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Home > About Health Canada > Media Room > Advisories/Warnings > 1999

Warning 

1999-44
March 18, 1999

Refillable multipurpose lighter - A fire and safety hazard

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the "GAS LIGHTER" brand refillable multipurpose lighter sold by Dollarama Stores, as well as other brands of multipurpose lighters which are identical in appearance and may have been sold by other retailers. These lighters may leak fuel resulting in an unexpected burst of flame or the fuel reservoir may rupture when exposed to elevated temperatures. This product may cause burns or unintentional fires.

photo of the utility lighterHealth Canada is aware of one report of an unexpected burst of flame and one incident of a multipurpose lighter exploding after being left outside. Neither incident resulted in serious injury. The multipurpose lighters in both incidents were manufactured in China and identical in physical appearance. The lighter in the most recent incident was sold by Dollarama.

The lighter is approximately 28 cm (11 inches) long, with a black plastic base with a red plastic trigger, ON/OFF switch and collar ring located at the base of the shiny metal igniter shaft. Printed on the back of the package is: " Imported for DOLLARAMA/Made in China".

Dollarama Stores are located in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

Consumers in possession of the GAS LIGHTER should stop using it immediately and dispose of it in accordance with local laws. Consumers in possession of other brands, but identical in appearance to the GAS LIGHTER should stop using them immediately and dispose of them in accordance with local laws.

Health Canada reminds all consumers to keep lighters OUT OF SIGHT and OUT OF REACH of children when not in use.

For more information, consumers should contact the nearest regional Product Safety office of Health Canada listed below:

  • Burnaby (604) 666-5003
  • Edmonton (403) 495-2626
  • Calgary (403) 292-4677
  • Saskatoon (306) 975-4028
  • Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
  • Scarborough (416) 973-4705
  • Hamilton (905) 572-2845
  • Montreal (514) 283-5488
  • Sillery (418) 648-4327
  • Moncton (506) 851-6638
  • Dartmouth (902) 426-8300
  • St. John's (709) 772-4050

Media inquiries:
Andy Teliszewsky
Health Canada
(613) 954-3948

Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991
Last Updated: 1999-03-18 Top
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