Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of two million dehumidifiers from popular brands because they can overheat and ignite. New Wiedetch is the manufacturer of the brands and has been notified of 107 incidents of the recalled dehumidifiers overheating or catching fire. Fires from the defective appliances have caused about $17 million in property damage. There are no reports of physical injuries tied to the recall.
Brand names of the recalled dehumidifiers include AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire, Danby, DeLonghi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Haier, Honeywell, Idylis, Whirlpool, and Whynter, and more. The products were sold at Lowe’s stores, Costco, Walmart, Menards, and other retailers nationwide from February 2009 through August 2017 for between $120 and $430. Review the recall details for a complete list of brand names and model numbers.
Because of our naturally high humidity in Florida, many use dehumidifiers to make their homes more comfortable. The CPSC advises current owners of the recalled dehumidifiers to stop using the devices immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund.
Product Recalls and Personal Safety
Product recalls happen often. Manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products and informing consumers of potential dangers associated with using their products. Even in situations where dangers were unforeseeable, manufacturers may still be held liable for damages.
One of the first steps in protecting yourself against dangerous products is to follow the news and the CPSC to stay informed about recalls and alerts. If you find that you have been using a recalled product follow these recommendations to keep you and your family safe:
- Stop using the product immediately
- Find emergency medical assistance, if necessary
- Move the product to a safe place, out of reach from children
- Find purchase receipts and product documents
- Contact the manufacturer or seller for instructions on receiving a refund or replacement
If you have been injured by a defective product, we also advise contacting an attorney to help you navigate the process of pursuing a product liability claim. Our team at Panter, Panter & Sampedro has decades of experience trying a wide range of product liability cases. Call us for a free consultation where we can answer any questions you may have at (305) 662-6178.
Sources:
Farrell (2021, August 5). More Than Two Million Dehumidifiers From Major Brands Recalled for Fire Hazard. Retrieved from: https://consumerreports.org/appliance-recalls/dehumidifiers-from-major-brands-recalled-for-fire-hazard-a4220082468/
Consumer Product Safety Commission (2021, August 4). Two Million Dehumidifiers With Well-Known Brand Names Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by New Widetech: https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/two-million-dehumidifiers-with-well-known-brand-names-recalled-due-to-fire-and-burn
