Urgent Recall Issued for Various Dehumidifiers After Multiple Fatalities: U.S. Safety Commission Reports
In the wake of numerous fatalities, along with hundreds of fire incidents, substantial property damage, and countless overheating episodes, a sweeping recall is underway for a broad range of dehumidifiers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) disclosed this alarming information in a press statement on August 16, 2023.
These problematic dehumidifiers are the products of Gree Electric Appliances, a China-based manufacturer. According to CPSC, the devices have been retailed under several prominent brand names, including but not limited to Danby, De’Longhi, Fedders, Frigidaire, GE, and Kenmore.
CPSC officials strongly advise consumers to cease using the recalled items immediately and to contact Gree for a full reimbursement. “Prompt public notification is necessary due to the significant risk these products pose,” the CPSC stated in their release.
These dehumidifiers were accessible to the public through numerous outlets, both physical stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, as well as online platforms such as Amazon and eBay. Priced between $110 and $400, these units were on the market from January 2005 to 2014.
This is far from the first instance where Gree dehumidifiers have been pulled from the market. Previous recalls were announced several times between September 2013 and November 2016. However, this latest recall comes after new assessments revealed that these dehumidifiers have the potential to “become exceedingly hot, emit smoke, and ignite, leading to severe injury or even fatality,” according to the official notice.
Tragically, four adult lives have already been claimed in house fires instigated by these dehumidifiers, with the first recorded incident occurring in Ohio in 2016 and the three subsequent ones in Iowa and Missouri in 2022.
The units in question have varying capacities from 20 to 70 pints and come in colors like white, beige, gray, and black. They stand between 19 to 24 inches tall and measure 13 to 15 inches in width and 9 to 11 inches in depth. Identifying information such as brand name, pint capacity, model number, and date code can be found either at the front, back, or sides of these dehumidifiers.
For further information and to claim a refund, customers can reach out to Gree at (866) 853-2802 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET from Monday to Friday or visit (#) and click on the “Recall” tab. Any incidents involving these products should be promptly reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
The defective dehumidifiers, which have been linked to a spate of alarming incidents including fatal fires, pose multiple risks that could result in a variety of injuries. Here are some potential hazards:
Burns and Fire-Related Injuries
- First, Second, or Third-Degree Burns: Exposure to the overheating dehumidifier or a resulting fire can cause burns of varying severity.
- Smoke Inhalation: Fires generated by these defective devices can produce toxic fumes that, when inhaled, can lead to serious respiratory issues or death.
- Scalds: If the device becomes exceedingly hot, any contact could lead to scalding injuries.
- Chemical Inhalation: Burning or melting plastic and other materials could release harmful chemicals, causing respiratory problems.
- Exacerbated Asthma or Allergies: The smoke and fumes from a fire can irritate the lungs, which may exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Surviving a dangerous incident such as a fire can lead to long-lasting psychological effects, including PTSD.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond the immediate physical injuries, the stress and fear associated with such a hazardous event could cause lasting emotional trauma.
- Death due to Smoke Inhalation: One of the most common causes of death in fire incidents is not the actual fire itself, but the smoke it produces. Smoke can quickly fill a room, making it difficult to breathe or see, and leading to unconsciousness and ultimately death if one is unable to escape in time.
- Death due to Fire: In the most tragic scenarios, individuals may be unable to escape from a fire ignited by a faulty dehumidifier. This could result in loss of life due to burns or other fire-related injuries.
Given the life-threatening nature of these potential outcomes, it’s critically important to pay attention to product recalls and remove any defective items, like these dehumidifiers, from your home. Immediate action could save serious injuries and lives. Furthermore, anyone who has experienced injuries or property damage due to these faulty products should seek both medical and legal advice.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries, property damage, or loss of life due to a faulty dehumidifier, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t navigate this complex legal landscape alone; let Parker Waichman LLP’s national practice guide you through the process to seek the justice you deserve. Time is of the essence—call us toll-free at 1-800-YOURLAWYER to discuss your case today.
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Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous products like this defective product. For your free consultation, contact our national product liability law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).