Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals Recalls Three Chemical Products Due to Failure to Meet Child-Resistant Packaging Requirement and Violation of FHSA Labeling Requirement (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall alert concerning three specific chemical products manufactured and distributed by Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals. This action, announced on May 27, 2021, addresses significant safety compliance failures involving sodium hydroxide, heptane, and naphtha. These are not general consumer goods but specialized chemicals that require strict adherence to federal packaging laws to ensure they remain safe for household or industrial handling.

The recalled sodium hydroxide, which is also commonly known as lye or caustic soda, was packaged in two distinct formats. Consumers may have purchased this product in either a jar equipped with a continuous thread cap or in a resealable silver bag. These sodium hydroxide products were available in three specific weight sizes: one-pound, two-pound, and five-pound containers. Alongside the lye, the recall encompasses naphtha, which was sold exclusively in metal cans. The naphtha products came in two volume sizes: one-half gallon and gallon containers. Additionally, heptane was included in this recall, also distributed in metal canisters available in quart, one-half gallon, and gallon sizes.

To identify the affected items, look for the Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals (WAM&C) logo printed on a white label located at the front of each product. This labeling is the primary visual identifier for the brand across all three chemical types. The recall does not specify an exact number of units sold or distributed, nor does it list specific retail stores or online platforms where these items were purchased. However, the company has stated that it is contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the issue.

The core reason for this recall lies in two major regulatory violations. First, the products failed to meet the child-resistant packaging requirements mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The current packaging—whether jars, bags, or metal cans with standard caps—is not designed to prevent young children from opening them. Second, the labeling on these products violates the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) because it omits mandatory safety information that should be clearly displayed on the packaging. If you have purchased any of these specific Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals products in the formats described above, they are part of this recall and require immediate attention.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about chemical recalls, it is helpful to understand exactly why the packaging matters as much as the product itself. In this specific case involving Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals, the core issue is that three distinct chemical products—sodium hydroxide, heptane, and naphtha—were distributed without child-resistant packaging. Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), these substances are legally required to be in containers that are difficult for children under five years old to open or access. Because the packaging failed this requirement, any child with typical dexterity could potentially remove the lid and come into direct contact with hazardous materials that they do not understand.

The risks associated with these three chemicals vary significantly based on their chemical properties, but all pose serious threats to human health if mishandled. Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, is a powerful alkali. When it comes into contact with skin or eyes, it does not merely irritate; it causes chemical burns. This happens through a process called saponification, where the chemical breaks down fats and proteins in living tissue, leading to deep, painful injuries that can result in permanent damage to the eyesight or scarring on the skin. The danger is compounded if ingested, as it can severely burn the mouth, throat, and esophagus.

Heptane and naphtha present a different but equally dangerous class of hazards, primarily through inhalation and absorption. These are volatile organic compounds, meaning they evaporate easily into fumes that can be inhaled even from an open container. Exposure to heptane and naphtha vapors can lead to rapid onset symptoms including headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, and a loss of coordination. In higher concentrations or prolonged exposure, these chemicals can cause loss of consciousness, which is particularly terrifying for a child who cannot communicate their distress. Furthermore, direct contact with the skin or eyes can cause significant irritation to the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.

Adding to the physical danger is the labeling violation under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA). The labels on these products omitted mandatory safety information. This means that even if an adult were to handle the product, they might not have had clear instructions on how to safely store it, what first aid measures to take in case of exposure, or how to dispose of the waste properly. The combination of accessible packaging and incomplete labeling creates a scenario where accidental exposure is not just possible, but likely over time, especially in busy households where safety protocols can slip.

It is important to note that while no incidents or injuries have been reported as of the recall date of May 27, 2021, the potential for harm remains real. The absence of reported cases does not mean the risk was low; it simply means that, so far, the combination of access and exposure has not resulted in documented harm. However, given the severity of chemical burns from sodium hydroxide and the neurological effects of heptane and naphtha inhalation, treating these items as high-risk is the only prudent course of action.

Who is most at risk

While the Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals recall addresses a broad range of chemical products, the primary group at immediate risk consists of households with young children. The core issue driving this alert is not necessarily the toxicity of the chemicals themselves in small amounts, but the failure of the packaging to act as a barrier against curious hands. Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), items like sodium hydroxide, heptane, and naphtha are classified as hazardous substances that require specialized, child-resistant containers. These containers are designed with complex mechanisms—often requiring simultaneous pressing and turning—that are difficult for children under five years old to operate. Because the recalled products were sold in standard jars, resealable bags, or simple metal cans with non-compliant caps, they lack this critical safety feature. This means that any child who can open a jar of peanut butter or a soda bottle could potentially access these dangerous chemicals. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct consequence of packaging that fails to meet federal safety standards for containment.

Among those exposed, young children are the most vulnerable demographic due to their natural developmental stage. Toddlers and preschoolers explore their environment through touch and taste, often without understanding danger. If a child gains access to the recalled sodium hydroxide (also known as lye or caustic soda), the consequences can be severe. Sodium hydroxide is highly alkaline and causes rapid chemical burns upon contact with skin or eyes. Because children have thinner skin than adults, they absorb chemicals more quickly, and their smaller body mass means that even a small amount of exposure can lead to serious injury. Furthermore, young children may not immediately communicate the intensity of pain or irritation, allowing damage to progress before help is sought.

