Most children have inquiring minds and are constantly probing and nosing around. They always seem to be fascinated with trunks and storage chests and love to climb into them. Parents in Illinois may want to read about a warning re-issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about the threat posed by this dangerous product.
This warning follows reports of two more deaths of children who suffocated after being ensnared inside a chest made by Lane. These cedar chests were recalled as far back as 1996, and 34 child deaths have been recorded since then. The CPSC said that they were working on educating the staff of thrift shops, Goodwill and the Salvation Army not to buy or sell any chests that can jeopardize the safety of children. Owners of cedar chests with the brand names of Lane and Virginia Maid that were manufactured between 1912 and 1987 were advised to remove the latches on the lid and request free replacement latches from Lane.
The CPSC stated that there are millions of dangerous chests across America that pose strangulation or suffocation dangers to children. Approximately 27 companies are taking action to replace latches on about 14 million chests that were deemed dangerous. It is also important to note that not only the recalled chests are dangerous, but also any trunk or chest that has a lid that can unexpectedly lock children inside. Latches or locks on such chests should be removed and replaced without delay.
Because these chests have been manufactured for so many years, people may unknowingly have one stored away. Illinois residents may want to check their attics and storage rooms to ensure that no dangerous and forgotten chests are around. In the event of injuries or deaths as the result of these dangerous products, parents may want to obtain the necessary information regarding legal action that may be taken against the manufacturers and distributors of this dangerous product.
Source: wltx.com, Advisory Reissued For Storage and Toy Chest Dangers, Laura McElveen, March 11, 2014