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Release # 02-192
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Whirlpool Corp., of Benton Harbor, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 17,000 combination washer and gas dryer units. The gas dryer can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Whirlpool has received two reports of the unit overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported.
The recalled 24-inch washer and gas dryer units were sold under the Whirlpool, Kenmore and General Electric brand names, which is
written on the control panel of the units. They are white or light tan. The model and serial number are located behind the dryer door at the top of the opening. Model and serial numbers of units covered by this recall are as follows:
Brand: Whirlpool Compact Thin Twin
Model Numbers: LTG5243DZ2, LTG5243DT2, LTG5243DQ2,
LTG5243DQ3, LTG5243DT3
Serial Number: Begins with MM, ML or MK
Brand: Kenmore Laundry Center
Model Numbers: 110.98752792, 110.98752793
Serial Number: Begins with MM, ML or MK
Brand: General Electric Unitized Spacemaker
Model Numbers: WSM2480TBAWW, WSM2480TCAWW
Serial Number: Has Z, A or D as the second character
Home improvement and department stores, new construction builders and remodelers sold these units nationwide from January 2000 through May 2002 for between $800 and $960.
Consumers should stop using these washer and gas dryer units and unplug them immediately. Do not attempt to shut off the gas supply. Call Toll free at (866) 251-1607 anytime to arrange a free in-home service and repair. For more information, consumers can visit Whirlpool's recall web site at www.repair.whirlpool.com Consumers should have the model and serial numbers of their washer and gas dryer units available when they call.
Washer and dryer units with electric dryers are not involved in
the recall.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following Address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02192.html
Release # 02-193
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
PM International Recall Hotline: (800) 377-6332
CPSC, PM International Ltd. Announce Recall to Replace International Adapter Plugs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), PM International Ltd., of Edison, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 international 2-prong adapter plugs. PM International imported the adapter plugs from a manufacturer in China. The adapter plug can separate when the plug is removed, exposing live electrical conductors, posing an electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.
PM International received one report of a consumer who received an electric shock when he contacted the exposed conductors when he removed the plug.
The 2-prong, slip-on adapter plugs are used to connect American 2- pronged electrical plugs into various foreign outlets. The adapter plugs are plastic with a white matte finish. The only marking on the plug is "6A250V", which is molded on the bottom surface between the prongs of the adapter. No other writing appears on the adapters. PM International sold the adapter plugs individually and as part of a traveling kit with voltage converters. Only adapter plugs sold individually are included in the recall.
Catalogs and electronic stores nationwide sold the adapter plugs from November 2000 through March 2002 for about $3.
Consumers should immediately stop using these adapters and contact the store or catalog where purchased to receive a free replacement adapter. Consumers can contact PM International at (800) 377-6332 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02193.html
July 2, 2002
Release # 02-195
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1188
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Lighter Recall Hotline: (800) 499-4708
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), L.A. Lighter Inc., of Azusa, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,800 disposable cigarette lighters. The lighters may have child-resistant mechanisms that do not meet federal safety standards. Young children may be able to operate these lighters, which could pose a fire hazard.
L.A. Lighter has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
The recalled lighters are made of metal, come in different colors, and have a top that resembles a pencil across a protractor and triangle.
To open the port and ignite the flame, consumers press on the pencil. The lighters, which are about three inches high, 7/8 inches wide and 1/4 inch deep, have a ruler along the side. A label on the lighter has the UPC code 7 63052 20108 5 and the words, "MADE IN CHINA" and "SLIDE PUSH."
Retailers and distributors nationwide sold these lighters between December 2000 and May 2001 for about $5.
Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and contact L.A. Lighter at (800) 499-4708 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive a full refund.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02195.html
July 17, 2002
Release # 02-201
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1188
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Royal Outdoor Recall Hotline: (877) 467-6925
CPSC and Royal Outdoor Products Announce Recall of Colonial Vinyl Deck
Post Kits
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Royal Outdoor Products of Woodbridge, Ontario,
Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 1,250 colonial vinyl post kits.
Cracks can develop near the base of the posts. This can allow the
railing to collapse, potentially injuring people on the deck.
CPSC and Royal Outdoor Products have received seven reports of the
posts cracking and one report in which the post failed. Royal Outdoor
Products is not aware of any injuries associated with the posts cracking
or failing.
