FindLaw Class Action and Mass Tort Center: Recalls: CPSC: CPSC Seeks Federal Court Action to Halt Improper Sale of Lawn Darts
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
| Office of Information and Public Affairs |
Washington, DC 20207 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
| February 22, 1988 |
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| Release # 88-008 |
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CPSC SEEKS FEDERAL COURT ACTION TO HALT IMPROPER SALE OF LAWN DARTS
WASHINGTON, DC -- The United States Consumer Product Safety
Commission has filed a federal court action to halt the improper sale
of lawn darts. The defendants are Menard, Inc., a Wisconsin-based
chain of stores in the Midwest, and two of its officers.
The Commission is alleging that Menard, Inc., stores sell lawn darts, a
game of skill for adults, without required warning labels and in
proximity to toys. Federal regulations prohibit sales in or near toy
departments because o f the danger that lawn darts pose to children.
Lawn darts are an outdoor game in which the pointed darts are
thrown through the air and then stick in the ground near a target.
They pose puncture and other hazards of death and serious injury to
children who are struck by them. An estimated 670 injuries a year
from lawn darts are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms, and
three-fourths of the victims are under age 15. Three children -- ages
4, 7, and 13 -- are known to have died in lawn dart-related
incidents.
In a recent nationwide survey, the Commission found substantial
noncompliance with its lawn dart regulations. In addition to taking
enforcement actions, the Commission has begun a proceeding that could
result in more stringent requirements or a total ban of lawn darts.
Commission General Counsel James V. Lacy described the rate of
noncompliance by manufacturers and retailers as "a major problem,"
and noted that his office is investigating other violations.
Mr. Lacy also stated "The lawn dart regulations will be vigorously
enforced."
The Commission would appreciate hearing from anyone who has
knowledge of lawn darts being sold in toy stores or toy departments.
Please call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A
teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.
For additional information, consumers can call the CPSC
toll-free hotline number 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the
hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects
the public from unreasonable risk 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 or report product hazards to
info@cpsc.gov.
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