Chrome Shelving Recall

On April 1, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and King Long Metal Industrial Co. Ltd. announced a voluntary recall of approximately 6,800 six-tier chrome shelving units, due to a potential injury hazard. The recalled shelving units, sold only in Costco Wholesale Club stores nationwide, were found to have weak casters that can break at the stem and cause the unit to fall or collapse.

The recall affects all six-tier chrome shelving units with model number 392360 and “NSF King Long Industrial” printed on the side of the corner collar. The shelves were sold at Costco stores nationwide from December 2009 through January 2010.

Consumers are advised to immediately remove the casters from the shelving units and contact the company at 888-445-9355 to receive replacement casters.

Civia Hyland Bike Recall

On April 8, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Civia Cycles announced a voluntary recall of approximately 800 Civia Hyland bicycles and carbon bicycle forks, citing a possible safety hazard associated with the products. The recalled bicycles have a defective fork that can crack or break, which can pose a fall hazard to consumers.

The recall affects all Civia Hyland bicycles that feature the original carbon fiber fork, as well as the Civia carbon fiber fork sold separately. The defective bicycle forks are black with the word “Civia” printed on the side.

The company has received two reports of the bicycle forks cracking, with one report of a rider suffering bruised ribs and face abrasions from a fall after the fork broke.

The bicycles were sold at specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from April 2008 through February 2010 for between $1,675 and $3,500, and the carbon fiber forks were often sold separately for $195.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled bicycles immediately and contact an authorized Civia Cycles dealer for a free replacement fork. The company can be reached at 877-774-6208.

Cookware

Commonly found in most domestic kitchens, cookware consists of several different types of vessels used during food preparation including casserole dishes, saucepans, frying pans, broiling pans, soup pots, roasters, and bakeware such as loaf pans, muffin tins, cake pans, and cookie sheets. Cookware may be used on a stove, within a conventional or microwave oven, or in other heating devices. These containers are generally constructed of glass, metal, ceramic, pottery, stone, or other substances capable of withstanding high temperatures.

Cookware Defects

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, aluminum cookware can melt and cause severe burns when the molten aluminum drips onto the user’s skin. Handles frequently melt or break from cookware, causing spills and burns. Ill fitting covers, lids, and other parts also increase the risk of liquid boiling over, splashing, or accidentally burning users when they struggle to remove them.

Statistics

In 2008, cookware resulted in a reported number of 8,600 thermal burns and 7,600 scalds serious enough for emergency room visitation. In the year 2000, 36,480 emergency room visits resulted from injuries sustained during use of cookware and 83,120 patients were seen by physicians outside of the emergency room due to cookware injuries. About 3 percent of the emergency room visits resulted in hospitalization and 11 deaths occurred. Cookware associated deaths in 2000 cost the U.S. $55 million in medical expenses and other accident related treatments cost $1.94 billion.

Cookware Recalls

Some examples of cookware recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to documented injury, household property damage, and death through standard use by consumers are:

• In 2003 Innova, Inc. recalled 8,700 Ultrex Thermal/Double Wall frying pans after 16 reports of the pans exploding during use. Two users received hot oil burns and eight homes were damaged.
• Through 1997, 123,500 Pflatzgraff Pizza Stones were sold throughout the U.S. with accompanying instruction booklets which advised consumers to coat the stone with oil before use in a hot oven. Due to inadequate cleaning instructions, two homes caught on fire from oil fires caused by ignition of oil residue on previously used pizza stones.
• In 2008, Fingerhut recalled 9000 Chef’s Mark cookware sets after six reports of handle breakage during use and three incidences of burn injuries to consumers.
• In 1991, a 94 year old woman burned her fingers while picking up molten aluminum from the floor after it had dripped from a melted cooking pot manufactured by Revere Ware Corporation of Illinois.
• In 1997, there were multiple reports of Corning Visions glass cookware spontaneously and upon dropping exploding into hundreds of tiny pieces, either in one action or as part of multiple explosions. Some injuries were reported, including one serious collection of laceration injuries upon one patient’s limbs, including a severed artery.

Crate and Barrel Glass Bottle Recall

On April 1, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Health Canada, and Crate and Barrel announced a voluntary recall of approximately 44,200 glass water bottles, due to a potential laceration hazard if the bottles shatter when the glass stopper is removed or inserted. Crate and Barrel has received at least seven reports of the glass water bottles shattering, and there have been four reports of injuries to the hand.