The recalled Royal Colonial Vinyl Deck Post Kit is intended for
use with the Royal pre-built vinyl deck rail system. The 4-inch square
post has a "lathe turned" design in the middle. A label with the words
"Royal Outdoor Products" and "R008-45-136" is affixed to the bottom of
each post. Each kit contains one post. The posts were made in Canada.
Home Depot stores in the mid-Atlantic region sold these deck post
kits from February 2002 through April 2002 for about $30.
Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact
Royal Outdoor Products to receive a free reinforcement kit. For more
information, consumers can reach Royal Outdoor Products at (877) 467- 6925 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday ET or visit the firm's web site
at www.royaloutdoor.com
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your
web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following
address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02201.html
Bicycle Stem Recall Hotline: (800) BIKEUSA
August 15, 2002
Release # 02-228
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC, Cannondale Corp. Announce Recall of Bicycles With Defective Stems
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Cannondale Corp., of Bethel, Conn., is voluntarily
recalling about 1,300 bicycles with defective stems. The stem can break
away from the bicycle, causing a loss of control, falls and serious
injury to riders.
Cannondale has received four reports of stems breaking, including
one minor injury.
The recalled stems are black and have the model name - 3T ZEPP XL
printed in white on the sides of the body of the stem. The faceplate
also has "3T" printed in white at the front of the stem. The stems
were installed on 2002 and 2003 model year Cannondale bicycles. The
recalled stems were manufactured in Italy by 3T (Tecno Tubo Torino)
and distributed by parent company, Gruppo, SPA.
Authorized Cannondale Bicycle dealers nationwide sold the stems
from March 2001 through July 2002 for between $3,400 and $5,000
(includes the cost of the bicycle).
Consumers should stop riding bicycles with these stems immediately and
contact a local Cannondale retailer for a free repair. Consumers
can contact Cannondale at (800) BIKEUSA or visit the company's website
at www.cannondale.com to find a local dealer.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web
site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following
address:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02228.html
August 15, 2002
Release # 02-229
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Marin's Recall Hotline: (800) 876-9840
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Marin Mountain Bikes, of Novato, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 Marin-brand, aluminum-framed mountain bikes. The steer tube on the front of these bicycles can break off from the two main tubes of the frame causing the rider to lose control, fall
and possibly suffer serious injury.
Marin has received two reports of the steer tube breaking off, resulting in two injuries that included broken bones, broken teeth, cuts and abrasions.
The recall involves Marin-brand mountain bikes with aluminum frames. There are seven model bikes with 11.5-inch frames and one model with a 13.5-inch frame. The 11.5-inch bikes have the following model names: Bobcat Trail, Hawk Hill, Palisades Trail, Pioneer Trail, Nail Trail, Stinson and Rocky Ridge. The 13.5-inch model has the model name
Quake. The model name is written on the top tube of the mountain bikes. To determine the size of the frame (11.5-inch or 13.5-inch), measure from the center of the crank arm to about 1 inch below the seatpost clamp.
One of the 11.5-inch frame Marin models being recalled.
Independent bicycle stores nationwide sold these mountain bikes from August 1998 through July 2002 for between $280 and $900.
Consumers should stop using the recalled bikes immediately and contact Marin Mountain Bikes to learn where to take their bikes to have the frames replaced free of charge. For more information, contact Marin at (800) 876-9840 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.marinbikes.com.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02229.html
August 15, 2002
Release # 02-230
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1184
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Cavagna's Recall Hotline: (866) 422-8246
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cavagna North America Inc., of Branchburg, N.J., is recalling about 6,100 safety relief valves manufactured by Omeca, of
Bresia, Italy. These valves, imported by Cavagna, are designed to relieve excess pressure in large propane tanks, typically the 500- to 1,000-gallon size. The recalled valves can have sharp internal edges that can cut into gasket seals in the valves, causing a propane gas leak. This poses a risk of fire or burn injuries.
Cavagna has received 18 reports of leaking valves. No fires or injuries have been reported.
The valves, model 66-1031, are approximately 7-inches long. Writing on the valve reads "OMECA 66-1031." Only valves that contain year and batch codes of "99.02," "99.16," "99.27," or "99.28" are included in the recall. The valves from these batch codes were installed on tanks that were refurbished or manufactured after May 1999.
The valves were sold to propane processors and distributors nationwide from May 1999 through May 2002 for between $10 and $15.