Beyond young children, other household members are also at risk, particularly regarding the heptane and naphtha products. These substances release vapors that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as neurological effects such as dizziness, lack of coordination, and loss of consciousness. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may find these irritants particularly dangerous. Additionally, elderly individuals or those with cognitive impairments might struggle to identify the hazard if the labeling is missing mandatory safety information, as noted in the violation of the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA). Without clear warning labels, a person might handle these chemicals carelessly, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. The combination of accessible packaging and insufficient labeling creates a perfect storm for accidental exposure across multiple age groups within a home.

It is also important to note that anyone purchasing these products for industrial or heavy-duty cleaning purposes may be at risk if they store them in areas accessible to visitors or family members. While adults generally have the dexterity to open child-resistant caps, they do not inherently know how to open standard caps designed for children. Therefore, an adult might mistakenly believe a product is safe because it opens easily, inadvertently leaving it within reach of a curious child. The lack of distinct, compliant safety features means that the boundary between "safe for adults" and "dangerous for children" is entirely blurred in these recalled items.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, you need to be certain that the chemicals in your home or workshop are part of this specific recall. Because Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals produces several different hazardous substances under this alert, it is important to look at both the product name and the packaging type. The recall covers three distinct items: sodium hydroxide, heptane, and naphtha. If you do not see one of these exact names on your container, this particular recall notice does not apply to your product, though you should always exercise caution with any industrial chemicals.

The first step is to examine the label at the front of the container. You are looking for a white label that prominently displays the WAM&C logo alongside the specific product name. If the branding or label design does not match this description, it may be a different manufacturer’s product. However, if you see the WAM&C logo and one of the recalled names, move on to inspecting the physical container itself, as the form factor is critical for identification.

If you have sodium hydroxide (also known as lye or caustic soda), check the size and closure. This product was sold in either a jar with a continuous thread cap or a resealable silver bag. These containers came in one-pound, two-pound, and five-pound sizes. If your sodium hydroxide is in a metal can or a different type of plastic bottle not mentioned here, it is likely not part of this specific recall batch.

For naphtha, look for a metal canister. This product was distributed in one-half gallon and gallon sizes. Similarly, if you have heptane, you should also find it in a metal can, but the available sizes were quart, one-half gallon, and gallon. It is crucial to verify the container material; these products were not sold in plastic jugs or glass jars like the sodium hydroxide.

If you have identified your product as one of these three types in the correct packaging, please proceed to the remedy section. Do not attempt to open or use the product further until you have contacted Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals for instructions on receiving a free replacement child-resistant cap and label.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about stopping a project or discarding supplies you have already purchased. When you see a recall notice for industrial chemicals like sodium hydroxide, heptane, or naphtha, the immediate reaction might be to think, “I’ll just be careful,” or “I’ve used this before without issue.” However, ignoring a recall for these specific products is not merely a matter of convenience; it is an exercise in unnecessary risk. The core problem here is not that the chemicals themselves are inherently more dangerous than usual, but that the barrier protecting you from them has been removed. By continuing to use these items in their current packaging, you are essentially removing the safety guardrails that are supposed to keep accidental exposure at bay.

If you continue to store or use the sodium hydroxide (also known as lye or caustic soda) in the recalled non-child-resistant containers, you are exposing yourself and anyone in your household to the risk of severe chemical burns. Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali that reacts aggressively with organic tissue. If a child were to gain access to an open jar or bag, the consequences can be immediate and serious, including painful irritation and deep chemical burns to the skin and eyes. Even for adults, the lack of a secure, difficult-to-open cap increases the likelihood of spills, splashes, or accidental contact during routine handling. The risk is compounded by the fact that the product label is also missing mandatory safety information under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act. This means you may not have the proper first-aid instructions or hazard warnings clearly visible on the container itself, leaving you unprepared if an accident does occur.

The risks associated with heptane and naphtha are equally significant, though they manifest differently. These solvents are volatile organic compounds that pose a serious threat through inhalation and contact. If these products remain in their original, improperly labeled metal cans without child-resistant closures, there is a heightened risk of accidental ingestion or prolonged exposure. Inhaling the fumes from an open or loosely sealed container can lead to immediate physical distress, including irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. More dangerously, as exposure continues or if consumed, these chemicals can affect the central nervous system. Symptoms can escalate from mild headaches and lightheadedness to dizziness, a lack of coordination, and potentially loss of consciousness. For children, who are smaller and breathe more rapidly relative to their body size, even small amounts of vapor or liquid contact can be disproportionately harmful.

While the CPSC has reported no incidents or injuries at this time, that silence is not a guarantee of safety; it is simply a reflection of current data. The absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is low—it means the hazard is latent. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with the possibility that an accident will happen in your home. You might assume that because no one has been hurt yet, the packaging is fine. But the packaging is objectively failing its primary safety function: preventing unauthorized access by children and ensuring clear communication of danger to adults. Continuing to use these products means you are relying on luck rather than engineering controls to keep your family safe. The potential outcome of ignoring this warning is not just a minor inconvenience; it is the possibility of severe medical treatment, long-term health issues from chemical exposure, or tragic accidents that could have been prevented with a simple replacement cap and label.

Furthermore, consider the legal and practical implications of using a product that violates federal labeling laws. If an injury were to occur while using these products, the lack of proper hazard communication on the label could complicate any potential claims or insurance processes. You would be using a product that the manufacturer has already admitted is non-compliant with safety standards. This puts you in a vulnerable position both physically and legally. The remedy provided by Williams Advanced Materials & Chemicals is free and straightforward, designed specifically to mitigate these exact risks. Choosing not to take advantage of this remedy means you are voluntarily maintaining a known hazard in your home. There is no benefit to keeping the risk; there is only cost, in terms of health, safety, and peace of mind.

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