2023 has been yet another year of dangerous consumer products reaching the market. As we review some of the most dangerous products on the market in 2023, we encourage you to remain vigilant about the products in your household or business, particularly as the holidays approach. If you or somebody you care about has been harmed due to a defective product, we encourage you to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Products With VOCs
One of the biggest issues with consumer products this year revolves around something called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These products are used in liquids or solids and then turn into gas when exposed to sunlight or air. Some VOCs have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, issues with reproductive and developmental progress, asthma, as well as damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
Volatile organic compounds can be found in shampoos, dishwashing soaps, caulking compounds, household cleaners, paint removers, carpet cleaners, body lotions, and thousands of other consumer items. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to VOCs is higher indoors than outdoors.
Interestingly, one of the main products that emit harmful volatile organic compounds is mothballs. These are made of 1,4-dichlorobenzene, which can break down into toxic vapors such as carbon monoxide and hydrochloric acid. Studies indicate that formaldehyde is the most common VOC used on the body and appears in shampoo, makeup, nail polish, and various other personal care products. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
Peloton Exercise Bikes
Peloton, the company made famous (or infamous) due to a spike in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, has recalled millions of exercise bikes after injury reports. According to information from Tech Crunch, the company is recalling 2.2 million exercise bikes due to faulty assembly. The bike impacted was manufactured in Taiwan and sold in the US between January 2018 and May 2023 through Peloton, Amazon, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The company recommends that consumers immediately stop using the exercise bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair. The company is offering a free seat post that they say can be self-installed to fix the problem.
Children’s Products
Information available from Safe Kids Worldwide continuously monitors recalls and safety issues of items children typically consume or use on a regular basis. This includes continuously updated lists of unsafe products broken down by every month of the year. For example, in October of 2023, the group provided recall information for products related to children’s toys, bibs, play tents, blanket sleepers and robes, candy, electronic skateboards, and more.
As the holiday season fast approaches, we encourage parents to remain cognizant of the toys and other products they purchase for their children. Please take time to research every product that you purchase for your children to ensure that there are no recalls or other safety issues. Additionally, make sure the items you purchase are age-appropriate, as many of the warnings pertain specifically to younger age groups.
Contact an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or become ill due to a defective consumer product, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney immediately. A skilled injury lawyercan help you examine the facts of your case and determine the best steps moving forward for recovering compensation.