The recall involves all clear glass water bottles sold at Crate and Barrel stores and online between December 2008 and February 2010. The 22-ounce bottles with SKU number 437-151 and the 50-ounce bottles with SKU number 437-169 are affected by the recall.

Consumers are urged to stop using the bottles immediately and return the items to any Crate and Barrel store for a full refund.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets are blankets with self-contained electrical heating. Through the 1980s these blankets were controlled by a dial or digital thermostat unit through which the user adjusted the level of heating as needed. Electric blankets for double beds and larger beds may feature individual controls for each side of the bed and to suit the differing comfort levels of multiple users.

Electric blankets have been modernized since the 1980s, now offering greater safety and functionality through rheostats in lieu of thermostats. Rheostats gauge not only the blanket’s temperature for regulation, but also the user’s body temperature. This prevents overheating, hot spots, and minor burns.

Electric blankets are now generally utilized like a standard blanket, above the bed sheet and under a top cover. The user sleeps beneath the warming blanket and sheet with the unit controller within reach for necessary nighttime adjustment. They are particularly popular amongst the elderly and bedridden, whether utilized on the bed or over a wheelchair.

Statistics

In the United States in 2000, five deaths and 76 other injurious accidents occurred as a result of faulty electric blankets. These incidences cost the government, medical institutions, and manufacturers a total of $41.2 million. The majority of these injuries were due to fire, burns, or smoke related incidences.

Defects

Electric blankets consist of wiring embedded within the cloth of the blanket. This combination of electricity and cloth create obvious risk of fire, burns, and electrocution. As it is concealed within the blankets, damaged wiring is not immediately visible to consumers during use, adding to the continued risk of shock or fire.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission heavily regulates the recall of electric blankets as they are deemed defective. However, consumers often do not receive the warnings and proceed with use of damaged products long beyond the recall. Many fires, burns, and electrocutions continue to result from older blankets with defective wiring or components. Recent studies have also indicated that enduring exposure to electrical fields such as those occurring around electric blankets may lead to the development of cancer in general users and even miscarriage for those who are pregnant.

General Product Failure

Some examples of general product failure of electric blankets include:

• From August 1999 to July 2001, about 394,000 Biddeford Textile electric blankets were sold within the United States in major department stores and through mail order catalogs. These products were recalled as the plug attachment to the detachable control switch of the blanket was found to be defective and prone to loosening.
• Land’s End, a highly reputable mail order retailer of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, recalled more than 15,000 Polartec Heat electric blankets sold throughout the United States from October 2001 to December 2001. These Polartec Heat blankets exhibited the potential to overheat, stop functioning, and short circuit due to lose wiring connections. After only one report of this type of problem and prior to injuries, Land’s End voluntarily recalled the products.
• Minor skin burns affected three users of the more than 60,000 Bilt-Safe electric blankets that were recalled in 2004 and again in 2008. Eighty-six separate complaints were filed by consumers stating that the blankets overheated, charred, burned, or melted after a faulty temperature controller failed to regulate the blanket. These items were sold at Family Dollar Stores, Le Roux at Home, and Peebles, Inc.

Below is a list of examples of deaths and injuries clearly attributable to defective electric blankets:

• Four minor burn injuries and household damage occurred as a result of overheating by SOIREE and Soft n’ Warm electric blankets manufactured by Perfect Fit Industries. The blankets were sold from September 2002 to February 2003 in Kmart and Belk stores in the United States.
• In 2004, Family Dollar Stores continued to sell defective electric blankets despite repeated employee urging for the retailer to pull the products from its shelves after more than 40 consumer complaints about fire and burn hazard. The blankets were manufactured by International Home Fashions of Bilt-Safe Technologies and were found to cause fire, scorching, smoke damage and personal injuries due to overheating. Nine instances of consumer injury were reported due to skin burns. Because it failed to react to consumer complaints according to the Consumer Product Safety Act, Family Dollar was fined a $100,000 civil penalty.
• After receiving four reports of burn injuries as part of 10 complaints of defect, WestPoint Stevens recalled 11,000 Vellux “Fahrenheit” blankets in April 2003.

