Mark Ross: Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for February 2nd, 2007. I’m Mark Ross.
Kim Dulic: And I’m Kim Dulic. This week, CPSC announced the recall of 2.3 million Maytag and Jenn-Air brand dishwashers due to a fire hazard, and 3.7 million candles for burn and laceration hazards.
Kim Dulic: Also this week, with freezing temperatures around much of the country, CPSC warned consumers about fire dangers when using space heaters and other supplemental heat sources in your home.
Though Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-predicting groundhog, did not see his shadow today, indicating an early end to winter, there are still likely to be many more cold days ahead.
Mark Ross: First off this week, Maytag Corp. is recalling about 2.3 million dishwashers because the liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher’s internal wiring. It can short-circuit and ignite, posing a fire hazard.
Kim Dulic: That’s right Mark. Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasher fires, resulting in product and property damage. Four injuries have been reported, including three reports of smoke inhalation and a serious hand laceration.
Mark Ross: The recall involves Maytag® and Jenn-Air® brand under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers sold from July 1997 through June 2001. Consumers should contact Maytag to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall.
Kim Dulic: Consumers with recalled dishwashers should immediately disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker to the unit. Maytag will provide a free in-home repair, or a $75 reimbursement after the purchase a new dishwasher.
Mark Ross: For more information, contact Maytag Corporation at (800) 675-0535 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.repair.maytag.com
Kim Dulic: Also this week, Old Williamsburgh Candle Corp. recalled about 3.7 million Mason Jar candles. The wick can move from the center of the jar to the side causing the glass to overheat and possibly crack or shatter. Exposure to broken glass and molten wax poses laceration and burn hazards to consumers.
Mark Ross: The firm received 11 reports of the candles cracking or shattering, including one laceration injury. The recall involves all scents and colors of Mason Jar Candles in 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 oz. sizes.
Kim Dulic: They were sold at Dollar, discount and grocery stores nationwide from May through December 2006 for between $1 and $1.50. Consumers should return these candles to the place of purchase for an exchange or refund. Replacement candles have a “Q” on the side of the label. For additional information, call Old Williamsburgh Candle Corp. toll-free at (866) 564-1500.
Mark Ross: Finally this week, as winter storms and freezing temperatures force consumers to use supplemental heating, such as space heaters and fireplaces, CPSC Warns of Deadly Fire Dangers.
On January 17, a 1-year-old, Westmoreland, N.Y., girl was killed when a space heater in her room ignited a fire. In another recent incident, a Tarrant City, Ala., couple was killed when embers from their fireplace ignited a fire that spread throughout the home.
Kim Dulic: In fact, there are nearly 25,000 fires and 140 deaths on average each year from portable heaters, fireplaces and chimneys. Home heating equipment is the second leading cause of residential structure fires. The leading cause is fires relating to cooking.
Mark Ross: To help prevent deaths and injuries, CPSC urges consumers to: Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. And Install battery-operated CO and smoke alarms in your home.
Kim Dulic: Have flues and chimneys inspected for leakage and blockage by debris and creosote, which is an oily deposit that can ignite. Also, never close the fireplace damper if the ashes are still warm. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
Mark Ross: Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Also, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Turn the space heater off if you leave the area. And Never use extension cords to power electric heaters.
Kim Dulic: For more safety tips and complete recall information, go to our Web site at www.cpsc.gov. There’s publications about space heater safety, as well as more information on all types of home heating equipment -- And until next time, stay safe.
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