Foil Art Spray Adhesive Scotch Brand Spra-Ment Krylon Spray Adhesive

CPSC Recall #73-014 - August 19, 1973

Recall Summary

Recall Number73-014
Recall DateAugust 19, 1973
Remedy TypeDispose

Product

Foil Art Spray Adhesive Scotch Brand Spra-Ment Krylon Spray Adhesive

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. --The Consumer Product Safety Commission Monday, acting under the Hazardous Substances Act, declared that three aerosol spray adhesives manufactured by 3-M Company and Borden Company constitute an imminent hazard and, therefore, banned the products. The Commission--while praising the voluntary action by both Borden and 3-M in immediately halting production and distribution of their spray adhesives--said it was taking the step to stop retail sales of such products to consumers. On Friday, the Commission had urged consumers to discontinue use of spray adhesives which have been possibly linked to chromosome breakage and resulting multiple birth defects. "We have sufficient evidence to officially declare `Foil Art Spray Adhesive,' 'Scotch Brand Spra-Ment' and 'Krylon Spray Adhesive' banned hazardous products," CPSC Chairman Richard 0. Simpson said. "But we are asking manufacturers of all other aerosol spray adhesives to voluntarily discontinue production and distribution of their goods. And we expect that retailers will act immediately to halt sales of all such products," he said. The Commission's action was based on findings by a University of Oklahoma scientist which strongly suggest a causal relationship between exposure to spray adhesives and presence of chromosome breaks and resulting severe birth defects. Under the Hazardous Substances Act, retailers face criminal penalties of up to one year in jail and/or $3,000 in fines for continued sales of the 3-M and Borden brand aerosol spray glues. "We have instructed CPSC field investigators to begin an immediate spot-check of retail establishments to assure that those spray adhesives are off the shelves," Chairman Simpson said. "In addition, we are designing a comprehensive effort to determine the full extent and implications of the problem. But the complex nature of the situation will prevent an immediate determination of the exact relationship between the spray adhesives and the possible chromosome breakage and resulting multiple birth defects," he said. Simpson said that the Commission will continue to release information as it becomes available.

Hazard

Possibly linked to chromosome breakage and resulting multiple birth defects.

Remedy Instructions

Manufacturers of all other aerosol spray adhesives are to voluntarily discontinue production and distribution of their goods. Retailers will act immediately to halt sales of all such products.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose 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 (Dispose) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

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.