Recalls this week include fireplaces and log sets, stair gates and children’s math sets

Recalls this week: Fireplace log sets, stair gates

NEW YORK — Among the recalled items this week are fireplace log sets that may not light properly and could explode, stair gates that can lose slats and allow children to fall through and educational math kits with a part that contains lead.

There were also more recalls of children’s hooded clothing made with drawstrings despite industry guidelines to avoid such strangulation hazards.

Here are the recalled items this week:

_________

GAS FIREPLACES and FIREPLACE LOG SETS

DETAILS: The Superior VFGL Vent-Free gas log sets and VF Vent-Free fireplaces were manufactured in the U.S. by Lennox Hearth Products of Nashville, Tenn. The log sets are comprised of ceramic-fiber logs with a dual gas burner system, designed to go inside a fireplace or firebox. The fireplaces are comprised of log sets, a ventless firebox enclosure and accessories. Included in this recall are units with serial numbers starting with 6408C through 6408M, and those starting with 6409.

The recalled items were sold by fireplace and HVAC retailers and installers between March 2008 and December 2009.

WHY: The front burners of log set fireplace inserts and the vent-free fireplaces can fail to ignite, allowing gas to escape and posing a fire or explosion hazard.

INCIDENTS: There were two reports from installers of the log sets failing to light. No injuries were reported.

HOW MANY: About 5,700.

FOR MORE: Call 800-826-8546; visit www.lennoxhearthproducts.com or www.cpsc.gov.

_________

EVENFLO TOP-OF-STAIR PLUS WOOD GATES

DETAILS: The recall involves Evenflo models 10502 and 10512 Top-of-Stair Plus Wood Gates, manufactured in Mexico for Evenflo Co. Inc. of Miamisburg, Ohio, between October 2007 and July 2009. The model number can be found on the bottom rail. The gates were sold at Toys R Us, Burlington Baby Depot, Kmart and other retailers nationwide and on the Web.

WHY: The slats on the gate can break or detach, posing a fall hazard to children.

INCIDENTS: Evenflo has received 142 reports of slats breaking and/or detaching from the gate. At least 11 children received minor injuries.

HOW MANY: About 150,000 in the U.S. and 33,000 in Canada.

FOR MORE: Call 800-233-5921; visit www.safety.evenflo.com or www.cpsc.gov.

_________

CHILDREN’S MATH KITS

DETAILS: Carolina Biological Supply Co. of Burlington, N.C., recalled Carolina Function Generator Kits, which are mathematics teaching aids consisting of a yellow plastic lid, leg stands, base and whiteboard cards. The kits were sold in Carolina’s catalogs and online, and directly to schools, from February 2009 through January 2010. They were also sold with “Math Out of the Box” kits.

WHY: The yellow lids in the kits contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children.

INCIDENTS: None reported.

FOR MORE: Call 877-316-1848; visit www.carolina.com or www.cpsc.gov.

_________

HOODED SWEATSHIRTS AND JACKETS

DETAILS: Three different types of girl’s hooded clothing were recalled.

First are Jewell zippered sweatshirts manufactured in India and distributed by Liberty Apparel Co. Inc. of New York. The red or white sweatshirts with small hearts were sold at Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory and Rainbow Apparel between August 2007 and September 2009.

Next are Young Hearts flowered sweaters, made for Children’s Apparel Network Ltd. of New York. They were manufactured in China and sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Pamida and Ross stores around the country between June 2008 and November 2008. These were sold as part of a three-piece set with a knit shirt and corduroy pants.

Finally, hooded jackets for girls, in a camouflage design with a gray hood, manufactured in China and distributed by Bubblegum USA of Los Angeles. They were sold at Bubblegum USA and Burlington Coat Factory stores from August 2006 through September 2009.

WHY: The sweatshirts have drawstrings through the hoods and the jackets have drawstrings at the neck. The drawstrings could strangle or trap a child.

HOW MANY: About 2,300 Jewell sweatshirts, about 9,700 Children’s Apparel Network sweaters and about 900 jackets.

INCIDENTS: None reported.

FOR MORE: Visit www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com, www.bubblegumusa.com or www.cpsc.gov.

_________

BICYCLE AEROBARS

DETAILS: Ventus Ltd. and Ventus Team bicycle aerobars, manufactured in Taiwan and distributed by BikeMine of Oklahoma City; Quality Bicycle Parts of Bloomington, Minn.; Security Bicycle Accessories of Hempstead, N.Y.; and Bicycle Technologies International Ltd. (BTI) of Santa Fe, N.M. They were sold for $1,000 to $1,200 online and by independent bicycle retailers around the country between January 2008 and November 2009.

WHY: The two rubber hand grips on the handle bars can loosen or slip off during use, posing a fall or injury hazard to the rider.

HOW MANY: About 325

INCIDENTS: Two incidents were reported, resulting in minor cuts.

FOR MORE: Call 877-861-9125l; visit www.TheNew3t.com/VentusRecall or www.cpsc.gov.