Costco is recalling 567,000 portable battery chargers due to overheating issues that have led to fires.
According to Daily Mail, after multiple reports of overheating, two of which resulted in residential fires, the retail giant Costco has issued an urgent recall for the myCharge Power Hub All-In-One 10,000mAh portable battery chargers.
The products in question were available for purchase both in-store and online at Costco from January 2022 until November 2023, exclusively sold by the retailer.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has sternly advised consumers to cease using the recalled battery chargers immediately. They emphasized that these devices should not be discarded in the regular trash or battery recycling boxes due to their severe fire risk.
The affected models, designed for plugging directly into the wall to charge, have been linked to 120 incidents of overheating. These alarming reports include chargers that melted, expanded, smoked, caught fire, burned, exploded, or sparked, according to information from Costco.
From these incidents, there have been no injuries requiring medical attention reported. However, the malfunctioning units have caused considerable property damage, estimated at around $165,000.
FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh highlighted the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in a recent statement. She stated, "They explode- and the second they explode, there may be so much fire at that moment, you can't get out." This comment underscores the severity of the risk posed by these devices.
Customers affected by this recall are encouraged by myCharge and Costco to contact myCharge for a free replacement of the recalled product. Specific contact numbers and email addresses have been provided for customer assistance.
It's noteworthy that apart from overheating concerns, these lithium-ion batteries have been linked to broader safety issues globally. In just the previous year, there were 17 deaths and 238 fires associated with lithium-ion batteries in different incidences, highlighting the ongoing risk these devices pose.
While no injuries have been directly linked to the recalled battery chargers, the potential for severe harm remains high given the nature of the incidents reported. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has urged users to take immediate action to discontinue use of these chargers.
As an added safety measure, the commission noted, "These potentially hazardous batteries must be handled differently than other batteries." This serves as a reminder of the special precautions necessary when dealing with such devices.
Despite the seriousness of these incidents, Costco responded quickly with the recall, highlighting its commitment to customer safety. The proactive measures taken by both Costco and myCharge to replace the faulty units and prevent further incidents reflect their responsibility toward consumer safety.
As technology advances, the risks associated with powerful lithium-ion batteries cannot be overlooked. Increased awareness and caution are imperative to ensure the safety of consumers using such advanced devices.
The recall by Costco and the advisory from CPSC underscore the risks associated with powerful portable battery chargers. Consumers who have purchased these items are urged to stop using the chargers immediately and seek replacements or further guidance from myCharge. It is a critical reminder of the caution needed when handling devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, which, despite their benefits, carry significant risks.
