ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 2, 1997 TAG: 9704020017
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Marketplace
SOURCE: MEGAN SCNABEL
Now that spring is here and you've launched your spring cleaning - or at least started thinking about it - take a few minutes to check your attic and basement for old cribs, playpens and baby toys.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, that old baby furniture you've been hanging on to may be hazardous to your kids' or grandkids' health.
Over the last several years, the CPSC has recalled about a dozen items that have caused death or serious injury to children, said agency spokesman Ken Giles. The list includes bunk beds, cribs and playpens made by certain manufacturers in particular styles.
The CPSC is holding its first Recall Roundup on April 16 to alert people who may have missed those recalls. The agency will reissue selected recalls and will blitz the media with reminders.
"You can never have too much public notice," Giles said.
In addition to urging consumers to check theirattics, Giles said, CPSC investigators will work with state and local governments to hunt down recalled items in thrift and second-hand stores and garage sales.
In response to growing concerns about on-line privacy, the Federal Trade Commission will study Internet "look-up services," computer databases that include sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, physical characteristics, property holdings and family members. Customers of these services - often marketing firms - in many cases can simply type a person's name and address, then receive a full profile of the person.
The FTC study will examine what kind of information is available and how worried consumers are about the databases. It also will look at the risks and benefits associated with using these look-up services.
The FTC plans a public workshop June 10-13 at the commission's Washington, D.C., headquarters. Portions of the workshop will deal with children's on-line privacy.
The commission is looking for public input. If you'd like to participate in the workshop - or just speak your mind - you'll need to file a written comment by April 15.
Several readers have called to ask about getting copies of "The Real Deal," a booklet mentioned in last week's Marketplace. The publication, put out by the Federal Trade Commission, is aimed at teaching kids how to be smarter consumers by showing them how to read between the lines of advertising claims.
To request a copy of the free booklet, call the FTC at (202) 326-2000, or write Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference Branch, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.
Megan Schnabel covers retail, consumer affairs and advertising for The Roanoke Times. You can reach her at (540) 981-3140 or megans@roanoke.com
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