Garage Sale Dangers

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Story Published: Apr 18, 2008 at 4:43 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 6:38 PM MST

By Anthony Congi

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With the economy in a recession and prices of items costing more than ever, many people turn to their local yard sales to find items at bargain prices.
And with eleven garage sales listed as taking part in the Idaho Falls area this weekend, there should be plenty of deals out there. But how safe are the items you're looking for? New studies show, you probably should look more closely.
You might remember in 2007 when close to 15 percent of all toys made in Chinese factories were recalled for containing lead paint. Small toys such as these should instantly throw up a white-warning flag for buyers.
One vendor I spoke with today told me most people don't pay any attention or give thought to the recalls.
Buttons Berry, Vendor: "I haven't had one question about it. All they worry about is if i can go down on it."
The other problem, is that most of the sellers probably won't even know if they're selling you a recalled item.
Anthony Congi: "Are you worried things you're selling could contain anything like that?"
Berry: "You know, I never thought about it until you showed up.
Congi: "And now what do you think?"
Berry: "I don't know, I'll have to look around and see what we got, cause some of it might be."
Congi: "And that's the last thing you want, is for someone to get sick." Berry: "Well yeah."
Other items to watch out for are car safety seats, cribs or any other baby related products more than five years old as they might not meet current safety standards. Avoid buying any used car seats or bicycle helmets as either could have been in a wreck. Also watch out for childrens jackets or sweatshirts with drawstrings as they could cause strangulation.
Keep in mind that there are still plenty of great deals for certain itmes out there, but just be careful when buying them. For more information on recalls, or for listings of recalled items, go to the newslinks section of our website.

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