Enerco Group has issued a product defect recall for about 4,500 DeWalt cordless kerosene heaters because they can restart unexpectedly in stealth mode posing a serious risk of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning or both. According to Consumer Reports, particularly in standby mode, if the surrounding temperature drops below the temperature at which the thermostat on the machine is set, the heater can automatically restart. Appliances that produce heat and carbon monoxide are dangerous if they are placed near flammable materials or if there is not enough ventilation.
Details of the Recall
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Enerco Group, which makes the branded kerosene heaters under the DeWalt name, has received one report so far of the heater restarting unexpectedly, but no reports of property damage or injury. The heater recall includes two models: the DeWalt DXH90CFAK and the DeWalt DXH90CFAKM.
Both models are rated at 90,000 Btu, have a DeWalt logo, and show both the model and serial numbers on a side panel, opposite the controls. The heaters were sold at Lowe’s stores as well as at farm and supply stores nationwide from June 2020 through November 2020 for about $350. Officials are urging those who have these heaters to stop using them immediately and contact Enerco for a free, replacement corded heater. For more information, call Enerco at 800-964-4328 or go to Enerco Group’s website, at enercogroupinc.com.
Product Liability Issues
According to the CPSC, there are about 300 fatalities and 21,800 residential fires each year that are caused by portable and fixed space heaters. Fuel-burning space heaters can pose a hazard by causing carbon monoxide poisoning and indoor air pollution due to improper venting or incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Even though it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor. So, you can inhale carbon monoxide right along with gases that you can smell and not even know that CO is present.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a malfunctioning heater or any other appliance, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of loved ones can also file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation. An experienced product defect lawyer can advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/dewalt-kerosene-heater-recall-fire-co-poisoning-risk/
