February 26, 2006

By: Melanie Sulzberger
Website: http://www.1st-in-babies.com

Outdated Playpens – Thrift Stores And Consignment Shops To Keep An Eye Out

National safety officials encouraged thrift stores and consignment shops Wednesday to check and see if they have recalled items like outdated playpens or car seats that could injure or kill children.

Glenn Dunlap, an investigator with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Miami, said he has sent 130 letters to thrift shops in South Florida to alert them about upcoming safety seminars. He also said those stores would receive a reference guide, in either English or Spanish, to help them identify dangerous products and help them determine whether they can be modified or if they should be destroyed.

Unfortunately many of these products remain in people's homes and consumers are unaware they've been recalled, he said. What then happens is many of these products end up in thrift stores and consignment stores.

A 1999 safety commission study found that nearly 70 percent of resale stores sold at least one hazardous product, including children's jackets and sweat shirts with drawstrings, which could strangle children, hairdryers that did not include a safety device to protect against electrocution, and cribs that did not meet federal safety standards.

About The Author:

Melanie Sulzberger is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-babies.com.  Taking care of your babies needs including safety, toys, health and baby products.