Dangerous Products: Torchiere Floor Lamps

Torchiere floor lamps, with their bowl-shaped fixture sitting atop a 6-foot pole, conserve energy and provide clear illumination. These free-standing lamps may be a lovely addition to the home but if you have a torchiere floor lamp, you should be aware of the dangers they present.

Dangers of Torchiere Floor Lamps

Since torchiere floor lamps use halogen bulbs, which can get much hotter than regular bulbs, they pose a risk for the following dangers: 

• Fire hazard - torchiere floor lamps caused 11 deaths and more than 189 fires before 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported. The halogen bulbs pose a risk if clothing, curtains or other material comes in contact with them. Newer versions of torchiere floor lamps have a guard in place to keep flammable material from touching the bulb, but the lamps still must be handled with care.
• Fall hazard - torchiere floor lamps topped with heavy shades or bowls can become unstable and topple over, depending on how the lamp is structured. This could put a child or pet at risk for burns and other serious injuries.
• Burn injuries - if your torchiere floor lamp falls, you could face serious burns if you touch the bulb while picking up the lamp. Most of these lamps use 300-watt bulbs, which causes burns when touched. Halogen bulbs can get as hot as 1100 degrees. That's hot enough to fry an egg.  

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries involving a torchiere floor lamp, you should consult with a Philadelphia dangerous products lawyer to discuss whether negligence was involved. If negligence was involved, your Philadelphia dangerous products lawyer may be able to help you file a claim to seek compensation for injuries or property damage.

A Closer Look at the Culprit: Halogen Light Bulbs 

Halogen bulbs in torchiere floor lamps pose such a danger because they contain halogen gas, which burns hotter and brighter than incandescent bulbs. The wire covering the bay that holds the halogen bulb is not adequate to prevent fires. This wire can become heated enough to ignite a curtain or any other flammable material that blows its way.

According to research conducted by the New York State Consumer Protection Board, a T-shirt ignited 24 seconds after it came in contact with a halogen bulb.

Although torchiere floor lamps have been proven to be dangerous, they continue to grow in popularity. A Philadelphia dangerous products lawyer can help you preserve your legal rights if you have been injured by this dangerous product.

Help After a Dangerous Products Accident in Pennsylvania

If you have been severely injured by a dangerous product in Pennsylvania, you shouldn't have to suffer and pay for expensive medical bills that were caused by another person's negligence. Contact a Philadelphia dangerous products lawyer at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation on your case - 1-877-944-8396.