January 5, 2006
Release #06-061
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 681-6886
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, C & A Scientific Co. Announce Recall of Metal Alcohol Burners

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

Name of Product: Metal Alcohol Burners (used in scientific experiments)

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer: C & A Scientific Co. Inc., of Manassas, Va.

Hazard: Alcohol can leak from defective soldering around the burner's copper tubing that acts as a wick, posing a fire and burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: C & A Scientific has received 12 reports of incidents involving leaks from the soldering around the copper tubing on the burner's lid. One student received a minor burn to the hand.

Description: The metal alcohol burner consists of a stainless steel tank with a screw-on steel lid. A copper tubing wick in the shape of a loop is soldered on the top of the burner's lid. The burner and lid measure 3-inches in diameter by 3 ½-inches high. The burner also has a separate metal top which fits over the copper wick to act as a snuffer, and a metal heat shield designed to sit on top of the lid. Item number 97-5320 is printed on the burner's packaging.

Sold at: Education supply dealers, including Home Training Tools Ltd., by catalog mail order or Web retailers from November 2004 through October 2005 for about $5.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled metal alcohol burners immediately and return them to place of purchase for replacement or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact C & A Scientific toll-free at (800) 681-6886 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

To view this recall online, please visit our website at: https://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06061.html