CPSC Recalls Pre-1970 Chest Freezers Due to Child Suffocation Risk

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) have announced a voluntary recall initiative for chest freezers manufactured before 1970. Up to 9 million units were produced by more than 40 manufacturers during this period, prior to the implementation of voluntary safety standards that required freezers to be openable from the inside.

The hazard involves the latches on these older models, which can trap children who become stuck inside. The source text notes that 27 children died from suffocation between 1980 and 1999 after becoming trapped in non-working freezers stored in locations such as basements, garages, or outside. Victims ranged in age from two to fourteen years old.

Consumers are advised to check if their chest freezer poses a hazard by attempting to open the lid without using the handle. If the lid can be opened by pulling up on the sides, it is not a hazard. If the lid only opens by using the handle, consumers should properly dispose of the unit or disable the latch. AHAM has established a toll-free number, (800) 267-3138, and a website at aham.org/freezer_safety.htm for detailed information on identification and disposal.

The recalled product

Product

Chest freezers

Manufacturer

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and its refrigerator/freezer manufacturing members

Category

Consumer Product — Appliances

Hazard

• suffocation
• entrapment

Distribution

Related recalls