There are thousands of products recalled every single year in the United States for a variety of different reasons. These products range from furniture to appliances, to even some clothing items can be harmful for children and adults. For example, in recent months iCandy strollers were recalled because of a strangulation hazard, and Bell Sports BMX Bike Helmets were recalled due to the risk of a head injury.
As well, some play yards have been recalled for not meeting safety standards, and a variety of cribs have been deemed not up to current safety standards. Now all baby cribs that are manufactured must adhere to strict CPSC guidelines which discuss how wide the bars on the cribs can be and make sure that there is not a possibility of suffocation or a possibility that the side of the crib could drop and cause the baby to fall out.
As well, many children's hoodies have recently been recalled because the dangling drawstrings can be a choking hazard, and the CPSC recently fined Kolcraft $400,000 for dangers associated with their Pack N' Plays. Baby products are commonly recalled because infants are at such a high risk to injury before they are able to protect themselves. In recent weeks walkers, cribs, strollers, and more have been declared dangerous.
When shopping for your children at resale stores like thrift shops, antique stores, or garage sales, there is a high likelihood that you could come across some recalled products. Recalled products are illegal to sell in stores, and must be taken off the shelves the moments that the recall is released and until the product is considered to be at a higher safety standard than was previously declared. Still, the government does not regulate the sales of items that are in resale stores or sold at flea markets and garage sales. While a lot of individuals use these resale stores as a way to save money, they may not be aware of the fact that they are buying extremely dangerous products.
Whenever you are considering purchasing an item from a garage sale, flea market, thrift store, or another non-regulated vendor, you should do your research first. Check the CPSC website and type the item in if you are suspicious that it may have been a part of a recall. Keep in mind that all cribs that were manufactured before June 2011 are not up to the legal safety standards and should never be purchased. As well, any children's metal jewelry that is not in compliance with the federal limit on lead should be avoided as it can be toxic for your young ones.
It is also dangers to by any play yards, walkers, bath seats, bed rails, or other pieces of toddlers at garage sales and thrift stores as you may not know whether or not these pieces have been recalled until after you have already been using the product. The CPSC also suggests that parents do not buy toys for their children at resale venues because they may have lead coatings. The CPSC says that whenever you are in doubt concerning a product's safety, then you should throw it out.
Many people die from using recalled products every year, so it is always best too be overcautious. Remember that some fabrics have recently been recalled because of flammability or the potential to suffocate a child, so it is important to avoid purchasing any products that may have been the subject of these recalls. When possible, shop at stores that are required to participate in recalls in order to enhance your safety and the safety of your family.