March 31, 1997

MBR Industries Inc. Recalls Hair Dryers

MBR Industries Inc. of Miami, Fla., is recalling about 55,000 hand-held hair dryers sold under the name "Pomair." The dryers' thermostats could malfunction causing the dryers to overheat, which presents a fire hazard. Additionally, the dryers do not have a full immersion protection plug to protect against electrocution fall into water.

The black, burgundy, or beige plastic hair dryers display the words "Professional Styler by Pomair Asbestos Free." "Model 600-53000" is imprinted on the back of the handle under the "Pomair" trademark. The dryers have ordinary plugs rather than ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's) or similar devices to prevent electric shocks. The dryers were packaged in cardboard boxes labeled, "Pomair Asbestos Free Pro 1800 Hair Dryer/Styler." Independent discount, hardware, and variety stores nationwide sold the hair dryers from May 1994 through September 1996 for about $6.

Consumers should stop using the recalled hair dryers immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call MBR at (800) 325-0015. Consumers who live in Florida can call MBR collect at (305) 769-1000.