US regulators recall 1.5 million dehumidifiers due to fire risk.
Over 1.5 Million Dehumidifiers Recalled Due to Fire Hazards
According to U.S. regulators, more than 1.5 million dehumidifiers are being recalled after nearly two dozen fires were reported. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on Aug. 16 that Chinese home appliance manufacturer Gree is recalling 1.56 million dehumidifiers for fire and burn hazards following 23 fire incidents.
A separate warning also covers 2.5 million dehumidifiers, including those recalled up to 10 years ago.
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The recall affects 42 models of dehumidifiers under 13 brand names, including Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole, and Seabreeze. Approximately 1,560,000 units manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014 are impacted by the recall, according to the CPSC.
The CPSC reported 688 overheating incidents and $168,000 in property damage related to the dehumidifiers.
The affected dehumidifiers were sold nationwide at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Sam’s Club, Sears, and Walmart from 2011 to 2014, with prices ranging from $110 to $400.
Chinese Manufacturer Failed to Notify Feds
The CPSC warned that the products could overheat, smoke, or catch fire and listed the recalled model numbers, which were printed on the back, front, or side of the units.
“The dehumidifiers are white, beige, gray, or black plastic and measure between 19–24 inches tall, 13–15 inches wide, and 9–11 inches deep,” the CPSC said.
Consumers were advised to immediately stop using the dehumidifiers and contact Gree to receive a refund. They were also instructed to wait six to eight weeks to receive information on how to register for the recall.
On April 24, Gree was ordered by the U.S. Justice Department to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the CPSC about the millions of defective dehumidifiers it sold to American consumers. This marked the first time the CPSC pursued a criminal action against a company.
As part of the resolution, a total fine of $91 million was imposed on three Gree affiliates, and restitution payments were made to victims. The three affiliates, Gree Zhuhai, Gree Hong Kong, and Gree USA, were allegedly aware that their dehumidifiers were faulty and did not meet safety standards. According to court documents, the manufacturers did not inform the CPSC about the products’ flammability for several months.
Humidifiers in Earlier Recall Responsible for Four Deaths
Meanwhile, another warning urged consumers to check immediately if their dehumidifier was part of the earlier Gree recall. These dehumidifiers were sold under brand names such as Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore, Norpole, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAir, and SuperClima.
The dehumidifiers were initially recalled in September 2013, expanded in January 2014, re-announced in May 2014, and again in November 2016.
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