Recall Radar

CPSC Warns Of Failures With Sinostone Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Recall 96-061 · January 16, 1996 · Sinostone

What to doFollow the instructions in the official CPSC notice below.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
96-061 (CPSC)
Recall date
January 16, 1996
Brand
Sinostone
Category
Smoke alarms and home safety
Products
Sinostone Accusniffer SC-01 carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
Hazard
Poisoning and toxic substances hazard
Hazard type
Poisoning and toxic substances
Last updated by CPSC
January 16, 1996

What was recalled

January 19, 1996 Release # 96-061 WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC is urgently warning consumers that approximately 18,700 SC-01 carbon monoxide (CO) detectors imported and distributed by Sinostone Corporation of Wood Dale, Ill., may fail to alarm. As a result, consumers could be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, which could lead to serious injury or death. CPSC tested SC-01 detectors and found that the detectors could fail to alarm at concentrations of CO as high as 1,000 parts per million. Concentrations at this level could lead to permanent brain damage or death in as little as 35 minutes. CPSC requested that Sinostone recall the detectors, remove them from store shelves, and contact retailers and consumers about this recall. CPSC is unilaterally issuing this press release concerning Sinostone's SC-01 CO detectors because the company is unable to participate in a recall and has not warned the public about potential risks associated with the CO detectors.The rectangular, grey, plastic detectors measure approximately 5.5 inches long, 3.25 inches wide, and 1.5 inches deep, with vertical vents and the word "Accusniffer" on the front of the detector. A green "Power" light and a red "Alarm" light appear in the center of the detectors above the "Test/Reset" button. The model number, company name, and address are located on a sticker on the back of the detector. The detectors have a white cord and plug and a battery back-up system.Hardware stores and home improvement stores sold the detectors nationwide from October 1994 to August 1995 for a wholesale price of approximately $28. The detectors were packaged in a rectangular green box labeled in part, "Accusniffer...110 Volt Plug-in plus Battery Backup...SC-01, Stand alone model..."Consumers are urged to stop using Sinostone SC-01 CO detectors and replace them with new detectors that meet the October 1, 1995 requirements of Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034.CO is produced when fuel is burned with incomplete combustion. CO poisoning from home fuel-burning appliances and camping equipment kills at least 250 people each year and sends another 5,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu (without the fever). They include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and irregular breathing. Common sources of carbon monoxide include room heaters, furnaces, charcoal grills, ranges, water heaters, and fireplaces

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • Sinostone Accusniffer SC-01 carbon monoxide (CO) detectors

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Sinostone.

Recall history and context

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 20 recalls in the smoke alarms and home safety category, 4 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

Sinostone Accusniffer SC-01 carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. , may fail to alarm.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Poisoning and toxic substances hazard.

What should I do if I own one?

Follow the instructions in the official CPSC recall notice linked on this page.

Similar recalls in smoke alarms and home safety

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on January 16, 1996. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.