What was recalled
In the early months of 2024, specifically on May 16, 2024, Kano Laboratories initiated a significant recall involving several popular products under the Super Lube® brand. This action was taken by the company in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address serious safety concerns regarding how these items are packaged. The recall targets three specific categories of maintenance fluids that are widely used by homeowners, mechanics, and industrial workers to prevent corrosion and lubricate various types of machinery. It is important for consumers to identify exactly which products are affected, as the issue is not with the chemical performance of the lubricants themselves, but rather with the safety features of their containers.
The first group of recalled items includes the Super Lube Syncopen Synthetic Penetrant. This product was distributed in three distinct packaging formats. Consumers may have this item if they own a four-ounce white spray bottle, identified by item number 85004. It was also sold in larger 32-ounce or one-quart trigger spray bottles made of black plastic, carrying item number 85032. Additionally, a one-gallon version packaged in a white plastic bottle with a handle is included in this recall, designated by item number 85010. Visually, these containers are marked with the Super Lube brand name followed by a distinctive flag featuring green, blue, orange, and yellow stripes.
The second category involves the Super Lube Fire Resistant Hydraulic Fluid. This specific product was sold exclusively in one-gallon white plastic bottles equipped with handles. If you have this fluid, look for item number 86010 on the label to confirm if your unit is part of this recall.
The third group consists of the Super Lube Metal Protectant & Corrosion Inhibitor. This product was available in 32-ounce or one-quart trigger spray black plastic bottles with handles. The item numbers for these containers are 83032 and 83032A. While the recall notice provides detailed item numbers, it does not specify the total number of units sold or the specific retail stores where these products were purchased. Therefore, checking the lot numbers located on the bottom or rear label of your bottles is the most reliable way to determine if your specific product is included in this safety alert.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so critical, we need to look closely at what is actually inside the bottles of Super Lube® that are being pulled from shelves and garages. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified that these specific products contain either ethylene glycol or low-viscosity petroleum distillates. While these chemicals are highly effective for their intended purpose—preventing corrosion and lubricating machinery—they are also serious health hazards when ingested, particularly by young children who may not recognize the danger.
The core of the problem lies in a violation of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). This federal law requires certain hazardous household substances to be sold in child-resistant packaging because their toxicity poses a significant risk if accessed by little ones. The recalled Super Lube® products, including the Syncopen Synthetic Penetrant, Fire Resistant Hydraulic Fluid, and Metal Protectant & Corrosion Inhibitor, are packaged in standard spray bottles or large plastic jugs with handles. These containers are not designed to withstand the persistent attempts of a child to open them. Because the packaging is accessible, a curious toddler could easily unscrew a cap or press a trigger, leading to accidental ingestion.
The physical harm caused by these chemicals happens in two distinct and dangerous ways. First, ethylene glycol is a sweet-tasting alcohol commonly found in antifreeze. If swallowed, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause severe metabolic acidosis and acute kidney failure. Because it tastes somewhat sweet, children are often attracted to it, increasing the likelihood of a large dose being consumed before symptoms appear. This internal poisoning can be fatal if not treated immediately by medical professionals.
Second, and equally perilous, is the risk associated with petroleum distillates. These low-viscosity fluids are thin and flow easily. If a child swallows these products, there is a high risk that the liquid will be inhaled into the lungs rather than just traveling down the esophagus to the stomach. This inhalation can cause chemical pneumonia, a severe inflammation of the lung tissue caused by the irritation of the foreign fluid. This condition can lead to pulmonary damage, respiratory distress, and potentially fatal complications. The combination of these two mechanisms—systemic poisoning from ethylene glycol and direct lung damage from petroleum distillates—makes the lack of child-resistant packaging not just a regulatory oversight, but a genuine life-threatening issue.
It is important to note that while this recall highlights the dangers of improper packaging for toxic household chemicals, these specific incidents involve no reported injuries as of the recall date in May 2024. However, the potential for harm is immediate and severe. The hazard is not just about a bad taste or an upset stomach; it is about the risk of permanent organ damage or death due to the chemical nature of the contents and their accessibility.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate and severe danger from this recall consists of young children, particularly those under the age of five. This vulnerability stems not just from their curiosity, but from their physical size and developmental stage. These products are lubricants and penetrants often found in garages, workshops, or home repair kits—environments where curious toddlers may wander while adults are distracted by tools or machinery. The core issue is that the packaging lacks child-resistant closures, which are legally required for substances containing ethylene glycol or low-viscosity petroleum distillates because these chemicals are highly toxic when ingested. A young child does not understand that a clear or colored liquid in a familiar-looking bottle is dangerous; they may simply recognize the shape of the container or be attracted by the scent, leading to accidental ingestion.
