Frequently Asked Questions about the Kerosene Recall
Issued by Pittsburgh Terminals Corporation
Q:
What is kerosene used for?
A: Typically, kerosene
(also known as K-1 and lantern oil) is used for heating, cooking and lighting. It is often used in space heaters, furnaces,
torpedo heaters, stoves and lamps.
Q:
What exactly is being recalled and why?
A: All kerosene
purchased from retailers in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia
and southwestern New York between May 1, 2008 and August 19, 2008 is being recalled
because it may be contaminated with gasoline, creating a risk of fire or explosion.
This includes kerosene purchased at a service station or convenience store, as well
kerosene that was delivered to your home, farm or business.
Q:
If I purchased kerosene after August 19, 2008, is it safe to use?
A: Yes
Q:
Does the recall affect my home heating oil?
A: No, it only affects kerosene.
Q. If I've been using kerosene that I bought during the recall period without incident, can I assume it's safe and keep using it?
A. No. Your kerosene supply could still be contaminated with gasoline.
Q:
I called the station where I bought my kerosene and was told their supply is
fine. Do I still need to return it?
A: Yes.
If you purchased the kerosene between May 1, 2008 and August 19, 2008, it
may be contaminated with gasoline – even though the station’s supply has tested
normal.
Q:
I called the station where I bought my kerosene and was told I cannot bring it
back there. What do I do?
A: Please call 1-800-692-6016.
Q:
I bought a small quantity of kerosene (5 gallons or less), but then dumped it
into a larger tank at home. What do
I do now?
A: First, call
our toll-free number at 1-800-692-6016 to confirm that you purchased the kerosene
from a location within the geographic area and during the time period covered by
the recall. If so, we will send someone
out to your home to test the kerosene and, if necessary, pump it out of your tank. You will be reimbursed for all of the
kerosene we remove.
Q:
I have a couple of 5-gallon containers of kerosene.
Can I return all of them?
A: Yes.
There is absolutely no limit to the amount of kerosene you can return. The goal of this recall is to ensure
the safety of kerosene customers. We
do not want you to use ANY kerosene that you purchased between May 1, 2008 and August
19, 2008 within the geographic area covered by the recall.
Q:
Am I required to show proof of purchase (i.e., a receipt) in order to be reimbursed
for my kerosene?
A: No.
Q:
What is the process for getting my refund?
A: Please call
1-800-692-6016 for information about getting your refund.
Q:
How much will I get for the kerosene I return?
A: $5.00
per gallon of kerosene, as well as payment for the container in which it
is returned at a rate of $5.00 – 1 gallon container; $8.00 – 2.5 gallon container;
$11.00 – 5 gallon container
Q:
Is there a way I can test the kerosene myself to see if it’s contaminated?
A: No!
There is no safe way to test the kerosene yourself.
Q:
I’m not Amish. Does this recall
affect me?
A: Yes.
Regardless of how you use it, you should immediately return any kerosene
you purchased between May 1, 2008 and August 19, 2008 from retailers in western
Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and southwestern New York.
Q:
I want to help others learn about the recall.
What can I do?
A: Thank you for
your willingness to help us spread the word about this important recall.
We have prepared a
warning flier that is
available on this website. Please feel
free to download, copy and distribute it widely – particularly among the Amish and
other families who may not have access to traditional media outlets or the Internet.