Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for June 1st, 2007. I’m Patty Davis.

As hurricane season blows in, consumers need to be aware of the many dangers associated with severe weather. CPSC urges consumers to protect themselves and their families not only during, but after the storm.

In 2005, CPSC received reports of at least 64 people who died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning associated with portable generators.

Portable gas generators, often used by consumers to restore power to their homes and businesses in the aftermath of a storm, produce high levels of odorless, poisonous CO. CPSC warns consumers that generators should be used outdoors only, far from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.

Porter Novelli “Healthstyles” surveys* of more than 10,000 adults found dangerous misconceptions about generator safety. The surveys found that most respondents (62 percent) believe it is safe to run a generator in a garage as long as the garage door is open. Many (47 percent) also believed it was safe to run a generator in a basement as long as a window is open. But both scenarios have caused deaths.

Even in a garage with the door open, CO can accumulate rapidly and seep into the home, overpowering sleeping occupants. CPSC warns consumers never to use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even with ventilation. CPSC estimates the amount of CO produced by just one generator is equal to the CO produced by hundreds of idling cars.

CPSC has taken major steps to alert and safeguard consumers who use portable generators. CPSC mandated that all generators manufactured or imported on or after May 14, 2007, bear a prominent DANGER label to warn consumers about CO and encourage safe use.

CPSC is also pursuing rulemaking to develop performance requirements or other strategies to lower the risk of CO poisoning associated with generators.

We also have posted a new alert on our Web site, www.cpsc.gov, with tips for consumers on safe generator use.

In recall news this week,

Tween Brands Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 103,000 pieces of children's metal jewelry.

The jewelry contains high levels of lead which can cause adverse health effects and is toxic if ingested by young children. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Some of the recalled necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and charms are metallic, multi-colored, and have “High School Musical” or pictures of “High School Musical” actors printed on them. Others have frogs, hearts, stars, dogs with dog bones, flowers, and monkeys that hang from silver, black or brown chains or cords.

They were sold at Limited Too and Justice retail stores nationwide, the Limited Too catalog, and at www.limitedtoo.com from September 2005 through May 2007 for between $2 and $10.

Consumers should immediately take this recalled jewelry away from children and return it to any Limited Too or Justice stores for a full refund and a coupon for a 15 percent discount off a future purchase.

For additional information, call Tween Brands at (800) 934-4497, or visit the firm’s Web sites at www.limitedtoo.com and www.justicejustforgirls.com.

Also this week,

Fisher-Price is voluntarily recalling about 112,000 Rainforest Open Top Take-Along Swings. An additional 15,000 swings were sold worldwide.

Infants can shift to one side of the swing and become caught between the frame and seat, posing an entrapment hazard.

Fisher-Price has received 60 reports of infants becoming entrapped, resulting in cuts, bumps, bruises and red marks.

This recall involves Portable Rainforest Take Along Swings with a palm tree mobile and two hanging plush toys. Model numbers K7203, K7192 and K7195 are included in the recall. No other collection of Rainforest swings or products are included in this recall.

They were sold at discount department stores and toy stores nationwide from November 2006 to May 2007 for about $65.

Consumers should immediately stop using the swing and contact Fisher-Price at (888) 303-5631, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com for instructions on how to return the swing to receive a voucher for a replacement product.

That’s all for this week’s edition of CPSC’s podcast. Until next time, stay safe.

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