If a child swallows even a small amount of ethylene glycol, the consequences can be rapid and life-threatening. Ethylene glycol is metabolized into toxic acids that attack the central nervous system and kidneys. In young children, whose bodies are smaller and less able to process toxins, symptoms can escalate quickly to respiratory failure, seizures, and coma. Similarly, low-viscosity petroleum distillates pose a dual threat. Beyond the risk of poisoning if swallowed, these thin liquids can easily be aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or vomiting. This causes chemical pneumonia, a severe inflammation of the lung tissue that can lead to permanent pulmonary damage or death. The thin nature of the fluid makes it spread quickly in the respiratory tract, making medical intervention critical and urgent.
While adults are less likely to suffer acute poisoning from accidental ingestion due to their larger body mass and ability to recognize danger, they are still at risk for secondary exposure, particularly if they handle these products without proper hygiene. Adults who work with machinery using these lubricants may inadvertently transfer residues to their mouths or food if they do not wash their hands thoroughly after use. Furthermore, elderly individuals living in the same household may be at higher risk due to potential cognitive decline or difficulty distinguishing between similar-looking containers, increasing the likelihood of accidental consumption. The presence of these products in a home with any vulnerable individual—whether a crawling infant, a curious toddler, or an elderly person with memory issues—necessitates immediate removal from the living space to prevent tragedy.
It is also important to consider pets. Dogs and cats may be attracted to the smell or appearance of these lubricants. Because animals have different metabolic pathways than humans, they can be even more sensitive to ethylene glycol, which is famously toxic to cats and dogs in very small quantities. A lick from a contaminated paw or bottle can lead to severe kidney failure in pets. Therefore, the risk extends beyond human family members to any animals that may roam freely in areas where these products are stored or used.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, it is crucial to confirm whether your specific bottle is part of this recall. Because Kano Laboratories manufactures several different lubricants and protectants under the Super Lube brand, not every product on your shelf is affected. The recall is limited to three specific products: Super Lube Syncopen Synthetic Penetrant, Super Lube Fire Resistant Hydraulic Fluid, and Super Lube Metal Protectant & Corrosion Inhibitor. If you have a different type of lubricant or a product from a different manufacturer, this notice does not apply to you.
The first step in identification is to look at the container itself. The recalled items are easily recognizable by their branding and color scheme. All affected bottles display the "Super Lube" brand name prominently. Look for a distinctive label design that features a flag with horizontal stripes in green, blue, orange, and yellow. This visual cue helps distinguish these products from other industrial lubricants you might have stored in your garage or workshop.
Next, check the size and type of the container, as each product comes in specific configurations. For the Syncopen Synthetic Penetrant, look for either a four-ounce white spray bottle, a 32-ounce (one-quart) black plastic trigger spray bottle, or a one-gallon white plastic bottle with a handle. The Fire Resistant Hydraulic Fluid is sold exclusively in a one-gallon white plastic bottle with a handle. Finally, the Metal Protectant & Corrosion Inhibitor comes in a 32-ounce (one-quart) black plastic trigger spray bottle with a handle.
The most definitive way to verify if your product is recalled is by checking the lot number printed on the bottom or rear label of the bottle. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified specific lot numbers that are subject to this recall. Please compare the number on your container against the following lists:
- Super Lube Syncopen Synthetic Penetrant: Look for lot numbers 17348 L24, 23320 K26 (for item number 85010 and 85004), or 17290 J35 through 23320 K26 (for item number 85032).
- Super Lube Fire Resistant Hydraulic Fluid: Check for lot numbers ranging from 16120 D48 to 24040 B16 (item number 86010).
- Super Lube Metal Protectant & Corrosion Inhibitor: Look for lot number 17348 L24 through 23297 J49 (item numbers 83032 or 83032A).
