Note: Phone number change.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: |
Originally issued October 3, 1994; Revised June 7, 2002 |
(301) 504-7908 |
Release # 95-002 |
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Bernzomatic Offers $250 Bounty For Old Propane Heaters
Washington, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bernzomatic of Medina, N.Y. is offering owners of model TX900 and TX900A propane heaters $250 to return the heaters to the company. Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a defective burner in the heaters has killed at least 42 people, six of them since 1987.
About 40,000 of these portable propane gas radiant heaters were sold for $30-35 nationwide from 1962 to 1966. Bernzomatic originally recalled the camping-style heaters in 1966 and reissued the recall in cooperation with CPSC in 1987. Bernzomatic repeated the recall in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
About 7,000 of the recalled heaters are believed to still be in use. The heaters are often re-sold in yard sales and in second-hand stores.
Recalled heaters have a green metal cabinet that is approximately 9 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 7 inches deep with room inside for one or two 14.1 ounce propane gas cylinders. "BernzOmatic" appears on the front of the heater and on the instructions inside the rear door. The model number TX900 or TX900A and the words "Portable Gas Radiant Heater" also appear on the instructions inside the rear door.
Consumers should stop using the heater and call Bernzomatic at (585) 798-4949 (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday) for instructions on how to return it to Bernzomatic for the $250 bounty.
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