Safety issues led to the urgent recall of a Steam Vaporiser from Chemist Warehouse
By
VanessaC
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The possibility of burn injuries are problems nobody wants on top of a nagging cold and allergies as they are unpleasant enough on their own.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what customers of Chemist Warehouse have had to face recently, after a recall of one of their products, the Euky Bear Warm Steam Vaporiser, due to a defect in its heating element.
This medical device is commonly used for clearing sinus and nasal congestion in children.
The recall, which was issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), was made public to alert customers of the potential danger posed by the device’s malfunction—rust and overheating, which could cause burns to the user.
'If you do not turn off the device after steaming has stopped, the base of the blue heating module may overheat and disintegrate, producing smoke and fumes,' the TGA notice read.
'The device must be turned off at the power point after steaming has stopped to allow it to cool.’
'If this doesn’t happen, the base of the blue heating module may overheat, rust and disintegrate, producing smoke and fumes. If the heating module finger is exposed, this could cause burns.'
The potentially damaged products, which have been available for sale from April to August 2023, are marked with ARTG 297553 and batch numbers 230301, 231101, A231101 and B231101.
Patrons are asked to check for these details on the underside of the rim near where the cord enters the unit. The photo below will help locate this:
Customers who own one of the affected models are urged to stop using the device immediately and contact [email protected] to arrange for a replacement or return the item to the place of purchase for a refund.
Currently, no alternative stock is being offered, but replacements will be offered by December 2023.
The TGA encourages consumers and health professionals to report problems with medical devices as it can help TGA monitor products and make sure that they are safe for everyone to use. You can file a report through this link.
For more information on reporting these devices, you can refer to this guide from TGA.
They also strongly encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider if you are adversely affected by any medical device.
If you or anyone you know uses this product, share this article with them to keep them safe from any harm.
Share your thoughts on this recent product recall in the comments below!
Correction: A previous iteration of this article mentioned a fire risk. This has since been removed in light of further information.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what customers of Chemist Warehouse have had to face recently, after a recall of one of their products, the Euky Bear Warm Steam Vaporiser, due to a defect in its heating element.
This medical device is commonly used for clearing sinus and nasal congestion in children.
The recall, which was issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), was made public to alert customers of the potential danger posed by the device’s malfunction—rust and overheating, which could cause burns to the user.
'If you do not turn off the device after steaming has stopped, the base of the blue heating module may overheat and disintegrate, producing smoke and fumes,' the TGA notice read.
'The device must be turned off at the power point after steaming has stopped to allow it to cool.’
'If this doesn’t happen, the base of the blue heating module may overheat, rust and disintegrate, producing smoke and fumes. If the heating module finger is exposed, this could cause burns.'
The potentially damaged products, which have been available for sale from April to August 2023, are marked with ARTG 297553 and batch numbers 230301, 231101, A231101 and B231101.
Patrons are asked to check for these details on the underside of the rim near where the cord enters the unit. The photo below will help locate this:
Customers who own one of the affected models are urged to stop using the device immediately and contact [email protected] to arrange for a replacement or return the item to the place of purchase for a refund.
Currently, no alternative stock is being offered, but replacements will be offered by December 2023.
The TGA encourages consumers and health professionals to report problems with medical devices as it can help TGA monitor products and make sure that they are safe for everyone to use. You can file a report through this link.
For more information on reporting these devices, you can refer to this guide from TGA.
They also strongly encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider if you are adversely affected by any medical device.
Key Takeaways
- Several batches of a nasal decongestant vaporiser sold at Chemist Warehouse have been urgently recalled after overheating hazards were identified.
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the recall for four varieties of the Euky Bear (Warm Steam) Vaporiser – Humidifier due to a malfunction in their enclosed heating element.
- The medical device poses risks for burn injuries, as the base of the heating module may overheat, rust, and disintegrate, producing smoke and fumes if not turned off after steaming has stopped.
- Customers who have purchased a faulty Euky Bear Vaporiser are urged to stop using the device immediately and contact the manufacturer at [email protected] or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The manufacturer will offer an equivalent replacement from December 2023.
Share your thoughts on this recent product recall in the comments below!
Correction: A previous iteration of this article mentioned a fire risk. This has since been removed in light of further information.
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