Recall Alert: Computer Batteries and Kids' Bath Sets - October 2006

Lenovo and IBM Notebook Computer Batteries

Name of Product: Rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers

Units: About 168,500 battery packs (an additional 357,500 battery packs were sold worldwide)

Battery Distributor: Lenovo (United States) Inc., of Research Triangle Park, N.C. and International Business Machines Corp., of Armonk, N.Y.

Battery Manufacturer: Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan

Hazard: These lithium-ion batteries can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Lenovo has received one confirmed report of a battery overheating and causing a fire that damaged the notebook computer. The incident, which occurred within an airport terminal as the user was boarding an airplane, caused enough smoking and sparking that a fire extinguisher was used to put it out. There was minor property damage and no injuries were reported.

Description: The recalled lithium-ion batteries were sold with or sold separately to be used with the following ThinkPad notebook computers: T Series (T43, T43p, T60); R Series (R51e, R52, R60, R60e); and X Series (X60, X60s). The recalled batteries have the following part or model numbers, which can be found on the battery label:

Part/model number:
ASM P/N       FRU P/N
92P1072        92P1073
92P1088        92P1089
92P1142        92P1141
92P1170        92P1169 or 93P5028
92P1174        92P1173 or 93P5030

Sold Through: Lenovo and IBM's Web sites, telephone and direct sales, and Lenovo and IBM authorized distributors between February 2005 and September 2006 as an accessory for between $150 and $180 and as part of a ThinkPad notebook computer for between $750 and $3,500.

Manufactured in: Japan and China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Lenovo to receive a replacement battery, free-of-charge. Until a replacement battery arrives, consumers can continue to use their computer by turning off the system, removing the battery, and plugging in the AC adapter and power cord. Consumers should use only genuine ThinkPad batteries obtained from either Lenovo or an authorized reseller.

Consumer Contact: Customers should contact Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 anytime or log on to www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram to determine if the battery is part of the recall and to receive a replacement battery.

Suave Kids Bath Sets Sold at Wal-Mart Recalled for Choking, Other Hazards

Name of Product: Suave Kids Bath Set

Units: About 11,000

Manufacturer: Almar Sales Co., of New York, NY

Hazard: Items in the baths sets contain small parts that pose a choking hazard to young children. Additionally, some of the handles on the carrying case are long enough to pose a strangulation hazard. Also, the plastic carrying case poses a danger of suffocation.

Incidents/Injuries: No injuries or incidents have been reported. Description: This recall involves “Suave” brand bath sets that contain a 3-in-1 shampoo, bath sponge, and various other toy animal and character bath products. The baths sets are packaged in brightly colored vinyl bags with a clear window.

Style numbers involved in this recall: SVK 9498, 9499, 9501, 9506, 9507 and 9508. The style numbers are located on the back and/or bottom right corner of the package, above the UPC code.

Sold at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from March 2006 through June 2006 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these bath sets and either dispose of them or return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Almar Sales at (800) 251-2522 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Gildan Activewear Recalls Youth Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings for Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Youth Hooded Sweatshirts

Units: 114,000

Manufacturer: Gildan Activewear SRL, of Barbados

Hazard: These sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: The fleece sweatshirts were sold in youth sizes Extra Small to Extra Large, and have a “Gildan Activewear” neck label. The sweatshirts were manufactured in 12 different colors. These sweatshirts are often used by local print shops to add logos and sportswear decals.

Sold by: Wholesale distributors and applicable sportswear programs nationwide from January 2006 through September 2006. Retail cost between $13 and $20.

Manufactured in: Honduras

Remedy: Consumers should remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard.

Consumer Contact: Call Gildan toll-free at (877) 445-3265 Ext. 4090 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

LEGO Recalls Toy Trucks Due to Puncture Hazard to Young Children

Name of Product: LEGO EXPLORE Super Trucks

Units: About 358,000

Manufacturer: LEGO Systems Inc., of Enfield, Conn.

Hazard: The plastic wheels on the truck can detach, exposing a metal axle. This poses a puncture hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: LEGO Systems, Inc. has received 10 reports of a wheel detaching. Two children received serious puncture injuries resulting from the exposed metal axle once the wheel detached. Another child fell when the wheel came off of the toy truck.

Description: LEGO EXPLORE Super Truck is a toy-in-toy product designed for children ages 18 months and up. The toy features a red plastic pick-up/dump truck that measures about 15-inches high and 19-inches wide with four 7-inch black plastic wheels that are packed with a box of 40 LEGO DUPLO bricks in the cargo area. The unit has a row of DUPLO “studs” across the top of the cab, molded yellow headlights and stickers on the front and sides of the unit create the idea of a windshield, windows and doors depicting a LEGO figure in the driver’s seat. The LEGO Explore logo is printed on the door stickers. The box of DUPLO bricks is not included in this recall.

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide, including Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart, from August 2002 through August 2004 for about $20.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled toy trucks (not the bricks) immediately and contact LEGO Systems for information on receiving a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LEGO at (800) 718-1858 anytime, or visit www.LEGO.com.

This page only lists some of the recent recalls of potentially dangerous products. To find out about other product recalls, visit the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov.