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Product Recall Number: 95-052

Why was "Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance" chemistry kits recalled?

The kit contains (2) two-ounce bottles of glycerine and potassium permanganate. The bottles are identical, except for their labels and contents. If after use, a child or adult inadvertently switches the bottle caps, causing small portions of the chemicals to mix, an unexpected fire may result. CPSC is aware of at least two house fires that reportedly resulted from the above scenario. In addition, the kit does not have adequate warnings and directions for safe use.

"Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance" chemistry kits
Here's product recall specific data for "Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance" chemistry kits.

  • Product Recall Number: 95-052

  • Product Safety Warning Number:

  • Date: 1994-12-20

  • Product Safety Warning Date:

  • Name Of Product: "Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance" chemistry kits

  • Description: Washington, D.C. - CPSC, The Wild Goose Company of Salt Lake City, Utah, is voluntarily recalling about 5,100 "Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance" chemistry kits. The chemistry kits, marketed for children ages 10 and older, demonstrate how heat and fire are generated through a chemical reaction. The kit contains (2) two-ounce bottles of glycerine and potassium permanganate. The bottles are identical, except for their labels and contents. If after use, a child or adult inadvertently switches the bottle caps, causing small portions of the chemicals to mix, an unexpected fire may result. CPSC is aware of at least two house fires that reportedly resulted from the above scenario. In addition, the kit does not have adequate warnings and directions for safe use. Exothermic Exuberance kits, manufactured by Wild Goose and also distributed by Carson-Dellosa Publishing of Greensboro, N.C., sold for about $6.00 each at school supply stores and at Natural Wonders stores nationwide from September 1993 through February 1994. Consumers should discontinue using The Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance kits immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers can also contact the Wild Goose Company at (800) 373-1498 for instructions on returning the product by mail for a full refund including postage.

  • Hazard Description: The kit contains (2) two-ounce bottles of glycerine and potassium permanganate. The bottles are identical, except for their labels and contents. If after use, a child or adult inadvertently switches the bottle caps, causing small portions of the chemicals to mix, an unexpected fire may result. CPSC is aware of at least two house fires that reportedly resulted from the above scenario. In addition, the kit does not have adequate warnings and directions for safe use.

  • Consumer Action: None Listed

  • Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed

  • Remedy Type: Refund

  • Units: About 5,100

  • Incidents: CPSC is aware of at least two house fires that reportedly resulted from the chemicals being accidentally mixed. 

  • Remedy: Consumers should discontinue using The Professor Wacko's Exothermic Exuberance kits immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers can also contact the Wild Goose Company at (800) 373-1498 for instructions on returning the product by mail for a full refund including postage.

  • Sold At: Exothermic Exuberance kits, manufactured by Wild Goose and also distributed by Carson-Dellosa Publishing of Greensboro, N.C., sold for about $6.00 each at school supply stores and at Natural Wonders stores nationwide from September 1993 through February 1994.

  • Importers: None Listed

  • Manufacturers:  The Wild Goose Company of Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Distributors: None Listed

  • Manufactured In: None Listed

  • Custom Label: None Listed

  • Custom Field: None Listed