Torchiere-style halogen floor lamps: A need for fire safety awareness

Torchiere-style halogen lamps pose a significant fire hazard. The 500-W hal ogen bulb in these lamps can generate temperatures as high as 1200 degrees F. Factors related to the design of the lamp also contribute to the fire ri sk. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued various warnings and recalls on these lamps because of a significant number of fire-related inc idents and deaths. The impact of these recalls on a random sample of consum ers was investigated. A survey of these participants revealed that 60% of l amp owners and nonowners were unaware of the recalls. The majority of respo ndents were also not aware of the risks of injury, the extreme bulb tempera tures, or safety measures designed for these lamps. There is a need for inc reasing community awareness and education to reduce the fire hazards associ ated with this product.