| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2001 Release # 01-197 |
Proteus Recall Hotline: (800) 587-2246 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 |
CPSC, JT USA Inc. Announce Recall of Proteus Paint Ball Masks
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JT USA Inc., of Chula Vista, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 Proteus masks used for protection during paint ball combat. The plastic facemask could crack around the ear cover when hit by a paint ball. This could allow the facemask to come off, exposing consumers to eye injuries.
JT USA has received one report of a mask breaking around the ear cover. No injuries have been reported.
The Proteus mask is made up of a Spectra goggle, visor and facemask, which includes ear covers and a strap. Model number 50085090201 includes a cooling fan. Model number 50105090201 does not include a fan. The model numbers are written on the packaging. Both masks are gray with clear, plastic ear covers. Only masks with clear ear covers are part of the recall.
Paint ball equipment stores sold these masks nationwide from March 2001 through May 2001 for between $110 and $150.
Consumers should stop using these masks immediately, and return them to JT USA for a free replacement mask. For more information and shipping instructions, call JT USA at (800) 587-2246 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or write to The Recall Dept., JTA USA Inc., 515 Main St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Consumers also can go to the firm's web site at www.jtusa.com. 
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800
