IBM expands recall on computer monitors

WASHINGTON -- IBM is expanding an earlier recall of 15-inch computer monitors after 63,000 more were found to be at risk of overheating and smoking, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

The Armonk, N.Y.-based company has received seven reports of circuit boards overheating, including one case of minor property damage and another instance of minor smoke inhalation.

Two of the reports were received after the original recall, which was announced in March and covered 56,000 monitors sold nationwide from June to September 1997. The expanded recall extends the manufacturing date to September 1998 and sale date to December 1998.

The recalled monitors are the G51 CRT and G51t Touch Screen CRT models bearing model numbers 6541-02N, 6541-02E, 6541-02S, 6541-Q0N, 6541-Q0E and 6541-Q0S. IBM, MicroTouch Systems and retail stores sold the product nationwide for about $370.

The government urges consumers to stop using the monitors immediately and contact the company at (866) 644-3155, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT, for a free inspection and repair or replacement.

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On the Net:

Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov/

IBM recall: http://www.ibm.com/pc/g51recall