search on Amazon.com).

What to do: If you see Surprise Eggs on sale at a local or online store, you can notify the CPSC. (The agency contacts vendors and warns them that Surprise Eggs are illegal, though the sheer number of merchants carrying them means that some will inevitably slip through the cracks.) And if you really want to surprise your kids this Easter, you can consider getting them candy and toys separately. Mixing the two, especially when the toy is embedded inside the candy as it is with the Surprise Egg, sends a mixed message about what is and isn't edible, and puts younger children at risk.

Have a happy - and safe - new year!

While staying safe on the road must be a high priority for New Year's Eve revelers, it's certainly not the only safety issue that you may confront as you ring in 2007. However, with a little care and foresight, you can protect yourself from some of the more common New Year's risks. Follow the tips below, and your biggest challenge on New Year's Eve may be remembering all the words to "Auld Lang Syne."

Champagne Corks - You can avoid eye injuries — and broken windows — if you follow the advice of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and remember the number 45. That is, you should chill your champagne to at least 45°F, as this will make the cork less likely to pop out unexpectedly, and you should hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pointing it away from yourself and others. Then, after removing the wire hood, place a towel over the top of the bottle and grasp the cork. With the bottle in one hand, slowly twist the cork, applying gentle upward pressure. When you feel the cork about to pop out, reverse pressure to a slight downward tilt. If all goes well, you'll have a cork in one hand, a full bottle in the other, and no injuries in sight.

Fireworks - When it comes to explosives, follow the same rules on New Year's Eve that you would any other time of the year: Leave it to the experts. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a public exhibition from a safe distance. If you feel you must light your own fireworks, make sure to follow local laws (several states, including New York and New Jersey have a total ban on private use of fireworks), check for recalls and never allow children to handle or light any kind of fireworks — including sparklers. You can find some more tips on fireworks safety here.

Crowds - On New Year's Eve 1993, 21 people were trampled to death as a celebration on cramped, rain-soaked streets in Hong Kong turned into a melee. While such incidents aren't the norm, you can avoid injuries by following the instructions of local officials and avoiding alcohol (some popular destinations, including New York's Times Square, ban alcohol on New Year's Eve). Also, remember that there's safety in numbers. When going to a large public event, plan to travel with friends and stick with them. You should also check weather forecasts and dress accordingly — and consider staying away if conditions are poor. While government officials have periodically issued warnings about terrorism threats related to New Year's Eve, they expect no such issues this year. Officials "don't see a particular threat" related to New Year's Eve, said White House homeland security advisor Frances Fragos Townsend. You can find some more safety tips from the Mayor of London (a city that attracts over 200,000 people to its annual New Year's Eve bash) here.

Wrap rage, heavy metals and other dangers under the tree

By now, we assume you've (safely) hung all of your lights, after first checking to make sure none of them were subject to a recall. And if you're lighting candles as part of your holiday celebration, you're doing so safely. But if you really want a safe and happy holiday, there's one more thing you need to address: unwrapping the presents. That's right, those festive, carefully wrapped gifts under the tree harbor hidden dangers that you should take into account before ripping them open (and, no, we're not talking about paper cuts). 

First up is the paper itself. We know that a lot of people have a tradition of tossing gift wrap into their fireplace as gifts are unwrapped. Avoid the temptation. Why? Fires started with wrapping paper burn rapidly, intensely and can create a bigger fire. That, in turn, can create a big problem, especially if the chimney is lined with creosote, which is combustible, the National Association of State Fire Marshals cautions. If  that’s not enough reason,consider this: Inks used in wrapping may contain heavy-metal compounds and metallic materials. (How do you think those bright colors get there?)  Even a small amount of these materials can pose risks when released into the air when the paper is burned, one reason green-minded consumers opt for wrapping paper made with recycled paper and soy-based inks (though not all such ink is identified). 

Once you've unwrapped those presents, you may be faced with another safety concern: Getting the gift out of the box. As outlined in CR's Oyster Awards, many manufacturers have migrated from traditional easy-to-open cardboard boxes to hard plastic "clamshells." These often require tools such as knives or scissors to open, exposing consumers to two risks: hand injuries from the sharp implements used to open the case, and additional cuts and bruises from the sharp edges that are often exposed once the package is sliced open (not to mention clamshell-induced "wrap rage" ). As part of the next edition of the Oyster Awards, we'll be testing some tools designed specifically to open clamshells. An additional risk comes from the tightly wound wires, rubber bands and strapping tape used to keep toys in position within packages. These can all be choking or hand-injury risks, especially to younger children, and toys packaged this way should only be opened by an adult. Our advice: If the presents aren't already under the tree, unbox them, put aside the troublesome packaging materials, and repack them loosely so the kids can still have fun taking them out of the box (save all packing materials in case the gift needs to be returned). Otherwise, be prepared with your toolbox on Christmas morning. 