LP distributors, LP tank owners and propane gas users with recalled valves should immediately contact Cavagna to schedule an appointment to have the safety relief valve replaced at no charge. For more information, contact Cavagna toll-free at (866) 422-8246 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
These safety relief valves are not used for smaller propane tanks, such as those used for home gas grills.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02230.html
September 9, 2002
Release # 02-246
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1188
Kodak Media Contact: James E. Blamphin (585) 724-5036
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Kodak's Recall Hotline: (888) 793-2977
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Eastman Kodak Company, of Rochester, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 75,000 DC5000-model digital cameras worldwide. Due to a manufacturing defect, consumers using these cameras can suffer an electrical shock.
Kodak has received 12 reports, including six in the U.S., of consumers who experienced an electrical shock while changing batteries, or installing or removing the memory card or USB cable. There have been no reports of serious injury.
These are Kodak DC5000-model cameras. The brand name and model number are written on the front of the camera at the bottom right-hand corner. All DC5000 cameras carry a plate on the bottom of the camera containing the Kodak product identifier reading "KJCAA" followed by an eight-digit serial number. The serial number range is 01800001 through 11700825.
Department, electronic, computer and camera stores, as well as mail-order and web retailers sold these cameras nationwide from June 2000 through August 2002 for between $600 and $700.
Consumers should immediately stop using the Kodak DC5000 Zoom Digital Camera and contact Kodak. The company will cover the cost of inspection, any necessary repair and shipping to and from Kodak repair centers. To receive a postage-paid mailer to return your camera, or for more information, contact Kodak online at www.kodak.com. Consumers also can contact Kodak toll-free at (888) 793-2977 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For consumers outside the United States, please contact your local Kodak digital camera support center or visit
www.kodak.com.
This recall includes the DC5000 model only. No other Kodak cameras are affected by this recall.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02246.html
September 9, 2002
Release # 02-247
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Huffy's Recall Hotline: (800) 558-5234
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As children and adults perfect their lay-ups in driveway basketball courts across the country, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announces another recall of portable basketball
hoops. In cooperation with the CPSC, Huffy Sports Company, of Sussex, Wis., is recalling about 70,000 portable basketball systems. The basketball hoops can have a sharp protruding bolt on the player's side of the pole that can cause serious leg or body lacerations to consumers. Basketball players can be cut when they collide with the pole as they
drive toward the basket or when they fall or are pushed into the pole.
CPSC and Huffy Sports have received 11 reports of injuries from protruding bolts that include scrapes and lacerations. Ten consumers required stitches for their injuries.
These are portable, vertically mounted Huffy-brand basketball systems that come unassembled with a plastic base that is weighted down by either sand or water that is added during assembly. The basketball poles are painted black and the Huffy brand name appears on the backboard, main pole, or plastic base. The protruding bolt on the player side of the pole is located about 20-inches from the ground.
Sporting good, department and toy stores sold the Huffy-brand portable basketball systems from November 2001 through May 2002 for between $100 and $200.
Consumers should examine their units immediately. If there is a protruding bolt in the area of play, contact Huffy Sports to receive free bolt covers. Consumers can contact Huffy Sports at (800) 558-5234 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday or the firm's web site at www.huffysports.com.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02247.html
September 9, 2002
Release # 02-248
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1184
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Valor Recall Hotline: (866) 541-0930
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Valor Heating Ltd., of Birmingham, United Kingdom, is voluntarily recalling about 730 direct vent wall mount gas fireplaces. A
design defect in the gas control assembly can allow main burner gas to prematurely enter the firebox during lighting. The ignition of this excess gas can cause the glass window to shatter, presenting the risk of burns or cuts from broken glass.
Valor has received one report of cuts to the consumer's face when the glass front of the fireplace shattered after excess gas ignited.
This recall includes model 837AN (natural gas) and 837AP (propane) direct vent wall mount fireplaces made in the United Kingdom. The fireplaces have a glass front and an imitation wooden log set. The "Valor" logo is printed on the bottom front of the fireplace. The model number is printed on a plate in the lower control area.
Specialty fireplace dealers sold these fireplaces nationwide from September 1997 through January 2002 for between $1,700 and $2,400.
Consumers should stop using these fireplaces and shut off the gas immediately. To arrange for a free repair, consumers should contact Valor at (866) 541-0930 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.valorflame.com.
