Sen. Franken Gets Commitment from Gov't Agency to Investigate Ways to Protect Children from Dangerous Glass-Enclosed Fireplaces

Press Release

Minnesota's children may soon be better protected from the dangers of glass-enclosed fireplaces, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said today, after he received a commitment from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to look into ways to reduce injuries as a result of contact with the fireplaces. Sen. Franken wrote the commission after hearing from a constituent that her 10-month-old daughter sustained third-degree burns from such a fireplace while staying at a hotel, requiring hospitalization and surgery. In the letter from the CPSC, Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said the Commission has begun investigating what actions it can take to reduce the number of injuries and said it will be look into ways to bolster public outreach and education.

"I'm pleased that the commission recognizes the potential danger these fireplaces pose, and I'm glad they've committed to investigating ways to reduce the number of injuries children sustain as a result of these fireplaces," said Sen. Franken. "Given that since 1999, these fireplaces have been responsible for injuring more than 2,000 children under the age of five, I find it troubling that the industry is self-regulated. It's clear that the voluntary standards currently used by the industry aren't working and that we need better oversight to make sure consumers are safe."

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