CPSC and Division Sales Inc. Announce Hair Dryer Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Ill., is recalling
about 8,000 hand-held hair dryers. Since these hair dryers do not have a
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug, they present a risk of
electrocution if dropped in water while the dryer is plugged in and in
either the "on" or "off" position.
The current voluntary industry standard, which has been in effect since
January 1, 1991, requires hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection
when in either the "on" or "off" position. Before the use of immersion protection
devices, there were an estimated average of 18 electrocutions involving hand-held hair
dryers each year. Since the introduction of immersion protection devices for hand-held
hair dryers, the estimated average has decreased to two electrocutions a year.
CPSC and Division Sales Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these hair
dryers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The hair dryer is made of white plastic and has the words "PROFESSIONAL
STYLER...ASBESTOS FREE...HD-20...MADE IN CHINA" printed on it. The hair
dryer has an ordinary plug rather than a GFCI plug to prevent electric shocks.
The hair dryer is packaged in triangle-shaped cardboard box labeled in part,
"Professional HAIR~DRYER HD-20." There is a picture of the hair dryer on the box.
Independent discount and variety stores nationwide sold the hair dryers from
December 1994 through February 1997 for about $11.
Consumers should stop using the recalled hair dryers immediately and return them
to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can
call Division Sales Inc. at (800) 621-8134.
When buying a hair dryer, consumers should look for a large, rectangular-shaped
plug at the end of the cord indicating the presence of a GFCI. The certification mark
of a recognized testing laboratory should also be visible on the hair dryer or on the
hair dryer's packaging. However, even with this improved protection, under no
circumstances should consumers use a hair dryer where it could come in contact with
water. Electricity and water are a potentially deadly combination.
