The Recall Desk
CriticalCPSC·98072·Announced 1998-02-24

Recall of High-Temperature Plastic Vent Pipes for Home Heating Systems

Manufacturers are replacing an estimated 250,000 high-temperature plastic vent pipe systems on gas or propane furnaces and boilers because they may leak carbon monoxide.

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 hazard presents a 'deadly threat' and that 'High-level exposure to CO can cause death,' which aligns with the rubric criteria for Critical severity involving known or potential fatalities.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and manufacturers of high-temperature plastic vent (HTPV) pipes have announced a recall program to replace an estimated 250,000 HTPV pipe systems attached to gas or propane furnaces or boilers in consumers' homes. The recall involves vent pipes from numerous manufacturers, including Armstrong Air Conditioning, Bard Manufacturing, and Trane.

The HTPV pipes are subject to recall because they could crack or separate at the joints, leading to leaks of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels. Exposure to high levels of CO can cause death, while initial symptoms of poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and irregular breathing.

Consumers should check the vent pipes attached to their natural gas or propane furnaces or boilers to determine if they are affected. Subject pipes are plastic, colored gray or black, and may bear the names "Plexvent," "Plexvent II," or "Ultravent." The replacement of these systems is free of charge.

The recalled product

Product
Armstrong Air Conditioning high-temperature plastic vent (HTPV) pipes
Manufacturer
Armstrong Air Conditioning
Category
Consumer Product — Home Heating Systems
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · carbon monoxide

See all →