More than 1.2 million lights have been recalled across the U.S. and Canada due to overheating risks, linked to one death.
As reported by CSPC, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Illinois-based Good Earth Lighting Inc. announced the recall on June 6.
The recall pertains to the company’s Rechargeable Integrated Lights.
The lithium-ion batteries in these lights may overheat and ignite the plastic housing, posing fire and burn hazards.
The overheating issue has caused one death and required another person to be treated for smoke inhalation.
There have been nine additional reports of overheating, six of which resulted in property damage and fires.
Another incident was reported in Canada, leading to the recall of 37,800 units.
In the U.S., 1.2 million units have been sold.
The recalled lights were manufactured in China and Cambodia and sold in the U.S.
from October 2017 through January at retailers such as Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Menards, and Meijer, as well as online at Amazon.com, Lowes.com, and QVC.
The lights, which were available in single units for $20 and bundles for $35, came in various colors including white, silver, almond, black, and rose gold.
Consumers are advised to check for model numbers starting with RE1122, RE1145, RE1362, and RE1250, as these are part of the recall.
Consumers with the affected model numbers are instructed to stop using the lights immediately and contact Good Earth Lighting for a free replacement.
Detailed contact information can be found on the CPSC website.
Good Earth Lighting noted that the lithium-ion batteries in the recalled products were meant to offer solutions in areas where installing permanent lighting fixtures was not feasible.
Despite their efficiency, these batteries are known for occasionally causing fires and explosions.
Lithium-ion batteries have been increasingly linked to safety hazards.
In 2022, U.S. CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka highlighted that issues with e-bike and e-scooter batteries had reached a “crisis level.” This recall emphasizes the ongoing concerns related to these batteries in consumer products.
The recall of over 1.2 million lights due to overheating risks underscores the need for rigorous safety standards in consumer electronics.
Lithium-ion batteries, while efficient, pose significant risks if not properly managed.
This recall highlights the importance of consumer awareness and proactive measures by manufacturers to ensure product safety.
Consumers should remain vigilant and follow recall notices to prevent potential hazards.
Manufacturers must prioritize safety in the design and testing phases to mitigate risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
