Around 1.5 Million Hand Warmers Recalled Due to Fire Hazards, One Death Reported

OCOOPA Direct is recalling about 1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers in the United States after safety regulators linked the devices to overheating lithium-ion batteries. The recall covers OCOOPA-branded warmers with model numbers UT3053, UT3056, ZLS-118, ZLS-118S, ZLS-118D, H01, and H01(PD), according to a July 30 notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company reported 1,480 overheating reports that resulted in 15 fires and 350 burn injury reports, including the February death of an 83-year-old customer in San Diego, California. The CPSC says customers should stop using the warmers and request a refund, while disposing of defective batteries differently than regular battery recycling.