The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·95002·Announced 1994-10-03

Bernzomatic Propane Heaters Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk

Bernzomatic is offering $250 for the return of model TX900 and TX900A propane heaters due to a defective burner that has caused carbon monoxide poisoning.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defective burner has killed at least 42 people, which meets the rubric criterion for a score of 5 (Critical) due to known fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Bernzomatic, a brand now owned by Irwin Industrial, is offering owners of model TX900 and TX900A portable gas radiant heaters $250 to return the units to the company. The recall addresses a defective burner in these heaters that has resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning, which has killed at least 42 people, six of them since 1987.

Approximately 40,000 of these heaters were sold nationwide for $30 to $35 between 1962 and 1966. Bernzomatic originally recalled the camping-style heaters in 1966 and reissued the recall in cooperation with the CPSC in 1987, with further repetitions in 1988, 1989, and 1990. About 7,000 of the recalled heaters are believed to still be in use, often resold in yard sales and second-hand stores.

The recalled heaters feature a green metal cabinet approximately 9 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 7 inches deep, with room for one or two 14.1-ounce propane gas cylinders. The name "BernzOmatic" appears on the front and on the instructions inside the rear door, along with the model number TX900 or TX900A and the words "Portable Gas Radiant Heater." Consumers should stop using the heater and call Irwin Industrial toll-free at 800-654-9011 for instructions on how to return it for the $250 bounty.

The recalled product

Product
Bernzomatic Portable Gas Radiant Heater propane gas heaters
Manufacturer
Bernzomatic
Category
Consumer Product — Heating Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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