Playground Equipment Recalls and Defective Product LawyerOn April 22, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued two recalls involving outdoor activities, playground equipment and bicycles. The playground equipment was recalled because lead paint, while the bicycles were recalled because of defective parts.

The playground equipment was manufactured in Turkey, but it was distributed in the U.S. by SportsPlay Equipment Inc. The recalled equipment was sold nationwide, from January 2003 to December 2007. The equipment was recalled because it contained high levels of lead paint. Specifically the handrails and posts on the playgrounds had very high levels of lead. The lead paint on the equipment violates the lead paint ban. The new lead paint ban was passed last year in Congress. The ban was passed in response to the problems with Chinese toys and lead. There are new lead standards in place. Children’s products, such as playground equipment, are not supposed to contain any lead.

According to the CPSC, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled equipment. Owners of the playground equipment should call the CPSC to receive free replacement parts. There were many types of models are equipment recalled. The complete list can be found on the CPSC’s website.

It is very important that consumers stop using the playground equipment immediately, especially children. Children are at an increased risk of developing lead poisoning if they ingest chipping lead paint. Lead poisoning is very dangerous to children and can lead to learning problems, behavioral problems, slowed growth, mental retardation and brain damage.

The other recall focused upon bicycles. The recalled bicycles were manufactured in Taiwan and sold in the U.S. by Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. They were sold throughout the U.S. from September 2003 to August 2004. It is the parts of the bicycle that are defected and the reason for the recall.

The cable stop on the bicycle frame can loosen. When the cable loosens, the bicycle rider can lose control of the bike and fall off. There have been reports of two falls by riders. Both falls were serious, as the riders suffered fractures, which required surgery and other medical attention. Only bicycles with a single rivet attaching the cable stop to the bike frame are recalled. Other bicycles with two rivets are not included in the recall.

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the bicycles immediately. Bike owners should return the bicycles to Specialized Bicycle Competent Inc. The bicycle will then receive free repairs. More information about both recalls can be found on the CPSC’s website.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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