Portable Oxygen Container Recall Issued Due to Risk of Injury, Death

A Class I recall has been issued for Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinder units, due to the risk of fires developing inside oxygen containers, which may cause users to suffer burns or prevent them from receiving oxygen.

The portable oxygen container recall was initiated on November 16, and the FDA has classified the action as a Class I recall, suggesting that continued use of the defective containers carry a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death.

The Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinders recall was announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 16, after reports of fires starting inside of the cylinder unit causing the wall of the unit to break and release oxygen. The known incidents of fires were caused by the cylinders being knocked over and subject to significant physical impact. In the event of a fire, the user can become subject to burns or lack of oxygen.

The Grab ‘n Go portable oxygen cylinder units consist of a oxygen container and pressure regulator (valve) that is intended for medical purposes and used to convert medical gas pressures from high levels to lower, more constant working levels.

Although the fires are self-extinguishing, it may result in the release of the oxygen and pose a risk of burns.

The recalled Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinder units were manufactured and distributed by Praxair Inc. of Danbury, Connecticut from June 17, 2009 through November 16, 2012. The recalled catalog numbers for units sold in the United States and Canada are OX-MAEGNGVNTG. The rest of the units that were sold internationally have catalog number WESPRX-9500.

On November 26, 2012, Praxair Inc., sent a “Medical Device Correction” letter to known owners of the product describing the problem and actions to be taken. Praxair Inc. also advised to store the Grab ‘n Go systems indoors in a safe area, handle the system safely and avoid jarring or dropping the unit, and never store the units at an elevated height.

Consumers with recalled products should sent the Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinder units to Praxair Inc. for servicing and refilling after use in accordance with their normal processes. Consumers may also call Praxair Inc. at (877) 772-9247 Monday through Friday 8am-5pm EST.