By David N. Krugler, Esq.

Before you tackle your next home repair project, take a moment to ensure that the products on your shelf are safe to use. Every year, scores of homeowners and consumers are injured or killed because they unknowingly use products that have been recalled by the manufacturer and/or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Such recall efforts are often ineffective and go largely unnoticed, until it is too late.

You may search the Internet for instructions on how to perform your home repair, but do you check to see if the unused products in your home are still safe? When you buy a new product, you would hope that the store has removed recalled products from their shelves. When buying product new to the market, it is a good idea to search the internet for information about hazards or problems experienced by other consumers. Manufacturer recalls are routinely issued through product safety alerts and recall notices on TV, radio, newspaper and Internet websites, as well as the CPSC's website. Be proactive about keeping yourself appraised of product safety issues.

Tile Perfect Stand 'N Seal Tile Grout Sealer is a good example of a product that can pose a health danger to consumers. The product was recalled in August 2005 due to the product's odor not being chemically pungent enough to force consumers to minimize their exposure to fumes. Individuals who have suffered from overexposure have sought medical attention for coughing, irritation, breathing difficulty, dizziness and disorientation. There are even reports of death from the product. And while the recalled units were to be pulled from Home Depot shelves in August 2005, many consumers were able to purchase the product after the recall date. While this product has been recalled, many homeowners may still have this product on their workshop shelves and could sustain serious injuries if they use the remaining contents. If you have this aerosol product, do not use it. Return it to the Home Depot, for a full refund.

Be Proactive and Stay Informed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website (www.cpsc.gov) provides information on more than 15,000 types of consumer products that present unreasonable risks of serious injury and death. They also list over 4,000 product recalls and recall alerts. Watch for recall notices in stores such as Home Depot and Lowes to stay informed. Before you begin your next home repair project with that unused home repair product, take an extra minute to protect your health by checking for product recalls.

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