Previously: 

• Holiday merriment beset by recalls and falls 
• Stay safe while hanging holiday lights 
• Holiday lights: the movie 
• Tips for safe ladder use 
• Turkey tips for Thanksgiving and beyond 
• Don't blow it: Tips for candle safety 
• Don't be a turkey: Gas fryers are unsafe

Holiday merriment beset by recalls and falls

With 11 days to go until Christmas, the annual decorating season is proving to be problematic, even tragic. Around the country, there have been a number of reported injuries -- and even deaths -- from holiday decorating. In California, a 59-year-old retiree died from injuries sustained when he fell off a ladder (he was probably about nine feet off the ground) as he was getting ready to string lights on his home. In Texas, two people were paralyzed while putting up lights; another died. And in Tennessee, the first winner of the "Nashville Star" reality show, Buddy Jewell, was forced to back out of a country music tour after he broke his wrist when he fell from a ladder while stringing lights.

We’ve said it before; we’ll say it again: Hanging holiday lights can be hazardous to your health. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, about 5,800 people -- or two to three every hour -- were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fall-related injuries sustained while decorating during each of the 2000, 2001 and 2002 holiday seasons. So be careful -- and follow our tips for using ladders safely and properly.

But it’s not just ladder safety that’s cause for concern this season. Today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing a recall of 2.3 million sets of Christmas lights sold by the Oklahoma-based importer Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., a chain with 381 stores in 30 states across the country. There are 26 models involved, including mini lights, net lights and icicle lights. The lights pose an electric shock and fire hazard because they have undersized wires that can separate from the plugs and/or light sockets. The CPSC said it is aware of two incidents -- one where a consumer was shocked, another where the wire melted -- but no serious injuries. CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese said consumers should check to see if they have these lights, which were sold between June through December this year (a full list of affected lights is available from the CPSC; you can reach Hobby Lobby at 800-326-7931 or online at www.hobbylobby.com). Our advice: Return them for an exchange or refund -- even if it means stripping your tree (don't worry; the kids will be perfectly happy to help you decorate it all over again). 

Previously:

• Stay safe while hanging holiday lights
• Holiday lights: the movie
• Tips for safe ladder use

Holiday lights: The movie

If you haven't bought your holiday lights yet -- or even if you have -- there's still time to get it right. Follow the tips in this video, along with those in our recent post on staying safe while hanging your lights.

Stay safe while hanging holiday lights

With the holiday season now upon us, chances are good that you’ll be participating in the traditional hanging of the lights and other decorations to put your home in the holiday spirit. Hauling out the ladder and hanging lights can be a tedious and surprisingly hazardous ritual. Ladder-related injuries account for about 150 deaths and send some 180,000 people to the emergency room each year, many serious enough to require hospitalization.

The hazards associated with conventional ladders are as old as the holidays themselves, and for the most part, ladder designs have done little over the years to reduce the risks. Our recent tests of newer types, like the articulating and telescoping models found some new problems serious enough for us to judge several models Not Acceptable. Risks included crushing hazards to hands and fingers, ladder feet that slid out during testing, and injury risks when we tried to use some articulating models fully extended. We also found three conventional stepladders that bent under weights that simulated the stresses of climbing and weight-shifting. More details and tips for how to use a ladder safely are available here.

If all this makes you feel like leaving your lights up all year round, think again. Most outdoor holiday lights are only designed for 90 days of use. The wiring and plastics break down over time and can pose fire and electrical shock hazards. Keep a record of when you purchased your lights and don’t use them beyond their 90-day life. Plus, don’t connect more than three strings of lights together; that can cause an electrical overload. Look for authentic safety certification marks from either UL, CSA, or ETL that indicate that the product meets recognized safety standards Don’t overload extension cords. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends not attaching more than three standard-size light sets to one extension cord. Finally, after you handle your light sets, make sure you wash your hands well before munching on holiday cookies and other food. In many cases, electrical cords contain lead, the same harmful metal that’s been banned from paint and gasoline. It’s long been used to keep the plastic from breaking down and our tests found that it can rub off on your hands. Though the levels aren’t likely to be enough to cause acute lead poisoning, especially in adults, it’s a good idea to limit your exposure as much as possible. New regulations in California and the European Union are being developed that will eventually limit the use of lead in plastic used to make electrical cords and holiday lights.

