Andis and Presto Hair Dryers Recalled for Asbestos Content

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of more than one-half million hair dryers and styling combs manufactured with asbestos. The recall includes professional hand-held hair dryers sold for use in barber shops and hair salons, as well as bonnet and hood-type dryers and styling combs sold to consumers. The corrective programs are being conducted by the Andis Company and National Presto Industries, Inc.

The Andis Company is recalling tens of thousands of hand-held dryers sold to professionals since 1973, including the Electra Dryer, Electra Dryer 11, Ultra 1200, Elite 1500, and Elite 1250 models. Some salons may have resold these units directly to consumers. National Presto Industries is recalling hundreds of thousands of bonnet and hood-type hair dryers and styling combs sold to consumers as early as 1965 through independent retail stores nationwide. Affected Presto models include the Elastic Bonnet, Professional Hood, Mist Hood, Styling Comb, and Mist Styling Comb.

Under the voluntary corrective programs approved by the Commission, the manufacturers have agreed to replace the asbestos linings in the dryers and stylers with non-asbestos materials. Professional hair stylists should return Andis dryers to their supply distributor for free repairs. Consumers who own an Andis dryer can contact the company at 1-800-558-9441 to locate the nearest repair center. Consumers with affected Presto products should mail them to National Presto Industries in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for free repairs.

The recalled product

Product

Andis Electra Dryer, Elite 1250/1500, Ultra 1200 hair dryers

Manufacturer

National Presto

Category

Consumer Product — Personal Care Appliances

Hazard

• asbestos-exposure

Distribution

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