Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for November 3rd, 2006.

In recall news this week, CPSC recalled 120,000 “Creepy Cape” Halloween costumes sold at Family Dollar stores due to a flammability hazard. Take the 40-inch black capes back to any Family Dollar store for a refund.

RC2 Brands Inc. recalled about 275,000 toy key sets because of a choking hazard to young children. Portions of the toy can crack and release small parts. The recall involves Shake & Jingle Keys and My Jingle Keys under the First Years brand and “Real Keys” sold under the John Deere brand. Consumers can contact RC2 at (800) 704-8697 for information on getting a refund.

Nine firms this week recalled a total of about 237,000 flashing pacifiers. Though they are marketed for older children as a novelty item, the pacifiers could be given to babies. The nipple can separate from the shield, posing the choking hazard. Some pacifiers were sold with necklaces that pose a strangulation hazard to babies. Also, one of the necklaces has beads that can come loose, posing an aspiration hazard. Go to www.cpsc.gov for a list of companies and contacts that sold these flashing pacifiers.

Also this week, Atico International USA Inc. recalled 54,000 Espresso makers. The Espresso Express’ heating element can forcefully separate from its base posing burn and impact injury hazards to consumers. The firm has received 42 reports of incidents of the heating element forcefully separating from its base. Among these incidents, there were nine reports of minor scald burns and seven reports of consumers being hit by parts. Call the firm at (877) 546-4835 for information on getting a refund.

Finally this week, CPSC and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention joined forces to warn consumers to be vigilant against carbon monoxide dangers posed by home heating systems.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. This colorless, odorless, poisonous gas kills nearly 500 U.S. residents each year according to CDC estimates. CO poisoning is most common during the winter months, as this is not only when furnaces are most used, but also when the second leading source of CO poisoning, vehicles, is most likely to kill or injure people as they warm up their cars and trucks inside garages. CPSC reports that an estimated 188 people died in 2002 from CO poisoning associated with consumer products. The leading source of these poisonings is heating systems, with an estimated 103 deaths. According to CDC, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness and death. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

The agencies advise consumers to schedule a professional inspection of all fuel-burning heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents. Doing this and installing CO alarms are the best ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

For more on all these items and other recall and safety news, visit our Web site at www.CPSC.Gov.. And, until next time, stay safe.

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