Edison Humidifiers

CPSC Recall #85-064 - December 9, 1985

Recall Summary

Recall Number85-064
Recall DateDecember 9, 1985
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedApproximately 13,000

Product

Edison Humidifiers

Description

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Toastmaster Inc. of Columbia, Missouri today announced the voluntary recall of approximately 13,000 'Edison Compact Tabletop Humidifiers, Models 534041B and 534042. These electrically operated humidifiers may contain a defective motor which could overheat and present a fire hazard. The Commission staff believes that product ignition could create an increased risk of injury, since humidifiers are often operated at night or while consumers are asleep.In 1984 and 1985, Toastmaster received five reports which indicated that a defective humidifier caught fire or failed. The incidents occurred in the States of Michigan and Wisconsin. There' were no reported injuries.The humidifiers in question were manufactured in June and July, 1984, and were sold to consumers since "June", 1984 in all but Hawaii and the southeastern United States. The product sold retail for about $40 to $45 in certain department stores, chain stores, and a variety of other retail outlets.The model no. 534042 humidifier has an almond cabinet with a pecan wood grain front panel, and the model no. 534041B humidifier has a solid chestnut brown cabinet. Both cabinets are plastic with dimensions of 16 S/8 inches by 14 inches by 8 5/8 inches. The "Edison Humidifier" label appears on the left front panel of each model.Owners can determine if their Edison Humidifier is recalled by checking the metal bracket on the rear for Model No. 534041B or 534042 and any date code from DF152 through DF212. All date code numbers between 152 and 212 are included. No other Edison humidifier models or date codes are involved.Owners of affected humidifiers should stop using their unit and contact Toastmaster Inc. for further instructions. Toastmaster will repair all suspect units free of charge. Owners should write directly to the company's National Service Manager, Second and Vine . Streets, Boonville, Missouri 65233, or call toll free at 800-247-5527. Consumers may also call CPSC's toll free number at 800-638-CPSC for information about this recall. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Hazard

These electrically operated humidifiers may contain a defective motor which could overheat and present a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

In 1984 and 1985, Toastmaster received five reports which indicated that a defective humidifier caught fire or failed. The incidents occurred in the States of Michigan and Wisconsin. There' were no reported injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Owners of affected humidifiers should stop using their unit and contact Toastmaster Inc. for further instructions. Toastmaster will repair all suspect units free of charge.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) 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.