Recall Report: Anker Power Banks Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Overview

• Product Name: Anker Power Banks
• Recall Date: October 17, 2024
• Units Recalled: Approximately 2,100
• Manufacturer: Anker Innovations Limited, Hong Kong, China
• Manufactured In: China
• Recall Number: 25-011

Recall Details

This recall involves Anker Power Banks with model numbers A1642, A1647, and A1652. These devices serve as portable electronic charging units for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, with maximum outputs of 12W (A1642), 15W (A1647), and 20W (A1652). The product is identifiable by the “Anker” engraving on the front and the model number on the back.

Hazard Description

The lithium-ion batteries within these power banks have the potential to overheat, creating significant fire and burn hazards. The firm has received 28 reports of incidents involving battery overheating, explosions, and fires. Two injuries have been reported, including first and second degree burns to consumers’ hands.

Remedy and Consumer Guidance

1. Consumers are advised to immediately discontinue use of the recalled power banks.
2. Contact Anker Innovations for instructions on obtaining a free replacement power bank by registering at https://www.anker.com/product-recalls.
3. Dispose of recalled lithium-ion batteries in compliance with local and state regulations, following municipal recycling center procedures for damaged or defective lithium batteries.
4. Do not discard recalled batteries in household trash or deposit them in used battery recycling boxes at retail or home improvement stores.

Points of Sale

• Best Buy
• Target
• NEXT TRADING SAS
• C2 Wireless
• K Spider Inc. stores nationwide
• Online retailers: Amazon.com, eBay.com, AliExpress.com, Walmart.com

Products were sold from January 2024 through July 2024, priced between $40 and $60.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This recall directly supports SDG 3 by preventing injuries and health hazards caused by defective consumer products. Prompt action to remove hazardous power banks from the market reduces risks of burns and fire-related injuries.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Encouraging proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries aligns with sustainable consumption and waste management practices.
• Consumers are guided to follow local regulations for hazardous waste, minimizing environmental impact.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The recall highlights the importance of product safety innovation and responsible manufacturing standards to prevent hazardous defects in consumer electronics.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration between the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Anker Innovations, retailers, and consumers exemplifies multi-stakeholder partnerships essential for effective product safety management and sustainable development.

About the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The CPSC is a federal agency dedicated to protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. By enforcing recalls and safety standards, the CPSC contributes to reducing injuries and fatalities, supporting public health and safety in line with the SDGs.

Additional Information and Reporting

• If consumers experience issues with recall remedies or company responsiveness, they are encouraged to report concerns to the CPSC using the official form.
• For lifesaving information and commissioner statements related to product safety, visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners.
• To report an unsafe product, consumers can access https://www.saferproducts.gov/.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article addresses health risks related to fire and burn hazards caused by defective lithium-ion batteries in power banks, which can lead to injuries.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The recall and proper disposal instructions for hazardous lithium-ion batteries highlight responsible consumption and waste management practices.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The recall involves product safety and innovation in manufacturing safer electronic devices.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Ensuring product safety contributes to safer communities by preventing fire hazards.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. The recall aims to reduce injuries from hazardous batteries.
2. SDG 12 – Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle. The article emphasizes proper disposal of recalled lithium-ion batteries to prevent environmental harm.
3. SDG 9 – Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The recall reflects efforts to improve product safety standards.
4. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management. Safe disposal of hazardous batteries supports this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Number of incidents and injuries reported: The article mentions 28 reports of overheating, explosions, and fires, and two injuries, which can be tracked to measure safety improvements (related to SDG 3.9).
• Number of units recalled and properly disposed: About 2,100 units were recalled, and proper disposal is emphasized, which can be monitored to assess responsible consumption and waste management (related to SDG 12.4).
• Compliance rate with recall instructions: The percentage of consumers who stop using the product and follow recall procedures can indicate effectiveness of safety measures (related to SDG 9.4 and SDG 11.6).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cpsc.gov