Gladstrong Disposable Lighters Recalled Due to Fire Hazard and Death

Plain-English summary

Gladstrong Investments USA, of Hacienda Heights, Calif., is recalling approximately 13 million disposable lighters sold nationwide from January 1998 through February 2001. The lighters, which were sold in convenience, drug, and discount stores for about $1, have brand names such as "BODA-BING," "GIL," "HAPPY," or "WAX" stamped on their metal tops and are marked "MADE IN CHINA." Specific UPC bar codes include "0-80692-99930-1," "0-295114-0," or those starting with "7-55998."

The recall was issued because the lighters' child-resistant mechanisms are frequently ineffective, allowing young children to operate them and start fires. CPSC and Gladstrong Investments have received a report of a 4-year-old girl who died after starting a fire with one of these lighters and hiding in a closet, causing an estimated $72,000 in damages. In another incident, two brothers, aged 4 and 6, ignited clothing and paper inside a car, causing about $1,500 in damages, though they were not injured.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Gladstrong at (877) 666-0664 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product

Gladstrong disposable lighters

Manufacturer

Gladstrong Investments USA, of Hacienda Heights, Calif.

Category

Consumer Product — Lighters

Hazard

• fire
• burn-injury

Affected units

13

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Distribution

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