CPSC and Ecodyne Announce Recall of Sears Water Filter
Cartridges
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ecodyne Water Systems of
St. Paul, Minn., is recalling about 14,000 Sears water
filter cartridges used to filter drinking water. The filter
cartridges, which are distributed by Ecodyne, were sold
under the name "Sears Chemical Contaminant/Taste and Odor
Filter" and fit most standard-sized under sink and counter
top water filter housings.
An incorrect form of carbon was used to make some of
the filter cartridges. The carbon used could contain nickel
chloride, which releases nickel into the water and can be
harmful if ingested. Nickel chloride can cause abdominal
cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cartridges containing nickel chloride, when initially
used, cause the filtered water to taste metallic and turn
green. Consumers who have used the affected filter
cartridges and are presently displaying the above symptoms
should advise a medical professional of possible
ingestion of nickel. Pregnant women, dialysis patients,
infants, small children, the elderly, and people with kidney
problems or with a nickel allergy may be more sensitive to
the effects of nickel chloride.
CPSC and Ecodyne are not aware of any injuries
involving this product. This recall is being conducted to
prevent the possibility of injury.
The "Sears Chemical Contaminant/Taste and Odor Filter"
was sold as Sears item 42 34375. The 9 3/4-inch by 3-inch
cylinder-shaped cartridge has a white plastic casing
and a 1 1/2 -inch wide green end cap. A label on the plastic
casing reads in part, "WaterWorksTM Chemical
Contaminant/Taste and Odor Filter Cartridge Premium Grade
Granular Activated Carbon." When the label is removed, no
name or identifying part number appears on the water filter;
however, it is the only cartridge sold at Sears with a green
end cap.
Sears stores and Sears Hardware stores sold the water
filter cartridge nationwide beginning in March 1996 for
about $17.
Consumers should immediately stop using the water
filter cartridge and call Ecodyne Water Systems at (800)
945-0109 for instructions on returning the cartridge for a
full refund or replacement.
No other Sears water filters are involved in this
recall.