3M Filtrete Air Filter Recall Issued Due to Fire Hazard

About 10,000 air purifiers have been recalled by 3M due to a potential risk that the ion generator in the product may overheat and catch fire, posing a risk to consumers and property.

A 3M Filtrete room air purifiers recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on March 26, after at least one air purifier overheated and another caught fire. No injuries or property damage have been reported to date.

The recall consists of 3M air purifiers marketed under the name Filtrete. The two models included in the recall are the Ultra Quiet, number FAP00-RS and the Maximum Allergen, number FAP00-L. The recalled models have serial numbers beginning with E, F, G, H , I or J, and can be located on the bottom on the product. The recalled purifiers measure 19 inches tall by about 8 inches wide and contain a 13 inch tall by 4.5 inch wide air filter with a two-speed fan knob located on the top on the device.

The recalled air purifiers were manufactured in Taiwan and imported by 3M Company, of St. Paul, Minnesota where they were sold nationwide at Ultra Quiet at Ace Hardware, Bi-Mart, Do It Best, Fred Meyer, Handy Hardware Wholesale, Nuthouse, Orchard Supply, Orgill Bros., Petco, Rite Aid, Strosniders, Theisen Farm & Home, True Value Hardware stores and online at Amazon.com and others. The Maximum Allergen model was sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide from October 2012 through January 2013 whereas the Ultra Quiet model was sold from November 2008 through January 2013, both for roughly $60.

The CPSC recommends that consumer stop using the recalled air purifiers and contact 3M Company at (800) 388-3458 to receive a prepaid shipping box to return the product and receive a free replacement.