Thomas Moore

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Product Safety in the Home
With Thomas Moore
Acting Chairman,
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001; 1 p.m. EST

As the holidays approach, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing safety tips and warning consumers that dangerous children's products may still be in their homes. Despite recalls and public warnings, the CPSC has found that many products with the potential to seriously injure or kill are still being used by consumers.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Thomas Moore: Happy holidays everyone. We want to make sure these are
safe holidays, especially for America's children.

Unfortunately, a Springfield, Massachusetts family's
holiday has been marred by the tragic death of two sons who died in a Lane Cedar chest where they had hidden while playing. If you own a Lane Cedar chest built before 1987, call Lane immediately and get a free replacement lock--888-856-8758.

I will be pleased to take any questions.

Arlington, D.C.: Why does it seem that the CPSC issues recalls mostly around holidays? Does it happen year-round?

Thomas Moore: CPSC is on the job 365 days a year. We recall products all year round but we are especially vigilant during the holiday season, because that is when the greatest number of toys are sold.

Washington, D.C.: Can I put candles on my Christmas tree?

Thomas Moore: This would not be a good idea. There are an estimated 11,000 candle fires a year in this country resulting in approximately 150 deaths and 1200 injuries. There are about 400 Christmas tree fires a year.

So don't put candles on year tree and never leave a candle burning unattended.

Washington, D.C.: How did the two boys die in the chest? Did it lock them in?

Thomas Moore: Old Lane Cedar Chests lock automatically when the lid closes and cannot be opened from the inside. The new chests and the new locks provided by Lane can only be locked from the outside.

Arlington, Va.: What toys are the safest for a five-year-old?

Thomas Moore: There are many toys marketed for five-year olds. Please look for the age labeling on the package. These recommendations are for safety, not for ability. If your five-year old has a younger sibling, be especially careful.

Adelphi, Md.: What does the Toy Industry Association do?

Thomas Moore:
Among other things, it educates its members about voluntary and mandatory toy standards. CPSC works with TIA to inform foreign manufacturers about safety requirements for toys sold in the United States. Not all toy manufacturers are members of TIA.

Vienna, Va.: What new and hot toys these days are being recalled? Have any Fisher-Price toys been recalled?

Thomas Moore: You can get all CPSC recalls, which include product specific information, from our web site: www.cpsc.gov.

Norfolk, Va.: Do you test toys to make sure they are safe before they are sold?

Thomas Moore: CPSC tests samples of toys to make sure they comply with mandatory and voluntary standards. Companies are responsible for ensuring their toys comply with our laws. We work closely with the U.S. Customs Service to prevent toys that violate our standards from entering the United States. We have no pre-market testing authority.

Washington, D.C. : What are some safety tips for outdoor Christmas lights? Can you get shocked by touching them or touching metal that they've been placed on?

Thomas Moore: When you buy your lights, check the label to make sure they have been tested by a recognized testing lab such as UL or ETL. Never use more than three sets of lights on an extension cord. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Putting lights on metallic trees is not advisable, as the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted. See our web site for more information about Christmas tree lights.

Vienna, Va. : Are European toys safe to buy and use? Are they subjected to the same clearances as the others?

Thomas Moore: All toys imported into the United States must meet our standards. Toys you buy in Europe that you bring back to the U.S. may not meet our standards.

Vienna, Va.: This is a strange question but more video game type toys are coming out now. I was wondering if these toys might strain a child's eyes or affect their vision in the future. Is there any research on this that the CPSC has done?

Thomas Moore: Parents who have concerns should consult with their doctor if they think their children are spending an inordinate amount of time in front of a video screen. CPSC has done no research on this topic.

McLean, Va.: What are the hot recalls this Christmas season?

Thomas Moore: Last week we announced five recalls of children's products:
--Inflatable Sunsmart baby floats made by Aqua-Leisure Inc. because the seats can rip and babies can fall through
--Wiggly Giggler rattles made by HandsOnToys, Inc. because the noise maker separates and a child can choke on it
--Little Tykes computer mouse in the shape of a car made by KB Gear because the tracking ball can come loose posing a choking hazard
--Zapper rubber squeeze toy made by Manley Toy Direct because the balloon tongue can detach posing a choking hazard
--Munchkin t-strap girls shoes by Stride Rite because the buckle can break posing a choking hazard.

These recalls are announced on our web site. Please watch our web site for additional recalls and you can subscribe through our web site to receive automatic announcements of our recalls. www.cpsc.gov

Washington, D.C.: What's the most effective way you have found to get your safety/recall messages out. Which medium gets the most results?

Thomas Moore: We disseminate our recalls through all forms of media because people get their information from so many sources. We use TV, radio, print media, paid ads, direct mail, our web site and even chat rooms like this one.

Bel Air, Md.: What toys are most dangerous?

Thomas Moore: Balloons, toys with small parts, and ride on toys are among those associated with the most injuries and deaths.

Uninflated and broken latex balloons can become lodged in a child's throat. They should be kept away from children under 8 years of age.

Springfield, Va.: Is the CPSC a branch of government? Government regulated?

Thomas Moore: We are an independent federal regulatory agency, like the FTC and FCC, established by Congress in 1972. We are responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with the more than 15,000 products within our jurisdiction.

Washington, D.C. : How can kids be taught safety?

Thomas Moore: We have a special section of our web site devoted to children and it helps teach them how to use products safely.

Parents, by example, can teach children about safety, such as by wearing bike helmets, changing smoke detector batteries every year and keeping toys with small parts from children under the age of three.

Arlington, Va.: Do you know of a group that does product safety testing for pets? I'm thinking of human kinds of things and their safety for pets, as opposed to pet toys.

Thomas Moore: Some things that present risks to children also present risks to pets. Just as you keep hazardous chemicals, such as antifreeze, and other products from your children, keep them away from your pets.

Consult your vet for product safety testing for pets.

Thomas Moore: I hope these answers have been helpful. I enjoyed chatting with you.

If you wish to report a dangerous consumer product you can call our HOTLINE at 1-800-638-2772 or by visiting our web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

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