Recall: Hairdryers Recalled by Babyliss Pro

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2002 Release # 02-238

Hairdryer Recall Hotline: (800) 726-4202 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Babyliss Pro Announce Recall of Hairdryers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Babyliss Pro, of Stamford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 23,000 hairdryers. The hairdryers do not have an immersion protection device on the power cord and could present a serious electrocution hazard if exposed to water.

CPSC and Babyliss Pro have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled hairdryers have the model number BAB2002BLX, are rated at 1875 watts, and are pistol-shaped. The model number is printed on the barrel of the hairdryer and a label on the side reads, "BABYLISS 2002BLX." The hairdryer also has a hang tag that reads in part, "FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY, DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR LICENSED COSMETOLOGISTS. THIS UNIT IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ALCI OR GFCI DEVICE...WARNING - KEEP AWAY FROM WATER." These hairdryers were manufactured in China.

Duane Reede Drug Stores in the metropolitan New York area; Metro Beauty in Miami, Fla.; and Bu-Ba Beauty in Reseda, Calif. sold these hairdryers between December 2000 and January 2002 for about $50. These hairdryers were intended for professional use, but could have been sold to consumers for personal use.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately and return them to Babyliss Pro for a free replacement unit with an immersion protection device. For information on how to return the hairdryer to the company, call Babyliss Pro at (800) 726-4202 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.