Products with a label with the words "This unit has been modified in accordance with the rework notice no. 3002783" on the back of the rating plate have already been repaired.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02248.html
October 29, 2002
Release # 03-026
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1188
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 255-5766
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jason International Inc., of North Little Rock, Ark., is voluntarily recalling about 800 Jason AirMasseurTM and Air
Whirlpool Baths. Air baths release heated bubbles into the water. A heating element on these baths can fail to shut off, posing a fire hazard.
Jason has received one report of a fire involving one of these baths, which resulted in minor damage. No injuries have been reported.
The baths were sold under the brand name Jason AirMasseurTM and Air-Whirlpool Baths, which is written on the bath's control keypad. They have a serial number located on the underside of the bath that can be
viewed by removing the equipment access panel. Consumers must check with the firm to determine if their bath is included in the recall.
Plumbing distributors and kitchen and bath showrooms sold these baths nationwide from January 2002 through September 2002 for about $3,000.
Consumers should check their bath's serial number and call to determine if their bath is part of the recall. They should call the Jason Technical Service Department at (800) 255-5766 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.jasoninternational.com. If a bath is included in the recall, consumers should disconnect the electrical supply to their bath by unplugging the equipment or by switching off the circuit breaker immediately, and schedule an appointment for a free repair.
To see pictures or establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03026.html .
November 4, 2002
Release # 03-030
CPSC Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189
Cadet Recall Hotline: (800)567-2613
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to examine their in-wall electric heaters to determine if they are among the 1.9 million Cadet and Encore brand heaters recalled in February 2000. Although the Cadet Manufacturing Co. heaters were sold and distributed primarily in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington from about 1978 through 2000, some of the heaters were sold in other states. A four-year old boy died on September 14, 2002, in Alexandria, Va., when one of the recalled Cadet heaters allegedly was involved in a house fire.
CPSC strongly urges consumers to stop using these heaters and have them replaced if they have one of the recalled models. Consumers who had their heaters repaired under Cadet's original program in 1997 still need to get their heaters replaced. Consumers are advised to contact the Cadet informational Hotline or visit their website www.cadetco.com
for where to buy replacement heaters.
The following models of Cadet and Encore brands were involved in the February 2000 recall: FW, FX, LX, TK, ZA, Z, RA, RK, RLX, RX, RW, and ZC. The brand and model are located on a label on the front of the heat box, behind the grill. Before removing the grill to check the identification label, consumers must turn off the power supply to the
heater at the electrical panel board (circuit breaker or fuse box). If power is not turned off, consumers risk electrocution.
CPSC alleged that these Cadet and Encore brand in-wall electric heaters are defective and can overheat and catch fire. Flames, sparks, or molten particles can spew through the front grill cover of the heater into the living area of a residence, putting consumers at risk from fires, including burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and property damage. The heaters and their grills also can become energized, creating a risk of electric shock.
CPSC is aware of more than 320 reports of heaters that smoked, sparked, caught fire, emitted flames, or ejected burning particles or molten materials. These incidents have allegedly resulted in four deaths, two serious burn injuries and property damage claims exceeding $4.3 million, which includes six partial or total house fires.
In January 1999, CPSC filed a lawsuit against Cadet to compel it to recall the heaters. Cadet filed for bankruptcy the same month. Working with the company and its creditors, on February 17, 2000, CPSC and Cadet announced a settlement of the lawsuit and a recall of the heaters. Cadet agreed to make new heaters available to Cadet owners at
significantly reduced prices. However, due to Cadet's bankruptcy, the opportunity to obtain discounted heaters expired on February 17, 2002.
Since the heaters pose a fire hazard until they are replaced, consumers should have at least one fully operational smoke detector on every floor of their home, especially near bedrooms. To ensure that the detector's batteries are working, test the detector every month. Consumers also should have a well-defined and rehearsed escape plan and an alternate escape plan in the event of a fire. These recommendations and more are covered in "Your Home Fire Safety Checklist" (a pdf version
is also available). You can also have a free copy mailed to you by writing to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.
For more information about the recall, contact Cadet's informational Hotline at (800) 567-2613 anytime or visit the firm's website at www.cadetco.com.
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) and/or to establish a link from your web site to this press release on CPSC's web site, link to the following address: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03030.html