Recall issued for about 1.1 million containers of glass cleaner

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Blue Coral of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 1.1 million containers of Rain-X glass cleaner and washer fluid. The products, which contain methyl alcohol, are not sealed with child-resistant closures as required by federal law. Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested.

Blue Coral has received three reports of ingestion, including two children whose parents called the Blue Coral help line and were directed to immediate medical treatment.

The recalled products include three brands: Rain-X Super Glass Cleaner Concentrate, which was sold in 10 ounce and 16.9 ounce plastic bottles, is a blue concentrated liquid that should be added to water; Rain-X Plus Washer Fluid Concentrate, which was sold in 10 ounce and 16.9 ounce plastic bottles and single-use 1.2 ounce pouches, is a pink concentrated liquid that also should be added to water; and Rain-X Washer Fluid Additive, which was sold in single-use 2 ounce pouches. The glass cleaner and washer fluid bottles have a measuring cup built into the cap. A label on the back of the products reads in part, “Blue Coral Slick 50 Ltd.” and “Made in USA.”

Hardware, automotive and department stores nationwide sold the recalled Rain-X products from September 1998 through August 2001 for between $1 and $5.

Consumers should keep these recalled products out of the reach of young children. Consumers should call Blue Coral toll-free at (800) 416-1600 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday for information on receiving replacement child-resistant caps and a coupon toward a Rain-X product. Consumers also can visit the company’s Web sites at www.bluecoral.com or www.rain-x.com.

Rain-X Washer Fluid Additive sold in 10 ounce and 16.9 ounce yellow bottles is not subject to this recall.

Also, National Service Industries Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 1.1 million bottles of drain cleaner sold in 64 ounce child-resistant bottles.

The bottles can leak, allowing the contents of the cleaner to come into contact with consumers. These cleaners can cause irritation and burns to the skin and eyes.

NSI has received 16 reports of the bottles leaking, including three incidents involving skin irritations to the leg and hand, and 13 incidents involving property damage.

The following brand name drain cleaners are involved in this recall. Only 64 ounce bottles are affected.

. Zep Commercial 10 Minute Hair Clog Remover UPC 21709-52206 and Zep Commercial Drain Care Professional Strength Drain Opener Clog Remover UPC 21709-60060. For information about either, call (888) 805-4357 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.zepcommercial.com or zephelp@zepcommercial.com

. Enforcer 10 Minute Hair Clog Remover UPC 21709-52206 or Enforcer Drain Care Professional Strength Drain Opener Clog Remover UPC 21709-52212. Call (800) 241-5656 Ext. 686 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.enforcer.com or plumbing@enforcer.com

The Drain Opener Clog Remover bottles and caps are white and the Hair Clog Remover bottles and caps are red. Each bottle has the brand name – “Zep Commercial” or “Enforcer” – on a label that also read in part, “Keep all chemicals out of reach of children.”

The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kmart and hardware stores nationwide sold these cleaners from January 2001 through August 2001 for between $3 and $6.

Consumers should stop using the cleaners immediately and contact the appropriate company to receive a free replacement cap. Consumers should not return the recalled cleaner to the store where purchased.

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Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-The Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help or to request individual or business membership information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.