Fires and Explosions

Avon Polar Bear Recall Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

2008-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

The CPSC has announced an Avon toy polar bear recall due to fire and burn hazards. The recalled toy bear are "Cozy Warming Polar Bears" distributed by Avon Products Inc., of New York, N.Y. The recall involves about 113,000 "Cozy Warming Polar Bears."

The warming pouch inside of the bear can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard. Avon has received 41 reports of the warming polar bear overheating. 6 people have reported minor burns.

Here is a picture of the offending toy polar bear:

The "cozy" bear looks so innocent. Avon provided the following description of the recalled Avon polar bears:

The recalled white plush warming bear has a red hat and brown nose. It is about 17 inches long and comes with a buckwheat-filled pouch that is heated in a microwave oven and is inserted into an opening in the bear’s belly. “Avon Products” is printed on a white tag sewn onto the bear.

The recalled Avon polar bears were sold by Avon independent sales representatives and at www.avon.com from July 2007 through February 2008 for about $13 when sold alone, or as part of a gift set that sold for about $100. The recalled Avon polar bears were sold in China.

According to the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission), consumers should immediately stop using the recalled warming bear and return the buckwheat-filled pouch for a full refund.

We published this recall as a public service only. We are not taking cases involving this product unless there are serious burn injuries.

New Burn Treatment Approved

2008-03-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

The FDA has approved a new medical adhesive (a fibrin sealant) called Artiss for use in attaching skin grafts onto burn patients.

The following is from the March 19, 2008, FDA announcement regarding this new burn/skin grafting treatment:

Fibrin sealants are tissue adhesives that contain the proteins fibrinogen and thrombin, which are essential in the clotting of blood. Artiss (Fibrin Sealant, VH S/D 4) differs from other fibrin sealants in that it contains a lower concentration of thrombin. This lower concentration allows surgeons more time to position skin grafts over burns before the graft begins to adhere to the skin. Artiss also contains aprotinin, a synthetic protein that delays the break down of blood clots.

"The approval of Artiss can help surgeons using a fibrin sealant to fine tune graft placement on burn sites," said Jesse L. Goodman M.D., M.P.H., director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "The approval also provides an additional choice for health care professionals in providing burn treatment."

The fibrinogen and thrombin proteins in Artiss are derived from human plasma, collected from FDA-licensed plasma centers. Both proteins undergo purification and virus inactivation treatments to reduce the risk of blood-transmissible infections.

During a multicenter clinical trial, investigators evaluated Artiss for its ability to attach skin grafts on two wound sites for 138 patients. At one test site, the skin graft was fixed with Artiss; at the other test site, the graft was fixed with surgical staples. The results showed that Artiss was, within a statistical error, as good as staples to attain complete wound closure.

Frequent adverse events, seen in both treatment groups, included bleeding and fluid collection in the tissues, both of which are common during skin grafting procedures. Artiss is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, Ill.

Upholstered Furniture Fires: CPSC Proposes New Mandatory Standards

2008-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) on a new mandatory standard to address residential upholstered furniture fires. The goal of the proposed standard is to prevent ignition or slow the spread and intensity of upholstered furniture fires. These fires cost the U.S. about $1.6 billion each year. CPSC staff estimates the proposed standard, once fully effective, would prevent an estimated 100 deaths and 130 injuries every year.

“We represent victims of upholstered furniture fires and welcome any new standards that will prevent injuries and save lives. We recently settled a case involving an upholstered furniture fire that started in an apartment. In that case, a mother and her young son died,” said Fred Pritzker, a partner at our lawfirm. “Although we obtained a settlement of almost $3,000,000 dollars, no amount could compensate the family for the loss of these lives.”

“Fires involving upholstered furniture are a leading cause of fire-related deaths in U.S. homes,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Stopping a furniture fire in its tracks or slowing its spread would buy consumers precious time to get out of their homes.”

Under the proposal, manufacturers could meet the performance standard by using smolder-resistant cover fabrics or interior fire resistant barriers to protect the furniture’s internal filling material which is the primary fuel in an upholstered furniture fire. The CPSC’s objective is to reduce the fire risk in upholstered furniture without requiring the use of fire retardant chemicals. Manufacturers will not be required to use chemicals to meet the proposed standard. In its environmental assessment, CPSC staff projects most manufacturers and importers would likely choose options that do not involve fire- retardants in fabrics or filling materials.

