QVC Recalls 28,000 Defective SoleusAir Space Heaters For Fire Hazards
QVC is recalling about 28,000 defective SoleusAir space heaters that can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. According to consumer watchdog Web site Consumeraffairs.com, no injuries have been reported as a result of the fire hazard, but the firm has received nine reports of flames inside or coming out of the heaters and 70 additional reports of smoking, overheating, sparking, melting and/or emitting burning odors.
The recalled heater is a 1,500 watt, black or charcoal-colored, canister-shaped space heater with three heat settings. The unit is about 25” high x 10” in diameter (not including the wheels). The words “SoleusAir 360 Micathermic Heater” are printed on a label located on the front of the unit. The heaters were reportedly made in China and sold through QVC’s shopping programs, its Web site and retail stores between December 2007 and March 2008. If you would like more information, please call QVC at 1-800-367-9444 or visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Web site.
The danger of defective space heaters is nothing new. More than 100 deaths a year may be attributed to unsafe or misused space heaters. Last year, our firm filed a product liability lawsuit against the Coleman Company, manufacturer of a portable catalytic space heater that our investigators say started a fire that caused horrific burn injuries to a young boy. These injuries have left him permanently disfigured and handicapped.
In this case, the young boy and his mother were using a Coleman propane heater during a camping trip. The heater malfunctioned, causing the camping equipment trailer to burst into flames with the little boy inside. It seems to us that this American manufacturer was using a faulty design, subpar critical parts from Chinese suppliers, sloppy assembly and inadequate quality control. The manufacturer’s error and defective products led to the catastrophic injury of a 7-year-old boy.
If you own one of these recalled space heaters, which were, not surprisingly, manufactured in China, call the 800 number listed above or please visit CPSC’s Web site. Please stop using these dangerous products right away. If you have been injured by these products, please call us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