Brightway Extension Cord, Power Strip Recall

On March 31, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Howard Berger Co. Inc. announced a voluntary recall of approximately 12,000 indoor and outdoor extension cords and power strips, citing a possible fire hazard. The recalled cords and power strips have inadequate coating material and copper conductors that are smaller than required by fire safety regulations.

The recall affects all Brightway heavy duty extension cords and Brightway indoor household extension cords and power strips with model numbers R2600 through R2615 (outdoor extension cords), EE6 through EE20 (indoor extension cords), and MP6DG (power strips). The products were sold nationwide in hardware and discount stores from August 2009 through October 2009.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled cords and power strips immediately and return them for a full refund.

Hoover Bagless Vacuum Recall

On May 27, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Hoover Inc. announced a safety recall of approximately 108,000 Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners, after the power cords on the vacuums were found to come loose easily and pose a fire and shock hazard to consumers. Hoover has received three reports of minor burns to consumers’ hands and to carpeting and furniture after the vacuum power cords pulled loose from the cord rewind assembly on the vacuums.

The recall affects all Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Bagless Upright vacuums with the Cord Rewind Feature and the following model numbers:

• UH70110
• UH 70120
• UH 70200
• UH 70205
• UH 70210

Only vacuums with the above model numbers and manufacturing codes ending with H09A, I09A, J09A, or K09A are included in the recall. The recalled vacuums were sold from August 2009 through May 2010 for under $160.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled vacuums immediately and contact Hoover at 888-891-2054 or online to schedule a free repair.

IKEA Spring Mattress Recall

On June 3, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and IKEA Home Furnishings announced a safety recall of approximately 1,900 IKEA Sultan Heidal spring mattresses, after the mattresses were found to be in violation of federal open flame standards for mattresses. The mattresses pose a risk of fire and burn hazards to consumers.

The recall affects all IKEA Sultan Heidal spring mattresses that were available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, with date stamps 0725 through 1014 printed on the label and supplier number 20520. The following article numbers are included in the recall:

• 701-095-77 (twin)
• 301-109-69 (full)
• 501-109-73 (queen)
• 901-109-71 (king)

The mattresses were sold through IKEA stores nationwide from June 2007 through April 2010 for between $500 and $1000. Consumers are advised to discontinue using the mattresses immediately and contact a local IKEA store for a replacement or refund.

Lysol Steam Cleaning Mop Recall

On January 21, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Conair Corp. announced a voluntary safety recall of approximately 162,000 Lysol Steam Cleaning Mops, after the mops were found to pose a burn and laceration hazard to consumers. The housing unit of the mops can rupture, allowing hot water and Lysol to forcefully spray out and burn the user.

The recall affects all Lysol Steam Cleaning Mops with model numbers SM10L or SM10LR printed under the microfiber cloth of the mop.

Conair has received 14 reports of hot water forcefully spraying out of the unit, with two reports of minor burn injuries. The defective cleaning mops were sold in department, drug, hardware, and home improvement stores nationwide and online from September 2006 through September 2009.

Consumers are urged to stop using the mops immediately and contact Conair at 800-687-6916 to receive a free replacement product.

Mattress World Recall

On January 13, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mattress World of Dallas, Texas, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 750 mattress sets for a failure to meet mandatory federal open flame standards. The mattress sets pose a fire hazard to consumers.

The recall includes twin, full, queen, and king mattress sets in blue floral, white floral, and taupe floral with manufacture dates from May 29, 2009 through September 4, 2009. The recall only includes mattresses with Prototype ID codes MWQ or MWFOBXQ.

The defective mattress sets were sold in furniture stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas from May 2009 through September 2009.

Customers are asked to return the mattresses immediately to receive a full refund.

Mattresses

A mattress is a bed cushion on which a person sleeps, although it may be temporary, portable, or utilized on the floor versus an actual bed. There are a variety of fillers used to create cushion, vary comfort level, permanence, and portability, including inner spring cores, latex, foam, water, air, or natural fiber. Straw and feathers were used prior to modern advancements in manufacturing and construction of mattresses using a combination of natural and synthetic materials. Generally ranging from six to 18 inches in height, mattresses are made to fit single beds for one person and full, queen, and king beds for two or more people. Special sizes and versions may be created for infant beds, adjustable beds such as those used within hospitals and for home healthcare, and portable cots. Most mattresses last between seven and ten years before replacement is necessary, although modern foam and latex versions may last up to 20 years.