If your product matches the brand, description, and lot numbers above, it is part of this recall. If you cannot find a lot number or if the packaging looks different, it is likely not affected. However, when in doubt, it is always safer to verify with the manufacturer before use.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the recalled Super Lube® products from Kano Laboratories, your immediate priority is securing your home environment and then initiating the refund process. The recall was issued on May 16, 2024, due to serious safety risks, so taking action promptly is essential for your family’s well-being. Please follow these concrete steps carefully. First, stop using the product immediately. Do not attempt to use it for any purpose, including lubricating machinery or preventing corrosion, until you have resolved this issue. More importantly, you must physically remove the recalled items from your home or secure them in a location that is completely out of the sight and reach of children. The hazard here is not just about the product’s effectiveness; it is about the fact that the packaging does not meet federal safety standards for child-resistant closures. Young children are naturally curious and may mistake these bottles for drinks or other household items. By moving them to a high shelf, a locked cabinet, or simply taking them out of your house entirely, you eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion. This is the most critical step because swallowing ethylene glycol or low-viscosity petroleum distillates can lead to severe poisoning, and inhaling these petroleum-based substances can cause chemical pneumonia or fatal pulmonary damage. Do not wait for a response from the company before securing the items; act now to protect your loved ones. Once the products are safely secured, you should contact Kano Laboratories to arrange for a full refund. The company is offering a complete reimbursement for the recalled items, so you do not need to pay anything extra to resolve this. To receive your refund, you must provide proof that you possess one of the affected products. This is done by taking a clear photograph of the product and emailing it to info@super-lube.com. The email should clearly show the product label and, ideally, the lot number located on the bottom or rear of the container, as this helps verify that your specific item is part of the recall. You can also reach Kano Laboratories by phone at 800-253-5823 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, if you have questions about the process. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.super-lube.com/recall or navigate to Technical Resources and select "Recall" from the menu for further guidance. Following these steps ensures that you are compensated for your purchase while ensuring that hazardous products are kept away from children.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled Super Lube® products from Kano Laboratories in your home, garage, or workshop, please know that there is a straightforward and generous remedy available to you. Because the issue involves child-resistant packaging requirements under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) rather than a defect in the product’s lubricating performance itself, Kano Laboratories has opted not to require you to return the physical bottles. Instead, they are offering a full refund for the cost of the items. This approach is designed to be as convenient and hassle-free as possible for consumers who may be hesitant to handle potentially hazardous chemicals or simply want to resolve the safety concern quickly without shipping logistics.
The process to claim your refund is simple, but it does require you to verify that you actually possess one of the recalled items. Kano Laboratories cannot issue refunds based on general claims; they need proof of possession to ensure the remedy goes to those directly affected by this specific recall. To initiate this process, you will need to take a clear photograph of the product you wish to return. This photo should ideally show the front of the bottle displaying the Super Lube® branding and the rear or bottom label where the lot number is printed. Having the lot number visible in your photo helps them confirm that your specific unit falls within the recalled batches, although submitting a photo of any recalled item described in this notice is generally sufficient to prove possession.
Once you have your photo ready, you can submit it via email to info@super-lube.com. In your email, simply state that you are requesting a refund for a recalled Super Lube® product and attach the photograph. You do not need to wait for a confirmation number or fill out complex web forms, though you can certainly visit their website at www.super-lube.com/recall if you prefer to see the official recall notice first. The company has also set up a dedicated telephone line for assistance. If you have questions about the process, need help taking a clear photo, or encounter any technical issues with emailing them, you can call Kano Laboratories directly at 800-253-5823. Their customer service team is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Please note that while the recall notice does not specify an exact timeline for when your refund check or electronic payment will arrive, companies typically process these requests in the order they are received. By acting promptly and providing clear documentation, you help ensure that your refund is processed without unnecessary delays. Remember, the primary goal here is your safety and peace of mind. You are not obligated to keep these products, nor are you charged for the inconvenience of removing them from your home. Secure the items away from children immediately while you wait for your refund confirmation, but do not attempt to dispose of them in regular household trash until you have spoken with customer service if you have specific disposal concerns, though typically securing them out of reach is the first critical step.
