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. These chargers, manufactured by Casely, came under scrutiny last year after reports from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed instances of lithium-ion batteries overheating, swelling, and catching fire during phone charging sessions. These incidents resulted in minor burns for at least six individuals and, unfortunately, claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman in New Jersey. The woman sustained severe burns in August 2024 when her wireless charger suddenly ignited and exploded while in use on her lap, leading to her eventual passing due to her injuries.
In a separate alarming case earlier this year, a woman experienced a fire and explosion with the same type of wireless charger while aboard an airplane, leaving her with burn injuries.
The recalled chargers are just one of many products flagged for safety concerns. Recently, the CPSC issued a broad series of recalls due to various risks such as choking, battery ingestion, electric shock, fire, and severe burn hazards.
Additionally, Expandable Magic Pocket Staffs, marketed to aspiring magicians, have also been recalled due to their tendency to unexpectedly open, resulting in over 160 injuries including eye damage, cuts, and temporary vision loss. Parents are cautioned about several toy recalls, including children’s activity cubes and Montessori-style play sets due to potential choking hazards from small parts. Items containing button batteries, like finger lights and toy laser products, are considered life-threatening if swallowed due to the risk of severe internal burns. Other household products, including electric pressure washers sold on Amazon, have been recalled due to dangerous electrical faults that could lead to electric shock or electrocution risks.
Furthermore, tea kettles from Arch Studio sold at Macy’s and online, Fisher & Paykel freestanding professional gas ovens, adult portable bed rails from Amazon, portable generators from Generac Power Systems, and computer power supplies by Apex Gaming PCs have all been recalled for various safety concerns ranging from burn hazards to entrapment and electrocution risks. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using any affected products and refer to official recall notices for guidance.