CPSC Warns of Failures With Home Gas Sentry Carbon Monoxide
Detectors distributed by Stanley Solar & Stove
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) is urgently warning consumers about 6,000
Home Gas Sentry carbon monoxide (CO) detectors imported
and distributed by Stanley Solar & Stove Inc. of Manchester,
N.H. that may fail to alarm. As a result, consumers could be
exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, toxic gas, which could lead to serious illness or
death.
CPSC tested the detectors and found that the detectors
could fail to alarm at concentrations of CO at 100 and 200
parts per million. Concentrations at this level can cause
serious illness or death.
CPSC requested that Stanley Solar & Stove recall the
detectors, remove them from store shelves, and contact
retailers and consumers about this recall. CPSC is
unilaterally issuing this press release concerning the Home
Gas Sentry CO detectors because Stanley Solar & Stove is
unable to participate in a recall and has not warned the
public about potential risks associated with the CO
detectors.
The rectangular, off-white, plastic detectors measure
approximately 4.75 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 1.75
inches deep with the words "Gas Sentry" on the front of the
detector. A green "Power" light and a red "Alarm" light
appear in the center of the detectors.
The company name, manufacturing date, and manufacturing
number are located on a sticker on the back of the detector.
The detectors have a white cord and plug.
Coal and wood stove dealers sold the detectors in the
northeastern United States from February 1988 to May 1996
for approximately $80. The detectors were packaged in a
rectangular white box labeled in part, "Home Gas
Sentry...120 Volts AC...Model Z-1604-KM...
Consumers are urged to stop using the Home Gas
Sentry CO detectors and replace them with new detectors that
meet Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 effective
October 1, 1995.
CO is produced when fuel is burned with incomplete
combustion. CO poisoning from home fuel-burning appliances
and camping equipment kills at least 250 people each year
and sends another 5,000 to hospital emergency rooms for
treatment. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar
to the flu (without the fever). They include dizziness,
fatigue, headache, nausea, and irregular breathing. Common
sources of carbon monoxide include room
heaters, furnaces, charcoal grills, ranges, water heaters,
and fireplaces.
