The company myCharge has issued a recall for about 67,000 powerbanks after multiple reports of injuries and property damage because of overheating lithium-ion batteries. According to Consumer Reports, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that there have been 30 instances of the powerbanks overheating and/or catching fire. Battery fires have the potential to cause serious injuries and substantial property damage.
Details of the Recall
Those incidents have resulted in seven injuries to consumers, including burn injuries to the upper body, hands, or feet. The CPSC also received reports of property damage to household flooring, walls, and furniture. The CPSC is urging consumers to stop using the devices immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund. These chargers can cause serious damage and injury just like any other defective household appliance.
The refund will come in the form of an electronic voucher for the full purchase price and a 25% bonus that can be redeemed on mycharge.com. The power banks can power small electronic devices via a USB interface. They were sold in 2019 on the myCharge website and at popular retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Best Buy.
The recall involves seven myCharge power bank models used for powering and recharging electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, and e-readers. The units have a blue, black, or gray anodized metallic case with “myCharge” written on the front. The model name can be found on the back and on the bottom panel of the product packaging. The models were priced between $70 and $100 and sold from August 2018 through December 2019.
Understanding Lithium-Ion Batteries
Sony first commercialized lithium-ion batteries for its handheld video recorder in the 1970s. These batteries power everything in today’s world, including electric cars and smartphones, making battery safety even more crucial. By 2025, the global lithium-ion battery market is expected to reach $100.4 billion.
Quality control is significant when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. A defective battery with substandard parts is in greater danger of blowing up and causing fires that can seriously injure people. If a lithium-ion battery has injured you or a loved one, you must contact an experienced product defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/mycharge-powerbanks-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard-a5500686787/
