More than 1.2 million rechargeable lamps recalled for fire risk, following reported death

NEW YORK — More than 1.2 million rechargeable lights are being recalled in the United States and Canada following a report of a consumer death.

Good Earth Lighting's now-recalled built-in light bars are equipped with batteries that can overheat and cause the unit to catch fire, according to an advisory issued Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This can pose a serious risk of burns and smoke inhalation.

To date, the CPSC notes that only one consumer has died, although details of the incident were not immediately released. Another consumer was treated for smoke inhalation when the light caused a fire in his home last year, the CPSC added – and Good Earth Lighting is aware of nine additional reports of these products overheating, including six resulted in fires and property damage.

In a statement, Good Earth Lighting said it decided to conduct a voluntary recall “after investigating the circumstances” of the reported incidents – and removed the affected lamps from sale to the public in January, “out of an abundance of caution.”

Lithium-ion battery-powered lights are intended to provide an alternative to permanent fixtures in areas where wiring may be difficult, such as closets, stairs and cupboards. The products affected by the recall can be identified by their model numbers: RE1122, RE1145, RE1362 and RE1250.

According to the CPSC, some 1.2 million of these fixtures were sold at hardware and home improvement stores, including Lowe's, Ace Hardware and Meijer, as well as online at Amazon, GoodEarthLighting.com and many others among October 2017 and January 2024 in the United States. An additional 37,800 copies were sold in Canada.

Regulators and Good Earth Lighting are urging people in possession of these recalled products to stop using them immediately.

Good Earth Lighting is offering free replacement light bars to affected consumers. You can learn more about registering – including instructions on how to safely dispose of the recalled lamps – by contacting the company or visiting its website.

The Mount Prospect, Ill.-based company added that it “will continue to adhere to the highest quality and safety standards so that consumers feel safe and confident in their decision to purchase our products highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting systems.