$4.5 billion in mattress production occurs in the U.S. each year. Other demographic information regarding mattress users has not been found.

Mattress Defects

Perhaps the most significant defect of mattresses is the natural tendency of the materials used in mattress construction to burn. Recent laws have been enacted and upgraded to ensure mattresses manufactured and/or sold in the U.S. meet stringent flammability standards to prevent additional injuries and death. Beyond fire, improper mattress fit can cause suffocation due to entrapment, particularly in the case of infants, children, and people with mobility issues. Babies placed on air mattresses also frequently suffocate.

Mattress Recalls

Mattresses are now frequently recalled due to the stringency of federal regulations governing mattress product safety. In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a strictly watchful eye over mattress manufacturing. Some examples of general mattress failures and resulting recalls are:

• In January 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission required recall of 750 Mattress World mattress sets due to the sets’ failure to meet federal flammability standards.
• In 2008, Serta International voluntarily recalled 6,500 mattress sets due to their failure to meet federal flammability standards.
• In 2009, Ikea 500 Karlstad mattress sets were recalled due to noncompliance with federal flammability standards.

Some examples of mattresses recalled in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to documented injury, household property damage, and death through standard use by consumers are:

• In 1999, Cosco, Inc recalled 62,000 crib mattresses after 12 babies were entrapped and compressed by the mattresses. One 11-month-old infant died due to entrapment.
• In June 2008, Simmons Kids recalled 20,000 crib mattresses after a 6-month-old became entrapped by the mattress due to defective design leading to improper fit of the mattress to the crib. The 6-month-old survived.
• In 2007 the CPSC issued a warning to parents against placement of infants on air mattresses. Between 2002 and 2007, 16 infant deaths occurred due to suffocation while sleeping on air mattresses.

Statistics

Despite vastly improved federal mattress flammability standards in recent years, 150 to 200 people still die each year due to small, open flame mattress and bedding fires. Between 1999 and 2003, 76,400 home fires were started on or around mattresses. As a result of those fires, 1,890 deaths, 8,820 injuries, and $1.603 billion in property damage resulted. Seventy four percent of these mattress fires were caused by ignition from smoking materials such as cigarettes.

Niner Bicycle Frame Recall

On May 13, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Niner Bikes of North Hollywood, California, announced a safety recall of approximately 750 bicycles frames, after a welding defect was discovered with certain “Jet 9” and “Niner” bicycles that can cause the frame to crack along the welds. Niner Bikes has received 53 reports of cracks occurring in the bicycles while the bicycles were in use, which can cause the rider to lose control and crash.

The recall affects all Jet 9 Niner models, with serial numbers P8001682 through P9400454. The frame is full suspension and available in green, white, or black, with “Jet 9” or “Niner” painted on the frame.

The bicycle frames were sold worldwide from March 2008 through September 2009 for $1,750. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled bicycle frames immediately and contact Niner Bikes at 877-646-3792 for a replacement.

Scuba Regulators Recalled for Drowning Hazard

On April 13, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Tabata USA Inc. of Long Beach, Calif., issued a voluntary recall of approximately 250 TUSA RS-670 scuba regulators, citing a potential drowning hazard to divers. The first stage balance chamber plug of the defective regulators can loosen and cause a high-pressure leak and unstable pressure.

The recall affects all R-600 first stage regulators with the following serial numbers:

• UR600022 through UR600029
• UR600031 through UR600103
• UR6000637 through UR6000676
• UR600708 through UR600716
• UR600737 through UR600776

The regulators were sold by authorized TUSA distributors and diving equipment stores nationwide from May 2009 through September 2009 for $450.

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the regulators and return the products to TUSA or an authorized dealer for an inspection and a free replacement. Tabata USA can be contacted at 800-482-2282.

Silverware

Table flatware is often referred to as “silverware,” whether the dining implements are crafted of silver, stainless steel, or other material. Silverware is used to prepare, serve, and eat food in most industrialized nations. The primary pieces that make up the collective family of silverware are the knife, spoon, and fork. Originally crafted from silver or pewter, flatware is now also available in electroplated nickel silver, stainless steel, a nickel and copper alloy called melchior which may also contain manganese, or plastic for convenience or outdoor use.

