Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

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August 4, 2004
Release # 04-192

Firm's Hotline: (877) 423-3772 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Osram Sylvania Products Inc. Announce Recall of Decorative Light Bulbs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Units: 5.6 million

Manufacturer: Osram Sylvania Products Inc., of Danvers, Mass.

Hazard: The glass bulb can separate from its base and break during use. The broken glass can present a laceration injury to consumers, the hot broken bulb can present a burn injury to consumers, and an exposed bulb filament can present a shock hazard if handled while power remains applied to the fixture.

Incidents/Injuries: Osram Sylvania has received 119 reports of the glass bulbs breaking, including 29 reports of minor cuts or burns from consumers picking up broken glass from a hot bulb.

Description: The recalled 60 watt B10 medium base light bulbs were sold in packages of two or four units. The bulbs are clear. Some were packaged as "Ceiling Fan" and "Double Life" light bulbs. "SYLVANIA" is printed on the front of the packaging and on the bulb base. The bulbs involved have a UPC bar code on the back of the package ending in the following five digits: 13323, 13329, 13333, 13442, 13445, 13454, 13565, 13650, and 13721.

Sold at: Home improvement centers, grocery, drug and discount department stores from September 2002 through June 2004 for between $2 and $4.

Manufactured in: U.S.

Remedy: If the bulb is broken, consumers should first unplug the light fixture or turn off the main circuit breaker before attempting to remove the bulb. Cloth or leather gloves should also be worn to prevent cuts or scratches during bulb removal. Remove the light bulbs from any fixture where they are installed and contact OSRAM Sylvania for free replacement bulbs.

Consumer Contact: Call Osram Sylvania toll-free at (877) 423-3772 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.