Duracraft Corp. Humidifier
CPSC Recall #97-184 - September 3, 1997
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 97-184 |
| Recall Date | September 3, 1997 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 1 million |
Where It Was Sold
| Major retail stores nationwide sold the humidifiers from January 1991 through June 1996 for about $40 to $80. |
Product
Duracraft Corp. Humidifier
Description
WASHINGTON,D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Duracraft Corp. of Southborough, Mass., is recalling about 1 million humidifiers. The humidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.Duracraft has received approximately 85 reports of these humidifiers overheating and catching on fire or producing smoke. There are no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths, but there have been reports of minor and major property damage.Duracraft model DH-901 through DH-904 humidifiers with date codes that fall within the range of 900101 to 941231 and all model DH-3001 through DH-3006 humidifiers are involved in this recall. The model number and, if applicable, date code are located on a sticker on the bottom of each humidifier's base. These humidifiers have a rectangular shape.Each humidifier includes a rectangular water tank ranging in size from 1 to 4 gallons. The tank is located next to the mist chamber which has an attached control panel. "Duracraft" is written on the front of the unit.Major retail stores nationwide sold the humidifiers from January 1991 through June 1996 for about $40 to $80. Consumers should stop using these humidifiers immediately and call Duracraft toll-free at (800) 290-8495 anytime to receive a free replacement part to repair the model DH-901 through DH-904 humidifiers or to receive a replacement unit for model DH-3001 through DH-3006 humidifiers. Consumers can also write to Duracraft at 250 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772.
Hazard
The humidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
Duracraft has received approximately 85 reports of these humidifiers overheating and catching on fire or producing smoke. There are no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths, but there have been reports of minor and major property damage.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these humidifiers immediately and call Duracraft anytime to receive a free replacement part to repair the model DH-901 through DH-904 humidifiers or to receive a replacement unit for model DH-3001 through DH-3006 humidifiers.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.