According to chairman Nord:

Importantly, the standard will address upholstered furniture fires without any
adverse impact on environmental safety and health. I am pleased that the NPR
addresses upholstered furniture fires without requiring the use of fire
retardant (“FR”) chemicals. I was concerned that a previous proposal would
require extensive use of FR chemicals and the health effects of some of these
chemicals are not well-understood. Therefore I directed the staff to try to
address the fire risk associated with upholstered furniture without encouraging
the use of FR chemicals. This NPR is a result of that work.

To contact Pritzker Ruohonen regarding a furniture fire, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's free case consultation form.
Posted February 2008.

AtHome America Candle Recall Due to Fire Hazard

2007-12-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

AtHome America Inc., of Alsip, Illinois, has recalled about 6,300 four-wick decorative candles because they may be a fire hazard, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) AtHome America candle recall announcement. The candle’s wicks are in close proximity causing the candle to burn unevenly and faster than expected, posing a potential fire hazard. AtHome America has received one report of melted wax on a table. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recall involves four-inch, square-shaped candles with four wicks. The candles were sold in three styles: the Earth Hue Toasted Nutmeg and Spice candle, the Holiday Hue candle, and the Golden Metallic candle. The recalled candles were sold by AtHome America consultants from the 2007 Fall & Holiday Catalog from August 2007 through October 2007 for about $17. The candles were manufactured in Vietnam.

According to the CPSC recall announcement, consumers should stop using the candles immediately and contact their AtHome consultant for a full refund. The company has sent direct notices to sales consultants and candle owners.

Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leading product liability law firm, is providing this information as a public service. Please do not contact our law firm about a case unless it involves serious personal injury. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form (right). The firm has extensive experience with product liability and fire accident cases.

Read the U.S. CPSC recall announcement.

Posted December 2007.

QVC Toaster Recall: Cook's Essential Electric Toasters

2007-12-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

QVC Inc. of West Chester, Pennsylvania, has recalled about 13,000 Cook's Essential electric toasters due to possible fire hazard. The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard. QVC has received reports of five toasters turning on spontaneously, including two incidents of toaster covers burned and one incident of fire damage to a kitchen cabinet. No injuries have been reported.

This QVC toaster recall involves the “Cook’s Essential” chrome two-slice electric toasters model CT200. Each toaster has “Cook’s Essentials” and “Model: CT200” printed on a plate located on the underside of the toaster. The toasters were sold through QVC’s televised shopping programs, Web page, toll-free number, outlet, and employee and Studio stores from May 2000 through May 2003 for between $50 and $60.

Consumers should stop using the toaster immediately, unplug it, and return it to QVC using the prepaid shipping labels that QVC will provide. According to the CPSC recall announcement, consumers who return their toasters will receive a full refund of the purchase price, plus shipping and handling. If you have a recalled QVC/Cook's Essential toaster that has caused property damage and/or personal injury, contact an attorney immediately and do not return the toaster or contact QVC.

Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leading product liability law firm, is providing this information as a public service. Please do not contact our law firm about a case unless it involves serious personal injury. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form (right). The firm has extensive experience with product liability and fire accident cases.

Posted December 2007.

Menard's: Oscillating Ceramic Heater Recall

2007-12-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Collins International Co. has voluntarily recalled about 20,000 oscillating ceramic heaters sold at Menards retail stores due to possible fire hazard. This recall involves 1500 watt oscillating ceramic heaters model EB38005. The heater has a white plastic housing with the name "Heat-Wave" in black on its top. A label on the bottom of the product contains the model and the control number "ETL 3090262."

The heaters can overheat, smoke, or ignite which could pose a fire hazard to consumers. Collins International has received seven reports of the heaters overheating, smoking, or igniting, including four reports of minor property damage to carpets and floors. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled oscillating ceramic heaters were sold at Menards’ stores nationwide from September 2006 through March 2007 for about $25.

According to the CPSC announcement, consumers should immediately stop using the heaters and return them to the nearest Menards’ store for a full refund. However, if there has been product damage or personal injury that may be associated with a recalled oscillating ceramic heater sold at Menard's, you should contact an attorney immediately.

Pritzker | Ruohonen is posting this recall as a public service. The firm is not representing people who have sustained property damage that may be associated with this product. The firm does represent people who have been seriously injured by defective products. To contact Pritzker | Ruohonen regarding a serious personal injury, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online free case consultation form.

