Short stuff: Recall roundup
Mattel, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, voluntarily recalled 4.4 million Polly Pocket playsets due to small magnets that can fall out and be ingested. When more than one is swallowed, they can attract, causing intestinal blockage and perforation, infection and potentially fatal injuries. There have been 170 reports of magnets coming out of the Polly Pocket toys and three serious injuries.
Other recent recalls include:
“Cars” toy chests sold at Toys"R” Us are recalled because the red paint on the partition panels of the toy box contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children.
Target recalled"Play Wonder” puzzle tables because the handles on the puzzle pieces can come off, possibly choking young children.
Children’s mood necklaces and Diva necklaces by Really Useful Products Inc. are being recalled for containing high levels of lead.
Antique white furniture by The Land of Nod exceeds lead levels allowed by the federal ban on lead-containing paint. The ban is designed to protect children who might ingest paint chips or peelings.
Woodles activity toys by Gund Inc. can choke children because the wooden rings on the stuffed toy can break.
Remote-control Helix Micro Helicopter toys are unsafe to use because the power supply controller can overheat, which can potentially cause burns.
Children’s parka jackets by Dollar Days International have a drawstring through the hood, which can strangle children.
Two car seats have recently been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for not meeting federal standards. They are the various models of Dorel Juvenile Group USA Alpha Elite and Eddie Bauer brand rear-facing Comfort infant car seats and Britax Boulevard child carrier Model #E9L57.
For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Sarah Chusid, program associateKids In Danger