Silverware Defects

The most common hazards associated with flatware are:

• Choking on the flatware, broken or dislodged parts
• Burns from heated flatware
• Accidental stabbings, punctures, or lacerations
• Eye injuries
• Accidental ingestion
• Dental injuries

Silverware Recalls

Some examples of flatware recalled in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to reported incidences or documented injuries are:

•  In 2009, Cambridge Silversmiths recalled 13,000 flatware sets due to choking hazards caused by small plastic inserts embedded in the flatware handles. The inserts could become loosened after extended use and repetitive dishwashing, presenting an ingestion risk for young children in particular. There were 28 reports of the inserts becoming dislodged from the flatware handles and one incident of injury.
• In 2006, BabySwede, LLC recalled 33,000 BabyBjorn feeding spoons because the spoon’s plastic tip was found to loosen and pose a serious choking hazard to babies. Eleven incidences of the spoon tip coming off during use were reported.
• In 2005, Giftco recalled Winnie the Pooh baby plate, fork, and spoon sets, because the fork tines were found to break after use, causing a choking hazard. One child choked on the fork tines, prompting the 26,000 unit recall.

According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, flatware injuries are frequently seen in emergency rooms. A sampling of 30 flatware-related injuries include:

• A 2-year-old child was eating ice cream with a plastic spoon when the spoon broke in the child’s mouth. The child swallowed a portion of the spoon without other injury.
• A 4-year-old child was hospitalized after an accidental self-inflicted stab wound to the knee during “pirate” game play.
• Several children from the sampling were running with a spoon or fork in their mouths, when they fell and the flatware caused a subsequent laceration or penetration of the soft palate.
• Several patients – including adults – suffered eye pain, lacerations, or damage due to accidental stabbing with a fork or spoon.
• Several injuries involved lacerations inflicted during horseplay and falls while holding flatware.

Statistics

Hot tableware – including silverware – can cause scalds, with 52 percent of those injuries affecting children under 5 years old. In 2000, there were 1.165 million cases of tableware accidents necessitating medical care, including 582,000 emergency room visits. About 1 percent of the injured were hospitalized and three individuals died. Flatware-related deaths cost the U.S. over $15 million and the injuries cost over $12 billion.

Snowboard Boot Binding Recall

On May 12, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Health Canada, and Rome Snowboards Co., of Waterbury, Vt., announced a safety recall of more than 3,000 snowboard boot bindings in the U.S. and Canada, after the base plates on the bindings were found to break off at cold temperatures in some cases, posing a fall hazard for users.

The recall affects all Rome Snowboards Co. 2010 United snowboard bindings in black or red color themes, available in small, medium, and large. Printed graphics can be found on the back of the highback and on the rear of the baseplate, and “Rome” is printed on the highback.

Rome Snowboards Co. has received 14 reports of the base plates breaking, and consumers are advised to stop using the recalled bindings immediately and contact the company at 866-289-9990 for a free replacement product. The bindings were sold at snow sports retailers from September 2009 through December 2009 for about $160.

Starbucks Water Bottle Recall

On January 28, 2010, a voluntary recall of 12,200 glass water bottles was announced by Starbucks Corp., the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Health Canada. The recalled water bottles and the stopper have the potential to shatter, which can cause hand lacerations.

The 20-oz. glass water bottles are clear with SKU number 11003503 and the words “Glass Water Bottle” printed on a blue label.

There have been eight reports of hand lacerations associated with the recalled bottles, which were sold in Starbucks stores nationwide during January 2010.

Customers are urged to stop using the bottles immediately and return the product to the store where it was purchases for a full refund. A complimentary beverage will also be awarded upon return of the recalled bottles. Customers can contact Starbucks at 877-492-6333.

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors regulate the supply of voltage to electric devices. They protect from spikes or surges of electric energy which may be damaging to equipment connected to an electrical supply such as computers, televisions, telephones, and stereo equipment. Many surge protectors are available with multiple outlets upon one surge protection strip for connection of several devices. Surge protectors are particularly useful during electrical storms and prevent burnout of many high cost household appliances and devices once extremely vulnerable to such voltage spikes.