Posted December 2007

General Electric Microwave Combo Wall Ovens Recall

2007-12-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

The U.S. CPSC has announced a General Electric built-in combination wall and microwave oven recall due to possible fire hazard. The recall includes GE combination microwave and conventional built-in wall ovens sold under the following brand names: GE, GE Profile® and Kenmore. The ovens were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The brand name is printed on the lower left corner on the front of the microwave door. The model and serial numbers can be found inside the microwave oven on the left interior wall. For a list of the model and serial numbers, please click here to see the CPSC recall announcement.

According to the CPSC announcement, GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Kentucky, the manufacturer of the product, voluntarily recalled the product because the door switch in the microwave oven can overheat and ignite plastic components in the control area, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The lower thermal oven does not pose a hazard.

GE is aware of 35 incidents of minor property damage and one incident in which a fire damaged adjacent kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.

The CPSC announcement states that consumers should stop using the microwave oven immediately. Consumers should contact GE regarding their GE/GE Profile micro-oven combo or Sears for their Kenmore unit. GE is offering a free repair or rebate on a new product, a $300 rebate toward the purchase of a new GE brand unit, or a $600 rebate toward the purchase of a new GE Profile brand unit. Sears is offering a free repair or $300 rebate toward the purchase of a new Kenmore brand unit. Consumers can continue using the lower thermal oven.

Pritzker | Ruohonen is posting this recall as a public service. The firm is not representing people who have sustained property damage that may be associated with this product.

Posted December 2007

Black & Decker Toaster Recall Due to Fire Hazard

2007-12-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

The CPSC has announced a Black & Decker Toaster Recall due to possible risk of fire. According to the CPSC, consumers should stop using and unplug the recalled Black & Decker toasters.

The toasters recalled are Black & Decker® brand Infrawave™ Toasters. The recalled two-slice toaster is black with stainless steel trim and has a digital display below the toaster lever. The Black & Decker® brand name is on the top of the toaster. Model number ST2000 is printed on the rating plate on the bottom of the toaster.

Hazard: According to the CPSC, an electrical component in the toaster can overheat and ignite the circuit board, posing a fire hazard. Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Florida, the distributor of the toasters, has received two reports of the toasters igniting, including one report of fire that damaged a kitchen countertop and cabinets. There have been no reported injuries.

The recall involves about 70,000 Black & Decker toasters. The recalled toasters were sold at home improvement and discount department retailers nationwide from March 2007 through November 2007 for about $50.

If there has not been a fire or any smoke damage related to the recalled toasters, consumers should stop using the recalled toaster, unplug it immediately, and contact Applica to receive a refund. Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leading product liability law firm, recommends contacting a product liability lawyer immediately (and not Applica) if there has been a fire or any smoke damage related to a recalled toaster. Pritzker | Ruohonen is posting this recall as a public service. The firm is not representing people who have sustained property damage that may be associated with this product.

Posted December 2007

Fire Prevention during the Holidays

2007-12-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

Along with holiday cheer, the holidays bring a rise in the number of fires. As you are decorating your home for the holidays, please keep these tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association in mind:

Trees:

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways.
If you have a real tree, water it regularly.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
if you have a real tree, dispose of it after 4 weeks.

Lights:

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA. Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and are required to have safety fuses to prevent the wires from overheating.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
When using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles or a portable GFCI.
Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Take down holiday lights after 90 days of use to prevent damage from weather conditions and neighborhood animals.

Candles:

Keep burning candles within sight.
Keep lighted candles away from items that can catch fire and burn easily, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.
Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.
Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles.
Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room or leave the house.

Fireplaces:

Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting. Keep them away from children.
Do not burn wrapping paper or plastic items in the fireplace. These materials can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, resulting in a flash fire.
Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable materials.

Sources:
1. CPSC Warns: Avoid Hazards Related to Holiday Decorating (press release).
2. National Fire Protection Association, November 2007 press release regarding holiday safety.

Get a free brochure with holiday decorating and toy safety tips at CPSC’s web site www.cpsc.gov (pdf)

See a demonstration showing how flammable a dry Christmas tree can be as opposed to a tree watered regularly. This test was conducted by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories.

