About 5.6 million light bulbs recalled because they can break when used

WASHINGTON (AP) _ OSRAM Sylvania is recalling 5.6 million light bulbs after receiving more than two dozen reports of cuts or burns caused by bulbs that broke during use. <br/><br/>The Danvers, Mass., company,

Wednesday, August 4th 2004, 6:09 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ OSRAM Sylvania is recalling 5.6 million light bulbs after receiving more than two dozen reports of cuts or burns caused by bulbs that broke during use.

The Danvers, Mass., company, part of one of the world's largest lighting manufacturers, has received 119 reports of bulbs breaking, including the 29 injury reports, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.

The 60-watt B10 Decor light bulb can detach from its base, cutting or burning consumers who try to touch it. An exposed filament can shock if touched while power is turned on.

The clear bulbs, sold in packages of two or four, were labeled as ``ceiling fan'' and ``double life.'' UPC bar codes on the back of the package end with 13323, 13329, 13333, 13442, 13445, 13454, 13565, 13650 or 13721.

Home improvement centers, grocery, drug and discount department stores sold them from September 2002 to June 2004 for $2 to $4.

The safety commission advises consumers to unplug light fixtures or to turn off the main circuit breaker before removing a broken bulb. Wearing gloves prevents cuts while removing the bulb. Free replacements are available by contacting OSRAM Sylvania at (877) 423-3772, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.