Advisory
2006-26
May 04, 2006
For immediate release
Health Canada reminds Canadians to check for safety of garage sale bargains
OTTAWA - With the new garage sale season upon us, Health Canada reminds Canadians that with the bargains, comes the chance that some items might present safety hazards. Buyers should also be aware that the safety laws that apply to the sale of new products also apply to the sale of second-hand items.
Vendors are responsible for ensuring that all items sold or distributed at garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand stores fulfill the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act and the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA). The REDA Act covers such items as microwave ovens, UV facial lamps and personal tanning equipment. Resold items must also meet current standards.
To assist vendors and buyers, Health Canada continues to make its bulletin entitled Facts for Garage Sale Vendors available. This bulletin provides safety information about common garage sale products, such as children's sleepwear, car seats, baby gates, playpens, strollers, and sports equipment.
On a special note, garage sales may provide a source of good, gently-used blinds or window coverings. Extreme care should be taken when installing these items in their new surroundings to ensure that the cords associated with them do not endanger children. The tragic circumstances surrounding fatal and near-fatal injuries from window covering cords are often associated with older products. These products can be adapted to be much safer. More information on safety surrounding these items is available on Health Canada's Blinds and Curtain Cords website.
It should also be highlighted that in Canada it is illegal to sell baby walkers - either new or used. Additionally, anyone with a baby walker is advised to destroy the product prior to disposal to ensure that it cannot be reused.
For more information on the safety of second-hand consumer products, please visit Health Canada's web site or call 1-866-662-0666. E-mail inquiries may be sent to: cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca (Please indicate the province or territory from which you are corresponding).
Inquiries regarding the resale of items covered under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act may be directed to (613)954-6699 or by e-mail to CRPB-PSRCC@hc-sc.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder: Facts for Garage Sale Vendors
It's Your Health - Tanning Lamps
Media Inquiries:
Paul Duchesne
Health Canada
(613) 954-4807
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
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