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Pierre Cardin "Elegance" model EL203 hair dryers

CPSC Recall #90-052 — March 18, 1990

Recall Summary

Recall Number90-052
Recall DateMarch 18, 1990
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 12,000
ImporterArrow Trading Company of New York, N.Y.

Product

Pierre Cardin "Elegance" model EL203 hair dryers

Description

WASHINGTON -- Approximately 12,000 Pierre Cardin "Elegance" model EL203 hand-held hair dryers are being voluntarily recalled by the importer, Arrow Trading Company of New York, N.Y., because of a potential electrocution hazard to consumers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the hair dryer does not protect consumers against the possibility of electrocution should the product fall into a water-filled sink or bathtub while the switch is in the "off" position. CPSC estimates that 17 people -- 10 of whom are children under 10 years of age -- are electrocuted each year in similar accidents involving hand-held hair dryers. The agency said the recall is part of its continuing effort to reduce risk of electrocution and injury with electrical products around the home. Arrow Trading Company said "Elegance" model E1203 hair dryers were sold nationwide through a variety of retailers. Consumers should return the hair dryer to the place of purchase for a full refund. CPSC Chairman Jacqueline Jones-Smith said, "CPSC investigations have shown that children often use these appliances as devices for bath-time play. Children left unattended in the bathtub can bring a hair dryer into the tub, resulting in electrocution. While any child's death is tragic, these electrocutions are particularly devastating because they are preventable." CPSC urged consumers to have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) installed in bathroom and kitchen circuits to reduce chances of electrocution. Jones-Smith added, "At the very least, small appliances like hair dryers and curling irons should never be left plugged in, especially in homes with young children."

Hazard

The hair dryer does not protect consumers against the possibility of electrocution should the product fall into a water-filled sink or bathtub while the switch is in the "off" position.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC estimates that 17 people -- 10 of whom are children under 10 years of age -- are electrocuted each year in similar accidents involving hand-held hair dryers.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should return the hair dryer to the place of purchase for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

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