Honda Lawnmower Recall Due to Fire Hazard

2007-11-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a Honda lawnmower recall because the lawnmowers may cause a fire and explosion accident. Due to a manufacturing defect, a crack can occur in the fuel tank causing a fuel leak. If gasoline leaking from the fuel tank is ignited, a fire or explosion could occur.

About 22,000 Honda lawnmowers have been recalled, and American Honda Motor Corporation has received six reports of fuel leakage. No fires or injuries have been reported.

The recall involves HRX walk-behind lawnmowers with model numbers HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA. Only serial numbers from 1400001 through 1453714 are included in the recall. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the deck. The lawnmower is dark gray with a red engine cover.

The recalled Honda lawnmowers were sold at Honda Lawn and Garden dealers nationwide, including The Home Depot stores, from January 2007 through September 2007 for between $800 and $900.

Consumers should stop using these recalled lawn mowers immediately and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer to have the fuel tank replaced. Registered owners of the recalled lawn mowers will be mailed a notice. If there has been a fire or explosion involving a recalled Honda lawnmower, do not contact the Honda dealer. Contact an attorney. We only handle cases involving personal injury. If no one was injured, please contact another law firm.

Treadmills Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

2007-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 4,700 Cybex and Trotter treadmills. This recall involves the treadmills "Cybex 400T," "Cybex 410T," "Trotter 510," "Trotter 525", "Trotter 535", and "CXT+" that were recalled on October 8, 2003 and later repaired. The treadmills are black with gray coloring, have rectangular uprights, and measure 69 inches long and 30 inches wide. The brands and models are written on the display panel. The “CXT+” model does not bear the brand Cybex or Trotter.

During repairs associated with the October 8, 2003 recall, wire nuts were installed improperly, causing the treadmills to overheat and posing a fire hazard to consumers. Cybex International has received five reports of treadmills overheating or catching fire resulting in damage to the treadmill. No injuries have been reported.

Pritzker | Ruohonen is providing this recall information as a public service. The firm only handles cases involving personal injury.

CPSC Fines Manufacturer of Defective Air Compressor

2007-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

TAP Enterprises Inc., of Springhill, Kan., has agreed to pay a $100,000 civil penalty for failing to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in a timely manner about defective air compressors. In October 2004, TAP first learned of an incident involving a fire caused by the Mini 2-Gallon Pancake air compressor, which resulted in $30,000 in property damage. By September 2005, TAP Enterprises had received another report of smoke coming out of the air compressor and a number of warranty claims. TAP, doing business as Cummins Industrial Tools, did not report any of these incidents to CPSC in a timely and thorough manner.
The Consumer Product Safety Act requires firms to report to the CPSC within 24 hours after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, presents an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates a federal safety standard.

If a company fails to report to the CPSC in a timely manner about a defect and a consumer is subsequently injured, it may be possible to obtain punitive damages (damages beyond actual damages that are meant to punish the wrongdoer). In the case where a defective product causes a fire, it would be beneficial to hire an attorney with both product liability and fire injury litigation experience.

Pritzker | Ruohonen is a national law firm and has recovered millions for people injured in fires and by defective products. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Flame-Retardant Pajamas Prevent Additional Burn Injuries

2007-10-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

A Portage, Indiana mobile home fire resulted in 6-year-old Kayla Nicholson suffering third-degree burns on 35 to 40 percent of her body. According to a story in the Post-Tribune, her flame-retardant pajamas saved her from further burns.

There have been federal regulations regarding the flammability of children’s sleepwear since 1972. Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has since relaxed those regulations, flame-retardant children’s sleepwear continues to save lives and limit burn injuries.
Occasionally, children’s sleepwear is recalled because it is not flame-retardant. On April 17 of this year, Disney Store recalled children's footed pajamas because it failed to meet the children’s flammability standard, posing risk of burn injury to children. The products recalled were Baby Einstein Caterpillar sleepwear and Baby Einstein Duck sleepwear and were made of 100% cotton. Flame-resistant sleepwear is never 100% cotton.

The recalled footed pajamas were sold at Disney Stores nationwide from April 2006 through May 2006.

We will post any information on future recalls of children’s sleepwear on this blog.
Pritzker | Ruohonen is a national law firm and represents burn victims throughout the United States. Children who are burned on their parents’ property may have to sue their parents to be justly compensated by their parents’ insurance company. To contact Pritzker | Ruohonen, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.