How to keep track of recalls that fly under the radar

SEATTLE -- The recall of millions of cars is overshadowing recalls involving hundreds of thousands of products made for children. In just the last 10 days, the Consumer Product Safety Commission alone has recalled more than half a million toys and clothing items because of a potential risk to children.

At a price of only $6 to $8, TinkerBell jewelry sets by Playmates Toys have been a big hit with kids nationwide. The prominent safety notice on the front warns of small parts that could pose a choking hazard. But the government says the real problem is a small pixie dust charm that comes with the jewelry. The small metal connector on the charm has excessive levels of lead.

Excess lead is also the problem in the paint on wooden bead bracelets sold with Papyrus Brand greeting cards for little girls.

$5.00 Princess and the Frog necklaces sold at WalMart were recalled because of high levels of toxic Cadmium.

Hooded sweatshirts by New Mode Sportswear are considered a hazard because of the drawstrings in the hood. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the drawstrings are a strangulation hazard. That's also the problem with a variety of athletic drawstring jackets by GTM Sportswear, which were sold online and at stores nationwide.

To keep track of all these recalls, log onto the Consumer Product Safety Commission website and click on the yellow link for e-mail announcements.   This lets you sign up to get instant safety recall notices as soon as they're released.

Other sites worth your bookmark:  foodsafety.gov, by the Food and Drug Administration and recalls.gov which tracks recalls from every government agency, including some that never get publicized.

Recent safety recalls:
http://www.djgusa.com/usa/eng/Safety-Notices/Detail/456-Maxi-Cosi-Mico-Infant-Child-Restraint-System-Base-Recall-Extension
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10131.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10130.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10129.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10128.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10127.html
http://www.djgusa.com/usa/eng/Safety-Notices/Detail/456-Maxi-Cosi-Mico-Infant-Child-Restraint-System-Base-Recall-Extension

Email alert sign-up links
http://www.cpsc.gov/
Http://www.recalls.gov/
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/recalls/index.html