CPSC, Camil Corp. Ltd. Announce Recall of Aguarras Floor Cleaner

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Camil Corp. Ltd. of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, is recalling 1,000 bottles of Aguarras floor cleaner, which contains turpentine. The product's packaging is not child- resistant; not labeled with the necessary warnings, cautions for use and instructions for appropriate first aid in case of ingestion; and resembles a liquor flask. The packaging violates the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Turpentine presents a serious poisoning hazard, possibly causing chemical pneumonia, pulmonary damage and death.

CPSC and Camil are not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The turpentine is labeled in Spanish and some English. The packaging is a glass bottle that is about 7 inches high, holds 7 fluid ounces, and has a white and green label. The word "AGUARRAS" is in a green block on the top of the label in white letters, with "LAVADO DE PISO" written underneath in green.

The entire 1,000-bottle lot was sold at Almacenes Topeka Loiza, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, from December 1996 through July 1997 for 89 cents.

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to Almacenes Topeka Loiza for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Camil Corp. Ltd. at (787) 753- 3634 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. Operators will be available that speak both English and Spanish.

The turpentine packaging violation was discovered by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs as part of an ongoing joint enforcement program with CPSC.

Consumer inquiries in Spanish can be directed to CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772. Media inquiries in Spanish can be directed to Jesus Chairez, CPSC, at (214) 827-6239.