The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) recently reported yet another product recall. This time, several brands of dry carpet cleaner, which contain powders that consumers can use to deodorize their carpets, are reported to have contaminants, such as bacteria. The bacterium that is in the dry carpet cleaners can cause serious medical problems, such as respiratory infections. The USCPSC also alerted consumers that there is the possibility of the bacterium causing other types of illnesses and infections.
Many brands of dry carpet cleaners have been affected and subsequently recalled. Some of the major brands that have pulled their products include Arm & Hammer, Oreck, Healthy Home, Capture and Riccar. The USCPSC reports that the affected cleaning agents went on the market between July of 2015 and September of 2016, so it is important to be particularly mindful of any dry carpet powders purchased within the last year and a half to two years.
Respiratory infections and illnesses can range from uncomfortable and mild to severe and dangerous. Upper respiratory tract infections, known as URIs or URTIs, are illnesses that are caused by an infection that attacks the sinuses, nose, lungs and/or trachea. A severe respiratory infection is able to spread throughout the entire respiratory system and can be very highly contagious. The USCPSC warned that those who are immunocompromised need to be extremely careful in respect to this product recall. Immunocompromised means to have a compromised or impaired immune system. A person can have an impaired immune system for an array of reasons. When you get a common cold, your immune system becomes compromised. When someone is going through chemotherapy or radiation, his or her immune system too, is compromised. It is important to be particularly careful and mindful if you have any condition that impairs your immune system so that you are not put at further risk for any type of infection or illness because of these contaminated products.
If you believe you may have purchased one of these popular brands of dry carpet cleaning powders, you should check to see if the product you purchased has been affected by this nationwide recall. The products ranged from $7-$49 and are sold at popular stores such as Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes. You can check the affected lot numbers and product types here: https://www.recallrtr.com/drycarpetcleaner/. If you do own any of the recalled carpet cleaners, you should discontinue use right away. In addition, you can visit the provided website to request a free replacement of safe, non-recalled dry carpet cleaning powder. Please make sure that you remain safe and stop using any affected, recalled products. It is always a good idea to stay up-to-date on product recalls to best be aware of what products may be potentially harmful or dangerous to you and your loved ones!
The Philadelphia products liability lawyers at Galfand Berger have successfully represented clients who have been injured by faulty or malfunctioning products. If you or any of your loved ones have been injured due to a products issue, an attorney at Galfand Berger, LLP can help. With offices located in Philadelphia, Reading and Bethlehem, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.