More than 1 million Good Earth Lighting rechargeable lights recalled due to fire hazard after reports of deaths and injuries

Top line

More than a million Good Earth Lighting rechargeable lights sold at major retailers have been recalled due to fire hazards after the lights caused one death, another injury and at least six reports of fires and property damage .

Highlights

Key context

Because lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, Good Earth Lighting chose to use them in its fixtures as an alternative to permanently hardwired fixtures in homes, according to the recall notice. Batteries are used in several different types of products, such as vapes, toothbrushes, scooters, hoverboards, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and electric bikes. However, batteries can be dangerous because they may overheat and catch fire. This possibility increases if they are improperly stored, damaged, charged or used, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. This is because batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. So when energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, heat is generated. This heat can transform some internal battery components into toxic and flammable gases. Last summer, electric bikes powered by lithium-ion batteries caused a series of fires in the United States and London. London's deputy fire commissioner has warned that the city has seen a 60% increase in e-bike fires in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. At least eight fires in Massachusetts have been started by lithium-ion batteries. ion in June 2023. About four people were killed and two others were seriously injured after an overheated lithium-ion battery caused a fire at a New York bicycle store last June. Lithium-ion batteries are the leading cause of fire deaths in New York, where they caused 270 fires in 2023, causing 150 injuries and 18 deaths.

Tangent

The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that it will investigate whether a recent cucumber recall was responsible for a nationwide salmonella outbreak. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they received 162 reports of salmonella poisonings in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including 54 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported so far. Agencies interviewed 65 sick people and 47 reported eating cucumbers. The cucumbers were sold by Fresh Start Produce in 14 states. The cucumbers were shipped to grocery stores between May 17 and 21, and although Fresh Start Produce said it was “unlikely” its products would still be on shelves, it cautioned customers to check with retailers premises if the cucumbers concerned had been sold.

Further reading

4 people killed in latest e-bike fire in New York as authorities warn of dangerous batteries (Forbes)

FDA Investigating Possible Link Between Cucumber Recalls and Salmonella Outbreak: Here's What You Need to Know (Forbes)