Turkey tips for Thanksgiving and beyond

Just as predictable as the Christmas decorations that go up just after Halloween, are the food-safety tips that are issued right before Thanksgiving. That’s what we are doing here -- although the suggestions we're about to give are not the same old recommendations you've heard before. That's because the federal government  has updated some of its safety tips for preparing the holiday feast  (and by "holiday," we include more than just Thanksgiving; one major turkey producer claims that 50 percent of Americans eat turkey for Christmas).

First, the latest dietary guidelines now make it clear that turkeys should not be washed before they are put in the oven. In fact, food-safety experts say you shouldn't wash any raw meat or poultry. While some consumers may think that washing helps remove bacteria from the meat and poultry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it can actually spread bacteria to other foods and utensils and surfaces. Of course, you should use hot soapy water to wash your hands after handling raw meat or poultry (or its packaging). Use the same for counter tops and sinks, or even sanitize them with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach for every gallon of water.

The USDA has also changed its advice for the cooked temperature for all poultry products. Previously the agency recommended different temperatures for various parts of the bird, such as breasts and thighs. Today, however, the USDA says a turkey is safe when all of it is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Chefs should check three points to make sure the entire turkey is cooked to at least 165 degrees: the wing joint, the thigh joint and the thickest part of the breast. And if there's stuffing in the turkey, its temperature -- measured at its center -- should also be 165 degrees. But Diane Van, the manager of USDA's meat and poultry hotline, says "the safest way to cook stuffing is a separate container." The best way to measure the temperature is food thermometer. You should use one even if your turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator.

Which prompts us to ask you about your experience with pop-up thermometers. How accurate are they and how well do they work? We’d like to hear from you.

For more food-safety tips, visit these Web sites:

USDA Offers Tips on Safe And Easy Thanksgiving Cooking
Let's Talk Turkey - A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey (USDA)
Washing Food: Does it promote food safety? (USDA, PDF)
Safe cooking of poultry products (USDA, PDF)
And remember, the USDA meat and poultry hotline (1-888-674-6854) is open from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving for your last-minute questions.

Happy dining!

Don't blow it: Tips for candle safety

Americans must really be taking that song “One Little Candle” literally. You know the one: “If everyone lit just one little candle…” The National Candle Association estimates that candles are now used in seven out of every 10 U.S. households, with candle sales now average $2 billion a year.

Of course, the widespread popularity of candles also means candle fires -- too many of them, in our opinion. Since 1990, there has been a 300 percent increase in such fires in the U.S. And the results can be tragic: Between 2002 and 2004, candles caused an estimated 23,600 residential fires, resulting in approximately 1,525 injuries and 165 deaths.

Most candle fires stem from human error and negligence.  More than half such fires are caused by candles coming into contact with combustible materials, and twenty percent occur because candles have been left. One in eight candle fires started when the user fell asleep. Then there are cases where there are problems with the candles themselves. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued 70 recalls of candles or products including candles in the past decade. The problems: the candle or its holder posed an undue fire hazard, such as excessive flame height, flammable decorations, excess wax pooling and flammable candleholders.  

The industry has voluntarily taken steps to reduce the incidence of candle fires, including issuing warning labels on candle packages, setting safety standards for both candles and the glass containers used to hold candles. However, the CPSC recently urged the industry to be more proactive in developing safety standards for candleholders to reduce their flammability.

It’s no surprise that the incidence of candle fires rises as winter progresses (about a fourth of all candle fires occur in December and January). So follow these tips as you light that one little candle:

• Place candles upright in a stable holder on a heat-resistant surface such as glass or ceramic tile.
• Put votive and scented candles are in solid metal or glass holders as they liquefy to release fragrance. 
• Set burning candles at least 4 inches a part and at least 3 feet below any surface above them, such as a cabinet.
• Make sure candles are completely out and not still smoldering before leaving the room or going to bed for the night.
• Don't place spent matches in the candle.  They can become a secondary ignition source. 
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use.  
• Also be aware that a lighted candle can cause indoor air pollution. 

