FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2000
Release # 00-076
Company Phone Number: (877) 562-3816
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
CPSC, Michael's Stores Inc. Announce Recall of Lighters
WASHINGTON D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Michael's Stores Inc., of Irving, Texas, is recalling about 213,000 all-purpose lighters. These lighters can leak butane when they are ignited, causing an excessive burst of flame from the tip or other areas of the lighter. This presents a risk of fire and burn injuries to consumers.
Michael's Stores Inc. has received 14 reports of excessive flame, resulting in three reports of burns to consumers' hands.
The recalled all-purpose lighters are refillable and contain butane. They are about 9 inches long and have a white plastic base; red, green or blue plastic handle with a black plastic trigger and on/off switch; and a metal barrel. A yellow label is affixed to the handle and reads in part, "DANGER: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE...MADE IN CHINA." The lighters were packaged in a cardboard display sleeve under the brand name Handy Home. The brand name is not on the lighter.
Michael's Stores nationwide sold the lighters from July 1998 through January 2000 for about $2.
Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and return them to any Michael's Store for a refund. For more information, contact Michael's Stores Inc. toll-free at (877) 562-3816 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.michaels.com.