Surge Protector Defects

Poorly constructed surge protectors pose a significant fire, shock, or electrocution hazard risk, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In the five years spanning from 1994 to 1999, the CPSC recalled over 2 million cords, surge protectors, and power strips due to faulty wiring or components, undersized wiring, loose connections, or improper grounding. Most of the recalled items were sold at discount stores and made in China. Many had counterfeit Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification labels, leading consumers to believe the surge protectors had been approved for safe use in the U.S.

Surge Protector Recalls

Some examples of surge protectors recalled in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to documented injury, household property damage, or extreme potential for such risk through standard use by consumers are:

• In 1995, 4,200 surge arrestors were recalled by Square D Company of Illinois due to degradation of the components over time, causing fire risk. Five consumer-owned arrestors caught fire and two properties were damaged.
• Two Newpoint surge protectors overheated and melted during one evening in a Houston office in January 2003. An employee arrived in the morning and smelled smoke and upon further investigation found the two overheating surge protector strips. Property damage was caused to computer equipment.
• Recalled surge protectors with defective design or manufacturing include :
  • General Electric – 45,000 recalled in 1988
  • Chandur Hasso Inc – 18,000 recalled due to fire, shock and electrocution hazard in 1997
  • Supreme Premium – 7,500 recalled due to fire, shock and electrocution hazard in 1997
  • MBR Industries – 2,900 recalled due to undersized and loose wires, loose connections, and improper grounding, which present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards in 1997
  • Trisonic – 43,500 recalled in 1997 due to fire, shock and electrocution hazard
  • Belkin, International – 68,700 recalled in 2009 due to cracked molding and shock hazard

Some examples of surge protector general failure include:

• In September 2008, a faulty surge protector was to blame for a fire started during the night in a mobile home bedroom. A 10-year-old boy awoke to smoke in his bedroom, woke his younger brother and mother, and likely saved the entire family from imminent death.
• An electrical malfunction within a surge protector was to blame for a Kauai clothing store’s destruction by fire in January 2008.
• A faulty surge protector was blamed for a fire that destroyed a Pittsburgh area apartment in 2008. The resident had a laptop, lamp, and stereo connected to the surge protector when the blaze started.

Statistics

According to the CPSC, 72 percent of sampled surge protectors from 83 different sales locations across the country failed to meet basic safety certification standards issued by the Underwriters Laboratories. In 1996, 7,100 fires, 120 deaths, 12,000 emergency room visits, and 2,500 general medical treatments were associated with faulty extension cords and surge protectors.

Tropical Bedding Mattress Recall

On April 21, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Tropical Bedding Mfg., of Caguas, Puerto Rico, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 15,000 mattress sets, after the mattresses were found to fall short of mandatory federal open flame standards. The recalled mattress sets pose a fire hazard to users.

The recall affects crib and bunkie mattresses and mattress sets in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. Other mattresses affected by the recall include:

• “Classics” (except units manufactured between August 2008 and April 2009)
• “Classics II”
• “Imagine”
• “Sweet Mysteries”
• “Treasures”
• “Comfort Dream”

The product names are located on a label at the top of the foot of the mattresses. The recalled mattresses and mattress sets were sold at City Mattress and furniture stores in Puerto Rico from July 2007 through September 2009 for between $30 and $135.

Consumers who purchased the recalled mattresses are advised to stop using the mattresses immediately and return them to Tropical Bedding Mfg. for a full refund. The company can be contacted at 787-586-1139.

Zippo Recalls Candle Lighters for Burn Hazard

On January 27, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Zippo Manufacturing Co. announced a voluntary recall of approximately 17,500 Zippo Slatkin & Co. Candle Lighters, citing a potential burn hazard. When adjusted to the maximum flame setting, the Candle Lighters can produce an excessive flame.

The recall affects Zippo Slatkin & Co. Candle Lighters with date codes G09 or H09 embossed on the black adjuster knob on one end of the lighter. The product is finished in high-polish chrome or white, measuring 6.5 inches long and 1 inch wide.

The company has received no reports of injury so far, and the products were sold in Bath & Body Works and White Barn Candle stores nationwide and online in November 2009.

Customers with recalled products are urged to stop using the product immediately and contact Zippo for information on returning the adjustment knob and receiving a free replacement lighter. The company can be reached at 800-320-7490.