    More details and tips from Consumer Reports are available here.

Don't be a turkey: Gas fryers are unsafe

 

Many cooks -- including Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart -- have touted propane-powered turkey fryers as one of the best ways to cook the traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

But Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, joins other safety organizations in sounding the alarm about fire and burn risks that can spoil a turkey dinner. 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 product sold in the U.S.
    Here’s a rundown of the dangers:

• Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too, may result in an extensive fire.
• With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

UL consumer affairs manager John Drengenberg said that although there have been improvements in gas fryers over the past few years -- some now come with stronger steel stands to make them sturdier -- UL still doesn’t believe they are safe enough to be certified. "The main problem is you don’t have a regulating control" to keep the oil at a set temperature, Drengenberg said. "If you turn it on, nothing will stop it from going to 600 degrees, which is the flashpoint of oil," when it will start to burn.

One exception is the Turk N' Surf, an electric fryer that includes a safety shut-off and UL-listed adjustable thermostat. We tested the Turk N' Surf (pictured above) and found it to be a safer alternative to propane fryers -- and also determined that the deep-fried turkey it produced was very moist, juicy and tender. And unlike gas fryers, the Turk N' Surf is designed to be used indoors.

If already own a propane fryer, be sure to follow these safety tips from UL:

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Never use a turkey fryer on a wooden deck or in a garage.
• Make sure the fryer is used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer -- even after you've turned it off. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, which could cause a fire or even an explosion (the National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator).
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 911 for help.

Creepy Capes creepier than you thought

Boo! On Tuesday, October 31^st – Halloween, for those of you living in a bat cave – the CPSC announced the recall of 120,000 “Creepy Cape” costumes. By the time this costume recall was announced, most trick-or-treaters were probably too busy getting ready for their rounds to see the announcement or to get another outfit. It turns out that the "Creepy Cape," made from vinyl plastic and sold in Family Dollar Stores from August 2005 through October 2006, is mislabeled as Flame Retardant and could pose a fire and burn hazard to kids wearing it. The 40-inch cape, which has a stand-up collar, was sold in packaging featuring a green-skinned vampire, with a sticker that reads “FLAME RETARDANT PVC” and “MADE IN CHINA.” The words “CREEPY CAPE,” “Ages 6 To 60,” and “NO. 53600," are also on the label. More information is available from the CPSC Web site. We urge consumers to return these items for a full refund and not keep them around for another Halloween season.

Though "better late than never" is a phrase that definitely applies to safety recalls, we can't help wondering how such a serious safety hazard could have gone unnoticed or been issued so late in the Halloween season. Because they can't test flammability themselves, consumers rely heavily on manufacturers to use the flame-retardant label appropriately and only use it on products that have passed the test. Let's hope that manufacturers ramp up their testing and the CPSC increases oversight of fire hazards, particularly as we move into the holiday season, when lights and candles are popular and the fire threat increases.

Time to fall back

Halloween's upon us, and that means more than last-minute dashes to the local party store and supermarket to pick up a costume and treats for neighborhood kids. The holiday also signals the end of daylight saving time (DST), when you set back your clocks. This year, DST will end as usual at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday of the month (Oct. 29), when you should turn back the clocks 1 hour.

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 the tasks outlined below. They'll enhance safety for you and your family year-round.

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 5 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 exclusive interactive on smoke alarms for more information. (The CO report and Ratings are available to subscribers).

• Reset 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; check the owner's manual to determine which of yours do. You'll need to reset those that don't have a chip. To facilitate the process, make a list of all devices that you need to reset manually: clocks, TVs, DVDs players/VCRs, fax machines, cameras, and thermostats. (It's especially important to reprogram your thermostat so that the heat in your home doesn't switch on earlier than you intend.) Reset everything on the list in one session so that no appliance or electronic is forgotten.
• Drive safely. As it gets darker earlier, be extra alert for children and animals.
• Inspect vehicle lights. Inspect the entire lighting system in your car to ensure that all lights are working properly. Clean headlights and make sure they are correctly aligned according to the owner's manual.
• 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.
• Check storage areas for hazardous materials. Properly dispose of any materials that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Make sure those you keep are out of the reach of kids or pets.

You can find some more tips on preparing for daylight saving time -- along with some information about what will happen next year when DST is extended by four extra weeks -- here.