CPSC Approves Final Rule on Civil Penalty Factors
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to approve (4-1) a final rule interpreting factors to be considered when seeking a civil penalty amount for knowing violations of CPSC laws.


Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves Recalled by Dimplex North America Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
The plug-in wall unit can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.


Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.


Noncontact Electrical Tester Recalled by Fluke Due to Shock or Burn Hazard
The testers can fail to give an indication of live voltage, resulting in the operator falsely believing the electrical power is off, posing a risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock or thermal burns.


CPSC Issues Warning on Children's Winter and Holiday-Themed Charm Bracelets with High Levels of Cadmium
The bracelets contain high levels of cadmium. Laboratory analysis determined that in certain tests, over 20,000 micrograms of cadmium were released from the snowman alone. Cadmium can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.


Coil Nailers Recalled by Hitachi Koki Due to Serious Injury Hazard
The nailers could have a faulty feeder that can allow nails to be ejected sideways, posing a serious injury hazard to the user or bystanders.


Byer California Recalls Girl's Jackets with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard
The drawstrings on the neck and waist of the jacket can pose a strangulation or entrapment hazard to children.


Girl's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Regaliti Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory
The jackets have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to young children.


Telebrands Recalls Scarves with Microwaveable Heat Packs Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
The heat packs can overheat when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.


Boys' Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Brand Evolution Due to Strangulation Hazard
The hoodies have drawstrings through the hoods that pose a strangulation hazard to children.


Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Machetes Due to Laceration Hazard
The saw side of the machete can stick in wood during use, and if the user's hand slips off the handle and slides forward across the machete blade, this poses a laceration hazard.


Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades by Ethan Allen
Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Also, strangulation can occur when a child's neck become entangled on the free-standing loop.


LELE & Company Recalls Children's Hooded Sweatshirt Sets with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard
The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to young children.


Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Recalled by American Electric Lighting Due to Shock Hazard
Improper wiring in the light fixtures poses a shock hazard to consumers.


Children's Bracelets Recalled by Chandigarh Fashion Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
The surface coating on the bracelets contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.