If you prefer to handle this through their online portal, you can navigate to www.super-lube.com and click on "Technical Resources," then select "Recall" from the menu for additional information. However, for the actual refund transaction, email remains the specified direct contact method mentioned in the recall facts. This option ensures that your proof of possession is securely attached to your request, allowing Kano Laboratories to verify your claim efficiently. There is no need to purchase a replacement product through them as part of this remedy; you are entitled to a full refund for the item you currently hold.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall involves a potential poisoning hazard, the urgency is not about legal compliance; it is about immediate physical safety. Ignoring this recall means leaving ethylene glycol or low-viscosity petroleum distillates within easy reach of children who may mistake them for harmless household items or even drinks. These substances are highly toxic, and their effects can be severe, rapid, and difficult to reverse once ingestion has occurred. The primary danger lies in the fact that the packaging for these Super Lube® products does not meet the child-resistant standards required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). This means that a curious toddler or young child can open the bottle with minimal effort, accessing the liquid inside without any significant barrier to prevent them from drinking it. The consequences of swallowing ethylene glycol are particularly grave because the body metabolizes this chemical into compounds that cause acute kidney failure. In children, whose bodies are smaller and more sensitive to toxins, even a small amount can be life-threatening. Symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why waiting for signs of illness is a dangerous strategy. By the time symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or seizures manifest, significant internal damage may have already occurred. Early medical intervention is critical to prevent permanent organ damage or death, and delaying action by ignoring the recall removes the window of opportunity for effective treatment. In addition to the risk of poisoning from ingestion, there is a secondary but equally serious hazard associated with low-viscosity petroleum distillates. If these fluids are swallowed, they can easily be inhaled into the lungs due to their thin consistency. This leads to chemical pneumonia and pulmonary damage, which can be fatal. The lungs are not designed to handle these types of hydrocarbons, and the resulting inflammation can impair breathing function rapidly. Because the recalled Super Lube® products include sprays and fluids that are often used in mechanical contexts, there is also a risk of accidental exposure during use if proper safety precautions are not taken, though the recall specifically highlights the danger to children from improper packaging. It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported as of the recall date, the absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is negligible. Poisoning events can occur suddenly and without warning. Continuing to use these products without securing them properly or obtaining a refund leaves you and your family vulnerable to a preventable tragedy. The potential outcome of inaction is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a serious medical emergency that could have been avoided by following the recall instructions. Therefore, treating this recall with immediate seriousness is the only way to ensure that no harm comes to those who might interact with these products.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall highlights the dangers of improper packaging for hazardous lubricants, it serves as a powerful reminder that many common household products contain ingredients that are perfectly safe when used correctly but pose serious risks if mishandled. Ethylene glycol and petroleum distillates are found in antifreeze, brake fluids, and various industrial cleaners. The key to staying safe with these substances lies in understanding that "child-resistant" is a specific safety standard, not just a suggestion. If you purchase products that require such protection—often indicated by warning labels or regulatory notices—you must rigorously engage the child-resistant closures every single time. Do not rely on the cap simply being screwed on tightly; if it does not click or lock into place with significant force, it is not secure. For households with young children who are mobile and curious, consider storing these items in high cabinets or locked containers that are completely out of sight and reach, rather than relying solely on the packaging’s ability to deter access.
Beyond storage, proactive education within the home is your first line of defense. Teach older children early that automotive fluids and heavy-duty cleaners are not toys. Explain simply that these substances can make pets and people very sick if swallowed or if they get into their eyes. Use clear, consistent language so that the danger is associated with the product type, not just a specific brand. It is also helpful to keep the original packaging intact for as long as possible, as it contains crucial hazard warnings and first-aid instructions that might be lost if you transfer liquids to unlabeled bottles. Never decant hazardous chemicals into food or drink containers, no matter how clean they appear; this is one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning in homes.
Finally, make regular recall checks a part of your home maintenance routine, much like changing smoke detector batteries. Products are recalled for many reasons beyond immediate safety threats, including manufacturing defects or new scientific findings about long-term health effects. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and subscribe to notifications from manufacturers you trust. This ensures that if a product you own is suddenly identified as hazardous, you are among the first to know. By staying informed and treating all chemical products with respect rather than indifference, you create a safer environment for everyone in your home, turning potential hazards into manageable parts of daily life.