By Sarah Falson

WASHINGTON: Conair in the USA has recalled 322,000 electronic hair curlers after fears that they might cause electrocution or shock to customers, though no reports of injury have yet been filed.

The ceramic, gold-matte finish curling irons were manufactured in China and sold in the USA between November 2005 and July 2006, at discount retailers and chemist-stores for about US$25, but were not sold in Australia.

“Their range is different to ours,” said Conair Australia marketing manager, Peter Brewer.

“We engineer our product in Australia, because our power supply is completely different to that in the USA. All the technical details of the product and the approval process is different here.”

According to Conair USA, the handle of the curling iron can come apart, exposing its cord, and therefore posing a shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled curling iron and contact Conair to receive a free replacement,” said the company.