Hundreds of portable phone chargers are being urgently recalled following a series of alarming incidents, including one tragic fatality. Approximately 429,200 wireless power banks have been taken off the market due to concerns about potential overheating and fire hazards. The devices, manufactured by Casely, first came under scrutiny in April of last year by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Reports indicated numerous cases of lithium-ion batteries overheating, swelling, or catching fire while being used to charge phones, resulting in injuries. Early incidents resulted in minor burns for at least six individuals, while a 75-year-old woman in New Jersey lost her life after the charger she was using suddenly burst into flames and exploded, causing severe burns that led to her death.
In a separate incident in February of this year, a woman experienced a fire and explosion while using a similar wireless charger on an airplane, resulting in burn injuries. These recalled chargers are just one example of multiple products being urgently removed from the market due to safety concerns. The CPSC recently announced a broad range of recalls due to various risks such as choking hazards, battery ingestion, electric shock, fire dangers, and severe burn risks.
Among the recalled products are Expandable Magic Pocket Staffs, which have been linked to over 160 injuries, including eye damage, cuts, and temporary vision loss. Concerns have also been raised about children’s toys, such as activity cubes and Montessori-style play sets, due to the potential choking hazard posed by small parts. Additionally, gadgets containing button batteries, like finger lights and toy laser products, have been identified as life-threatening if swallowed, as they can cause severe internal burns. Household items like electric pressure washers sold on Amazon have been recalled due to serious electrical faults that could lead to electric shock or electrocution.
Specifically, Arch Studio tea kettles sold at Macy’s and online during a certain period have been recalled because their handles can detach when heated, posing a burn risk. Fisher & Paykel has issued a recall for freestanding professional gas ovens sold nationwide over a specific timeframe due to burn hazards. Adult portable bed rails sold on Amazon have been recalled for entrapment and asphyxiation risks, along with violations of mandatory safety standards. Generac Power Systems’ portable generators have been recalled for fire hazards, while Apex Gaming PCs’ computer power supplies are being recalled due to potential shock risks. Consumers are advised to discontinue use of any affected products and to monitor official recall notices for further updates.