CPSC Recalls 250,000 Hand-Held Hair Dryers Due to Electrocution Hazard

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of 250,000 hand-held hair dryers on August 14, 1989. The recall involves specific models from MBR Industries, Mustang Electronics, Major International, and China Bazaar. These units do not meet the 1987 voluntary safety standard, which requires protection against electrocution when the hair dryer is immersed in water with the switch in the "off" position.

The hazard is electrocution, particularly when hair dryers are immersed in water. The CPSC noted that since 1980, hair dryers have included labels warning of this hazard, but electrocutions have continued. The agency estimates that 17 Americans are electrocuted each year in accidents involving hand-held hair dryers, with 10 of those deaths involving children under 10 years old. The CPSC highlighted that children often use these appliances for bath-time play, leading to preventable electrocution incidents when left unattended in bathtubs.

Consumers should return the recalled hair dryers to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement. The CPSC also warned that approximately 80 million hair dryers manufactured before 1987 do not provide immersion safeguards and continue to pose a threat. The agency urged consumers to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and to never leave small appliances like hair dryers plugged in, especially in homes with children.

The recalled product

Product

Major Styling Dryer hand-held hair dryers

Manufacturer

MBR Industries

Category

Consumer Product — Personal Care Appliances

Hazard

• electrocution

Distribution

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