CPSC, IRIS U.S.A. Announce Recall of Plastic Toy Storage Chests

December 3, 1998
Release # 99-032

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For Immediate Release;
Contact: Nychelle Fleming
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1192

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), IRIS U.S.A. Inc., of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., is recalling about 100,000 plastic chests. These chests, that were originally marketed for the storage of toys, lack a lid-support device, do not have adequate ventilation when the lid is closed and have latches that secure the lids. Children could be entrapped and suffocate inside the chests.

CPSC and IRIS U.S.A. are not aware of any injuries involving these chests. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

These clear, plastic chests have either red or blue lids, and were sold under three model numbers: Model #WT-80 is 19.75 inches long, 21.875 inches wide and 18.75 inches high. Model #WT-120 is 19.25 inches long, 30.75 inches wide and 18.75 inches high. Model #WT-175 is 19.25 inches long, 30.75 inches wide and 28.25 inches high. The model numbers are listed on the instruction sheet and on the label. The labels also show the chest being used for the storage of toys, and contain the warning, "CAUTION: Do Not Sit On Lid. Do Not Climb In Trunk."

Retail and department stores, such as Target, sold these chests nationwide since January 1996 for about $25.

Consumers should immediately prevent children from having access to these chests, and stop using them for toy storage. Consumers in households with young children can return the chests to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call IRIS U.S.A. toll-free at (800) 320-4747 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

These chests now being sold have labels showing the chests being used for the storage of items other than toys, and the statement "WARNING: SUFFOCATION HAZARD. NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's \ fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.