SCI/TECH: Exploding Cell Phone Battery Recalls, page 1

83 cellular phones have exploded or combusted in the last two years, causing injuries to consumers. Now, the CPSC is stepping in to attempt to prevent even more injuries by alerting consumers to the causes of these problems: faulty chargers and counterfeit batteries. With more than 170 million cell phone users in the US, this statistic may appear to be low. Although rare, this situation is grabbing the attention of many, especially consumer advocates.

www.cbsnews.com
Over the past two years, federal safety officials have received 83 reports of cell phones exploding or catching fire, usually because of incompatible, faulty or counterfeit batteries or chargers. Burns to the face, neck, leg and hip are among the dozens of injury reports the agency has received.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is providing tips for cell phone users to avoid such accidents and has stepped up oversight of the wireless industry. There have been three voluntary battery recalls, and the CPSC is working with companies to create better battery standards.

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Remember when people thought there was a link between cell phones and cancer? I don't know which is worse, the explosions, or cancer. Probably cancer, but an explosion wouldn't be a picnic either.

[edit on 30-11-2004 by Banshee]