The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·05169·Announced 2005-05-11

RadioShack Recalls Video Head Cleaner Containing Toxic Methanol

RadioShack is recalling about 1 million Wet System Video Head Cleaners because the solution contains toxic methanol instead of isopropanol. No injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a high-risk toxic substance (methanol) with potential for severe harm (blindness/death) and 39 reports of child access, but no injuries or illnesses have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

RadioShack Corp. is recalling approximately 1 million units of the "Wet System" Video Head Cleaner. The product was sold in RadioShack stores nationwide and online from December 1995 through January 2005 for about $13. The recalled items are identified by item numbers 44-1230 or 44-1213 on the box and bottle.

The recall is necessary because the cleaning solution bottle is labeled as containing isopropanol but actually contains methanol. Methanol is significantly more toxic than isopropanol and can be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. Additionally, the bottle lacks the special cautionary labeling and child-resistant packaging required by federal regulations for methanol. RadioShack has received 39 reports from their poison center regarding children accessing the product, but no injuries or illnesses have been reported.

Consumers should immediately place the product out of reach of children. They can return the product to the nearest RadioShack store for a refund or dispose of the cleaning fluid bottle in accordance with state and local requirements. For more information, consumers can call RadioShack at (800) 843-7422 or visit www.radioshack.com.

The recalled product

Product
Wet System Video Head Cleaner
Manufacturer
RadioShack Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas
Category
Consumer Product — Electronics Accessories
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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