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Hand-held hair dryers

CPSC Recall #89-076 - August 13, 1989

Recall Summary

Recall Number89-076
Recall DateAugust 13, 1989
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units Affected250,000

Product

Hand-held hair dryers

Description

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced the recall of 250,000 hand-held hair dryers because of a potential electrocution hazard. The commission also warned that some 80 million hair dryers sold before 1987, the effective date of the current voluntary safety standard, continue to pose a threat to consumers. "We estimate that 17 Americans are electrocuted each year in accidents involving hand-held hair dryers," said Anne Graham, Acting CPSC Chairman. "Ten of those yearly deaths involve children under 10 years old. This latest recall is part of our larger and ongoing effort to reduce deaths and injuries." The following firms and models are involved in the voluntary recall:   Firm Models  MBR Industries, Inc. Miami, FL Mustang Electronics, Inc. Hallandale, FL Major International, Inc. Orange, CA China Bazaar San Francisco, CA Pomair Pro 2100 and 1900 Mustang MU 2100 Major Styling Dryer Model 1250 Minimate Hair Dryer and Iron DS-601 (all units stopped in inventory; no consumer sales)   Since 1980, hair dryers have included labels warning consumers of the electrocution hazard posed by immersion. In spite of these warnings, electrocutions have continued. In 1987, the voluntary standard was revised to require protection against electrocution when hair dryers are immersed with switches in the "off" position. The recalled hair dryers do not meet this standard. Consumers should return them to the place of purchase for refund or replacement. In addition, CPSC warns, approximately 80 million hair dryers manufactured before 1987 do not provide immersion safeguards with the switch in either the "off" or "on" position. Acting Chairman Graham said, "CPSC investigations have shown that children often use these appliances as devices for bath-time play. one scenario we have seen involves one or more children left unattended in a bathtub when a parent leaves momentarily. Too often the parent returns to find that a child has brought a hair dryer into the tub, electrocuting one or both of the children. While any child's death is tragic, these electrocutions are particularly devastating because they are all preventable." The agency also urged consumers to have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed to reduce the chance of electrocution. "At the very least," Graham added, "small appliances like hair dryers and curling irons should never be left plugged in, especially in homes with children."

Hazard

In 1987, the voluntary standard was revised to require protection against electrocution when hair dryers are immersed with switches in the "off" position. The recalled hair dryers do not meet this standard.

Incidents & Injuries

We estimate that 17 Americans are electrocuted each year in accidents involving hand-held hair dryers. Ten of those yearly deaths involve children under 10 years old.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should return the hair dryers to the place of purchase for refund or replacement.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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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 (Refund, Replace) at no cost to you.

No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

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.

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