Flammable Women's Garments Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 27) -- The Edgewood Chenille Company, a clothing manufacturer in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, is recalling thousands of highly flammable women's garments, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced.

The garments include women's bathrobes, jackets, shorts and tube-tops. All are made of 100 per cent cotton chenille, a soft, unribbed fabric with a high, fuzzy nap.

Since December, 1978, three women have been burned when their bathrobes caught on fire. One of the women was seriously injured with second-and third-degree burns which covered 25 per cent of her body.

In CPSC laboratory tests of the garments conducted since June, 1979, 7 of 10 garments failed to pass the federal flammability standard for adult wearing apparel.

The garments have been sold nationwide since 1975 under the "Edgewood" and "Wrappers" labels in department stores and ladies' apparel stores.

The bathrobes are floor-length and long-sleeved, and wrap in front. They have sold at retail prices ranging from $35 to $60.

The jackets are waist-length and long-sleeved. Some are fashioned as "fitted blazers" with notched collars and padded shoulders, and others as pullovers with hoods and elastic waistbands. They have sold for approximately $30 to $35.

The boxer-style shorts also have elastic waistbands, and have sold from $12 to $15.

The tube-tops are fully elasticized, strapless garments, which have retailed from $10 to $12.

Women who own these garments should return them to their retailers to receive free replacement apparel which complies with the flammability standard.

Anyone who requires additional information about this recall should contact the Edgewood Chenille Company, P.O. Box 14, Tunnel Hill, Georgia, 30755, telephone (404) 935-3121.