Re-announcement of Recall of Humidifiers Manufactured by TDK Corporation (Collection of Products)

1) Nature of the accident

A serious product accident, which is suspected to be related to a humidifier manufactured by TDK Corporation (product number: KS-500H), occurred. The accident was reported to the Consumer Affairs Agency in accordance with the provision of Article 35 (1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (Control No. A201200944). Before this accident, no serious accident had occurred due to the products.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation, but it is thought that the heater attached to the humidifier's evaporation pan, which was not securely fixed, came loose and touched surrounding resin, causing the two types of humidifier models in question, namely KS-500H and KS-300H, to smoke and ignite. The company has been recalling these models since issuing a public notice in newspapers and other media on January 27, 1999. Forty-six accidents due to this nature have been reported (no injuries have occurred).

In addition, two other types of humidifiers, namely KS-31W and KS-32G, are likely to smoke and ignite due to water leaking from the evaporation pan, causing an electrical component to overheat. The company has also been recalling these products since issuing public notice in newspapers and other media on July 19, 1994. Twelve accidents due to related to these products have been reported (no injuries have occurred).

2) Recurrence-prevention measures

To prevent further accidents, TDK Corporation issued a press release on February 22, 2013. In addition, the company will confirm the use of the products in nationwide nursing care homes and other facilities and collect them, as well as re-announce collection of the products in 47 newspapers to be issued on February 25, 2013, put posters up from early March 2013 in shops that sold the products, and distribute leaflets in newspapers.

On February 25, 2013, METI requested, in writing, the Meeting of Large Household Appliance Retailers, the Electrical Products Association of Japan, and the Japan DIY Industry Association to cooperate with TDK Corporation's collection of the products.

1) Product name, product number, quantity of the products to be recalled, sales periods, and collection rate

2) Appearance of the products to be recalled and product numbers

Note: Product numbers are indicated in the label on the back of the body and the right side of the TDK logo.

The company will provide collection of the products.

Press release:

Friday, February 22, 2013

Confirmation of the use of the products in nursing care homes and other facilities, and collection of the products:

From Friday, February 22 to the end of March 2013

Website for further announcement:

Friday, February 22, 2013

Re-announcement in 47 Newspapers:

Monday, February 25, 2013

Distribution of leaflets in newspapers:

Early March, 2013, onward

Announcements at shops:

Early March, 2013, onward

Anyone who has purchased any of the above products should immediately stop using the products in order to secure safety, and immediately contact the company as below:

Contact office of TDK Corporation concerning humidifiers:

Telephone (toll-free):

0120-604-777
0120-917-137 (until Sunday, March 10, 2013)

Service hours:

9:00 to 19:00 (everyday, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

Website:

http://www.tdk.co.jp (in Japanese)

February 25, 2013

Product Accident Information and Analysis Office, Product Safety Division, Distribution and Industrial Safety Policy Group