Health Alerts - November 2005

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., of Foster City, Calif., is recalling 843,000 AC adaptors sold with slim version PlayStation 2 systems because they can overheat and melt, posing the risk of fire as well as burn and shock injuries to consumers.

The company has received 38 reports of adaptors overheating, resulting in four reports of minor property damage and three reports of minor injuries.

The recall involves AC adaptors with the following date codes: 2004.08,2004.09, 2004.10, 2004.11 and 2004.12 and serial numbers beginning with“F3.” The AC adaptors were sold with slim version PlayStation 2 consoles with model number SCPH-70011 or SCPH-70012.

The adaptors were sold at electronics, toy and computer game stores nationwide, as well as Web retailers, from October 2004 through August 2005 for $150 for the complete system.

Consumers should stop using the recalled AC adaptors and contact Sony Computer Entertainment America to receive a free replacement adaptor. Consumers should carefully unplug the recalled adaptors from the wall outlet and allow to cool before handling.

For more information, call Sony Computer Entertainment America toll-free at(888) 780-7690 or visit www.us.playstation.com.

Monogram International Inc., of Pinellas Park, Fla., is recalling 145,000 Disney Princess bracelet key rings because the jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The recalled pink plastic key ring is attached to a bracelet, which consists of beads, a metal pendant and metal dividers between the beads. It was sold at various retailers nationwide, including Walgreens and Wal-Mart,from November 2003 through June 2005 for $3.

Consumers should take the bracelet key rings away from children and return them to Monogram International for a refund. To receive instructions for returning the key rings, call (800) 736-1941 or visit www.monogramdirect.com.

Dollar General Corp., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., is recalling 455,000 necklace and earring sets because the jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The recalled flower necklace and earring set features a floral design. The purse necklace and earring set features a dangling purse charm. The corded swirl necklace and earring set features a twisted metal swirl pattern hanging from a cord. The faux amber necklace and earring set features a large faux amber gem cut in a heart or cross shape. The five-strand bead necklace and earring set were sold in various colors.

Dollar General Stores nationwide sold the sets from May through August 2005 for $1 to $3.

Consumers should take the recalled jewelry away from children and return to Dollar General stores for a refund. For more information, contact Dollar General at (800) 678-9258 or visit www.dollargeneral.com.

Bradshaw International Inc., of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is recalling 500,000 “Bottle Sippers” pull-up bottle caps because the pull-up valve can detach from the cap, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The recalled bottle sippers have white screw-on bases with dark blue, green or red pull-up valves. They were sold in packages of three at grocery stores nationwide from January 2002 through August 2005 for $2 per package.

Consumers should stop using these recalled bottle sippers and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Bradshaw International toll-free at (800) 421-6290 or visit www.goodcook.com.

Pier 1 Imports, of Fort Worth, Texas, is recalling 10,000 glass candleholders because they can break unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

The recall includes clear Glass Floater Bowl candleholders. A sticker on the bottom of the candleholder has model number SKU 2040310 printed on it.

The candleholders were sold at Pier 1 Stores nationwide from February through August 2005 for $15.

Consumers should stop using these candleholders and return them to Pier 1 for a refund. For more information, contact Pier 1 Imports at (800) 245-4595(prompt #6) or visit www.pier1.com.

Douglas Co., of Keene, N.H., is recalling 1,100 sparkle horse toys because beads of glitter glue on the colored ribbons could detach and pose an aspiration hazard to young children.

The toy is a plush white standing horse with pink or lavender hooves. Pink and lavender ribbons are mixed in with the white mane and tail.

The horses were sold at specialty toy and gift stores nationwide between July and August 2005 for $9.

Consumers should take these toys away from children and return them to Douglas Co. to receive a replacement product. For more information, call (800)992-9002 or visit www.douglascuddletoy.com.