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Electrocution Hazard Prompts Recall Of 12,000 Hair Dryers

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Name of Product:
Pierre Cardin "Elegance" model EL203 hair dryers
Hazard:

The hair dryer does not protect consumers against the possibility of electrocution should the product fall into a water-filled sink or bathtub while the switch is in the "off" position.

Remedy:
Refund
Recall Date:
March 19, 1990
Units:

Approximately 12,000

Consumer Contact

For further information, consumers may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON -- Approximately 12,000 Pierre Cardin "Elegance" model EL203 hand-held hair dryers are being voluntarily recalled by the importer, Arrow Trading Company of New York, N.Y., because of a potential electrocution hazard to consumers.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the hair dryer does not protect consumers against the possibility of electrocution should the product fall into a water-filled sink or bathtub while the switch is in the "off" position. CPSC estimates that 17 people -- 10 of whom are children under 10 years of age -- are electrocuted each year in similar accidents involving hand-held hair dryers. The agency said the recall is part of its continuing effort to reduce risk of electrocution and injury with electrical products around the home.

Arrow Trading Company said "Elegance" model E1203 hair dryers were sold nationwide through a variety of retailers.

Consumers should return the hair dryer to the place of purchase for a full refund.

CPSC Chairman Jacqueline Jones-Smith said, "CPSC investigations have shown that children often use these appliances as devices for bath-time play. Children left unattended in the bathtub can bring a hair dryer into the tub, resulting in electrocution. While any child's death is tragic, these electrocutions are particularly devastating because they are preventable."

CPSC urged consumers to have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) installed in bathroom and kitchen circuits to reduce chances of electrocution. Jones-Smith added, "At the very least, small appliances like hair dryers and curling irons should never be left plugged in, especially in homes with young children."

Remedy:

Consumers should return the hair dryer to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries:

CPSC estimates that 17 people -- 10 of whom are children under 10 years of age -- are electrocuted each year in similar accidents involving hand-held hair dryers.

Importer(s):

Arrow Trading Company of New York, N.Y.

Recall number:
90-052

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

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