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Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Prompt Calls for Improved Recall Notifications

A fire on Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line, caused by a recalled portable charger, has reignited calls for more effective recall notifications. Lawyer Nakamura Masato suggests repeated emails or postcards to protect consumers.

In the image it looks like there is a store and in front of the store there are cycles, a pole and...
In the image it looks like there is a store and in front of the store there are cycles, a pole and a fire extinguisher.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Prompt Calls for Improved Recall Notifications

A recent incident on the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo, where a recalled portable charger caught fire, has highlighted the need for more effective recall notifications. The incident injured five people and has prompted lawyer Nakamura Masato to suggest improved methods such as repeated emails or postcards.

Over the past three years and five months, there have been more than 100 lithium-ion battery fire incidents in Japan, leading to recalls. Major manufacturers like Panasonic and Sony have been implicated. Products suspected include portable chargers, batteries for power-assisted bicycles, and personal computers. In total, about 400 fires have been linked to lithium-ion battery products during this period. At least 100 of these fires were caused by recalled products, with the most recent incident occurring in July 2023.

Currently, recall information is posted on the Consumer Affairs Agency's website or made public, but notification methods vary and may not effectively reach consumers. Lawyer Nakamura Masato has proposed improving public notification methods to ensure recall information reaches consumers.

The recurring lithium-ion battery fire incidents underscore the urgency for enhanced recall notification systems. Lawyer Nakamura Masato's suggestions, such as repeated emails or postcards, could help ensure consumers are adequately informed and protected. The Consumer Affairs Agency and manufacturers should consider these proposals to improve consumer safety.

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