Defective Product Injury

Tile Perfect® Inc.’s Stand ‘n Seal™ “Spray On” Grout Sealer

Tile Perfect® Inc.’s Stand ‘n  Seal™ “Spray On” Grout Sealer Recalled Due to Respiratory Problems

Tile Perfect Inc.’s Stand ‘n Seal “Spray-On” Grout Sealer was  recalled on August 31, 2005 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to potential overexposure to hazardous fumes, which often would result in respiratory-related illnesses, loss of consciousness, extensive lung damage, and even death (1, 2).

The recall affected approximately 300,000 cans, sold exclusively at Home Depot stores nationwide, between April and June of 2005 (1). The  product, prior to its removal, retailed for about $10.

It was not until March 2007, 18 months after the recall, that Home Depot and the manufacturer acknowledged the source of the continuing problem. That means hazardous cans of Stand ‘n Seal remained on the shelves for more than a year after the 2005 recall (2).

The hazard, according to the CPSC, was that the product’s odor was not chemically strong enough to force consumers to minimize their exposure to the fumes. Consumers overexposed to these fumes can experience respiratory-related illness (1).

Following the recall in 2005, the manufacturer reformulated 50,000 cans of Stand ‘n Seal “without doing any comprehensive testing, and the CPSC took the manufacturer’s word that the new product was safe. But all the manufacturer did was give the product a pungent chemical smell, hoping to more effectively warn consumers to use the product in a well-ventilated area (3).”

The 50,000 reformulated cans of grout sealer contained the same potentially harmful  chemical that initially caused injury. The CPSC continued to receive several notices that the hazard associated with Stand ‘n Seal continued, even after the recall. “After the recall, consumers continued to fall ill from both the original lot, which the Home Depot and the manufacturer failed to remove from shelves, and the new formula (3).

Stand ‘n Seal “Spray-On” Grout  Sealer’s Hazardous Vapors
The product’s label  stated that the spray’s vapors “evaporate harmlessly,” and users should “avoid  breathing vapors.”  That warning, however, was not sufficient. The  Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the grout sealer explicitly states the product “should not be used in aerosol form because it could cause respiratory  injury.” Internal company documents show the manufacturer knew that even with ventilation, the spray containing the reformulated chemical could cause a medical reaction (4).

The MSDS also warns that high vapor concentrations may result in Central Nervous System Depression and lists the following potential inhalation risks: vomiting, aspiration  pneumonitis (lung infection), breathing problems, and defatting of the skin. The safety sheet goes on to  suggest the use of a respirator and the possible use of air scrubbers to prevent exhaust air from contaminating the environment.  Neither of these recommendations were on the product’s label (4).

What should I do if I used Stand ‘n  Seal “Spray-On” Grout Sealer and got sick?
Exposure to this product may result in serious health complications. If you or someone you care about has used Stand ‘n Seal “Spray-On” Grout Sealer and was subsequently hospitalized or treated for sickness or injury, you may need a lawyer on your side. Call us or fill out a Free Online Consultation Form today for an immediate and confidential evaluation of your case. We want to help.

Sources:

1. CPSC, Tile Perfect Inc. Announce Recall of Stand ‘n  Seal Grout Sealer Due to Respiratory Problems from the U.S. Consumer  Product Safety Commission accessed on 1/10/06.
2. Dangerous Sealer  Stayed on Shelves After Recall, by Eric Lipton, 10/08/07, from New York  Times. Accessed on 10/09/07.
3. Noxious Tile Sealer Stayed on Home Depot Shelves by Joseph S. Enoch, 10/08/07, from consumeraffaris.com.  Accessed on 10/09/07.
4. Material Safety Data Sheet for Stand ‘n Seal Spray-On Grout Sealer from standnseal.com.  Accessed on 11/05/07.

 

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Tile Perfect Inc., the Roanoke Companies Group, the New York Times, or Consumer Affairs.

Tile Perfect® and Stand ‘n Seal™ are registered trademarks of Specialty Constructions Brands, Inc. and are used here only to identify the products in question.

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