1 Million Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Be Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission today will announce a voluntary recall of 1 million home carbon monoxide detectors because they go off too late or not at all.

The CPSC probe was hastened by findings in recent studies that a surprisingly large number of faulty alarms are being sold to consumers.

The recall affects two brands made by Kidde Safety Co., the nation’s largest manufacturer of carbon monoxide alarms. A total of 350,000 Lifesaver alarms are being recalled because most failed to go off, according to CPSC officials. In addition, 650,000 Nighthawk alarms are being recalled because the alarm often goes off late, after levels of the gas exceed acceptable limits. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can result in death.

Officials said they do not know of any injuries or deaths involving the products being recalled.

Kidde officials said the alarms had been tested and worked properly when they left the factory, but problems occurred during shipment. Kidde said it will replace the sensors and add a charcoal filter to the alarms. Kidde said it will pay all the costs involved.