Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for March 16th, 2007. I’m Patty Davis.

This week, CPSC announced three different recalls of children’s necklaces that contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children, and can cause adverse health effects. There have not been any reports of incidents or injury related to these recalls.

Claire’s Boutiques Inc., recalled about 58,000 children’s necklaces that have metal pendants shaped as monkeys, dolphins, and frogs holding colored marbles, a fleur de lis painted in various colors, a silver and black fairy, silver-colored letters that read “BFF” with rhinestones, and tiny handcuffs painted in various colors. The pendants hang from silver-colored chains. They were sold exclusively at Claire’s retail stores nationwide from December 2005 through December 2006 for between $5 and $11.

Rhode Island Novelty recalled about 47,000 Children’s Mood Necklaces that have multi-colored pendants including hearts, moons, dolphins, dragonflies, stars and butterflies that hang from a black cord. They were sold at Carnivals, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, and small discount stores nationwide, and through Rhode Island Novelty’s Web site from August 2005 through December 2006 for about $1.

Also, United Imports Inc. is recalling about 3,600 Children’s Mood Necklaces that are multi-colored pendants in various shapes, including hearts, crosses, moons, stars, dolphins and shamrocks, that hang from a black cord. They were sold exclusively at the Accessories Palace in Lake Worth, Fla., and the Accessories Palace Web site from September 2006 through February 2007 for about $1.

Take this jewelry away from children immediately and contact the firm for a refund or replacement product. Go to www.cpsc.gov for more information.

Also this week, Toys “R” Us Recalled about 128,000 “Elite Operations” Toy Sets. These toys contain high levels of lead in the paint. In addition, the toys have sharp points, posing a laceration hazard. No injuries or incidents have been reported.

This recall involves three styles of “Elite Operations” brand toy sets. The military-style play sets contain light and sound vehicles, action figures and accessories. Models included in this recall are: Super Rigs Transport Vehicle, Command Patrol Center and Troop Carrier. Toy sets sold prior to January 2006 are not included in this recall. No other “Elite Operations” brand toys are affected by this recall.

Consumers should immediately take the toys away from children and return the product to the nearest Toys “R” Us store for full credit. For additional information, contact Toys “R” Us at (800) TOYSRUS or visit the firm’s Web site at www.toysrus.com.

Finally this week, CPSC and the Poison Prevention Week Council are kicking off National Poison Prevention Week, which begins on Sunday, March 18th. Its purpose is to educate and inform consumers of the dangers associated with unintentional poisonings.

Every day thousands of new parents assume the responsibility of caring for and protecting a child. Many of these first-time caregivers are unaware of the dangers of unintentional poisonings often related to medicines and household products commonly found in the home,.

From 2002 through 2004, about 36 children younger than 5 died each year as a result of ingesting poisonous substances found in and around the home. In 2005 about 91,000 young children visited hospital emergency rooms and more than one million calls were placed to poison control centers as a result of unintentional poisoning.

To prevent poisoning incidents, CPSC recommends the following safety steps:

1. Keep all household chemicals and medicines locked up, out of sight and out of reach.

2. Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use. Some products also come in child-resistant blister cards, which avoid the need to re-secure.

3. Call 800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning. Have that number posted on the refrigerator or close to phone so you can find it quickly.

4. Avoid taking medicine in front of children. Refer to medicine as "medicine," not "candy."

For more safety tips and to request poison prevention publications, visit www.poisonprevention.org.

For complete information on all CPSC recalls and safety news, go to our Web site at www.cpsc.gov. -- And until next time, stay safe.

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