CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One million carbon monoxide alarms are being recalled because the devices sometimes give inaccurate readings, the manufacturer and federal officials say.
The voluntary recall involves 650,000 Nighthawk alarms and 350,000 Lifesaver models made by Kidde Safety Co. Both alarms are sold across the United States and Canada. Lifesavers are also sold in the United Kingdom.Packaging around the units sometimes distorts readings of carbon-monoxide levels, the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. There have been no reports of injuries.
Colorless, odorless and tasteless, lethal carbon monoxide gas is produced by the incomplete combustion of a fossil fuel.
Company officials detected the problem during field tests.
The Nighthawk units involved in the recall were manufactured between Nov. 8, 1998, and March 9, 1999, as listed on the back of each unit. "NIGHTHAWK" and "Carbon Monoxide Alarm" are on the front of the unit.
The Lifesaver units are models 9CO-1 and 9CO-1C, manufactured between June 1, 1997, and Jan. 31, 1998. The manufacturing date is on the back of the unit. "LIFESAVER" and "Carbon Monoxide Detector" appear on the front.
Consumers can participate in the recall by logging onto the company's Web site, www.kidde.com or by calling the company. Models will be repaired.