Inside Press

(For release)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged the federal government to recall a toy known as “Clingy Darts,” which poses a significant danger to children. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) found the children’s toy contains more than six times the federally allowable limit of the chemical phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl), also known as DEHP. The toy, which can be viewed here, is imported by Greenbrier International, Inc. of Chesapeake, VA., and is sold at stores throughout New York State, including Dollar Tree, where the “Clingy Darts” were purchased.

“Like any other parent, I want to make sure our children are safe. This toy – which is made with excessively high levels of the DEHP chemical – poses an unacceptable risk to our kids and should not be on any store shelves,” Governor Cuomo said. “I urge Dollar Tree to voluntarily pull the item from its shelves and call on the federal government to issue a recall of this product immediately.”

Phthalates are chemical substances often used in production of many types of plastics, certain inks, paints, and other products. They are generally used to make plastics softer. The National Toxicology Program has concluded that DEHP is a reproductive and developmental toxin in animals, and has concerns about human exposures to DEHP and potential health effects from such exposures, especially in infants and toddlers. “Clingy Darts” contained 0.61% of DEHP, well above the federal limit 0.10% (for more information on phthalates, please click here).

If anyone has the “Clingy Darts” at home, they can dispose of them by simply throwing them in the garbage, or they can choose to set them aside in a safe area and await any future recall instructions, which may or may not include a refund component.

The DCP contacted the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to request a national recall of ”Clingy Darts” containing DEHP, and asked Dollar Tree to remove the toy from its shelves and discontinue its sale. The DCP also contacted the importer requesting it and its distributers cease distribution and sale of the “Clingy Darts” in New York State and nationwide.

The Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act, Article 28-E of the General Business Law, requires a commercial dealer to contact within 24 hours any person or entity to who purchased a product subject to a recall or warning. The dealer must direct such persons to stop the sale or distribution of the recalled product and provide disposition directions. In addition, retailers are required to remove all recalled children’s products from their shelves within 24 hours of receipt of a recall or warning notice.

The New York Department of State is charged with enforcement of these recall provisions. Consumers who identify a recalled product in the marketplace, or require more information about toy safety and recalls, are urged to contact the Division of Consumer Protection at 518-474-8583 or visit the Division’s web site at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter (@NYSConsumer) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nysconsumer).

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 mandates that manufacturers and importers test all toys designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age and younger for compliance with the CPSC’s toy safety standards. Additionally, manufacturers and importers must test all of their children’s toys manufactured after December 31, 2011 for compliance with the CPSC’s ban on phthalates.

By Eileen Gallagher

In the wake of the  fire on Bedford Road, the safety presentation given by First Assistant Chief Russell Maitland during the town board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, holds special significance.  Maitland cited safety tips as well as the most effective installation and maintenance techniques of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during his “community segment” presentation.

Many people have their detectors in the wrong location, according to Maitland. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in bedrooms at the level of one’s head while reclining in bed because most incidents of poisoning occur while the victim is asleep. Smoke detectors should not be placed in kitchens, bathrooms, or near fireplaces, and should be at the highest level of a room or hallway. Whenever there is an emergency, Maitland reminded the audience of the importance of calling 911.

Too often people call their local police department, who in turn must call the fire dispatcher. Calling 911 connects the caller directly to the central dispatch center in Valhalla. Most importantly, everyone should practice fire escape routes from their homes with the entire family. For these and other tips, please go to www.chappaquafd.org.

Community Voices Heard

Community, board, and town staff collaboration led to the rescue of the program seasonally located at the recycling center known as Take It Or Leave It (TIOLI).

According to Supervisor Rob Greenstein, there have been contentious encounters between non residents “taking” several items each week (purportedly to sell elsewhere) and DPW employees stationed at the recycling center. To remedy the situation, Greenstein and the town board discussed removing the “take it” portion of the program, and having the “leave it” handled by Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  The charity would issue receipts for donations and ensure that “nothing winds up in the landfill,” assured Greenstein.

Some residents defended TIOLI, touting its charm, earth friendliness, and sense of community. Members of the board reacted quickly, with Elise Mottel apologizing for their “short sightedness.” Agreeing to relocate the program, Greenstein suggested the structure near the former skate park, a location beneficial to the Farmer’s Market as far as enticing people to the area.

Hunts Place decision on hold, “Spa” becomes “Homes”

Greenstein relayed the results of Tuesday’s NYS Board of Variances hearing during which Conifer presented additional testimony. The state board held off making their decision and agreed to provide 10 days for town residents, fire and safety personnel, and the building inspector to review and respond to the latest iteration of Conifer’s request for eight variances. Greenstein reiterated the town’s commitment to building more affordable housing. The next scheduled hearing date is June 10, 2014.

The proposal known as the “Spa at New Castle” is now tentatively called “Homes at New Castle.” After the outcry from residents in the surrounding neighborhood, Greenstein conveyed their preference for residential rather than commercial development. Now on the table are 60 condominiums, a clubhouse, pool, and theater.