Nearly everyone is familiar with General Motors’ recalls and we often find out about substantial recalls like the August 2014 voluntary recall of about 2.2 million bean bag chairs due to fatalities.
In fact, hazardous products, including for children, are sometimes recalled in much smaller quantities that don’t make the news.
This week, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in conjunction with global retailer IKEA, recalled the GUNGGUNG Children’s Swing due to fall hazard. “The suspension fittings can break causing a child to fall from the swing, posing a risk of serious injury.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about 2,000 were sold in the United States and 300 in Canada. No injuries have been reported in the United States, but there have been four reports worldwide of the suspension fitting breaking in use. In one incident, a child fell and sustained a fractured leg.
Similarly, last week, United Colors of Benetton recalled about 93 boys jackets sold in the United States because the waist drawstring poses an entanglement hazard. No injuries have been reported, but consumers are advised to immediately remove the drawstrings from the garment to eliminate the hazard or contact Benetton for a full refund.
What can you do to be safer?
To find out if you’re using recalled products, browse and search The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/
Browse or search CSPC Product Safety Reports by category here: http://www.saferproducts.gov/Search/default.aspx
Or search the GlobalRecalls portal, which brings together information on recalls being issued around the world, here: http://globalrecalls.oecd.org/
In 2012 alone, the CSPC reports an estimated 265,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. An estimated 72% happened to children younger than 15 years of age, 69% occurred in children 12 years of age or younger, while 34% happened to children younger than five years of age.
Additionally, in 2012, the CSPC reports an estimated 77,900 nursery product-related injuries among children younger than five years old treated in U.S. hospitals. “Nursery products” include cribs, strollers, high chairs and infant carriers. As in previous years, falls were the leading cause of all nursery product-related injuries.
Being aware of hazardous, recalled products in your home can help.
Sources
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Two-Deaths-Reported-with-Ace-Bayou-Bean-Bag-Chairs/
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/IKEA-Recalls-Childrens-Swing/
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Benetton-Recalls-United-Colors-of-Benetton-Boys-Jackets/
http://www.cpsc.gov/Global/Research-and-Statistics/Injury-Statistics/Toys/ToyReport2012.pdf
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