WASHINGTON, D.C.-
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urgently warning consumers about
6,000 Home Gas Sentry carbon monoxide (CO) detectors imported and distributed by Stanley
Solar & Stove Inc. of Manchester, N.H. that 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 illness or death.

CPSC tested the detectors and found that the detectors could fail to alarm at
concentrations of CO at 100 and 200 parts per million. Concentrations at this level can
cause serious illness or death.

CPSC requested that Stanley Solar & Stove recall the detectors, remove them from store
shelves, and contact retailers and consumers about this recall. CPSC is unilaterally
issuing this press release concerning the Home Gas Sentry CO detectors because Stanley
Solar & Stove is unable to participate in a recall and has not warned the public about
potential risks associated with the CO detectors.

The rectangular, off-white, plastic detectors measure approximately 4.75 inches long, 2.5
inches wide, and 1.75 inches deep with the words "Gas Sentry" on the front of
the detector. A green "Power" light and a red "Alarm" light appear in
the center of the detectors. The company name, manufacturing date, and manufacturing
number are located on a sticker on the back of the detector. The detectors have a white
cord and plug.

Coal and wood stove dealers sold the detectors in the northeastern United States from
February 1988 to May 1996 for approximately $80. The detectors were packaged in a
rectangular white box labeled in part, "Home Gas Sentry...120 Volts AC...Model
Z-1604-KM...

Consumers are urged to stop using the Home Gas Sentry CO detectors and replace them with
new detectors that meet Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 effective October 1, 1995.

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.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the
unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the
agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for
information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or
CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand,
call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number.
Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.