September 14, 2011
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., in cooperation
with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), September 14
urged consumers to check if they have recalled Goldstar or
Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers.
The firm re-announced the recall of
about 98,000 of the dehumidifiers that pose a serious fire and
burn hazard, and are believed to be responsible for more than
$1 million in property damage.
The dehumidifiers were first
recalled in December 2009 following 11 incidents, including 4
significant fires. Since that time, the company has received 16
additional incident reports of arcing, smoke, and fire associated with
the dehumidifiers, including 9 significant fires. No injuries have
been reported.
Because of the severity of the
risks, the CPSC and LG Electronics are concerned with the lack of
consumer response to the recall. Only 2
percent of the 98,000 consumers who purchased the units have received
a free repair, which means that many consumers remain at serious
risk.
Anyone who has the recalled
dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them,
unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.
Source:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11324.html
Submitted by:
James A.
Rose
Regional Threat
Preparedness Coordinator
Regional Threat
Preparedness Unit
Mid-Ohio Valley Health
Department |
