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Jul 10, 2023

Amazon fire extinguisher balls recalled could lead to injury or death

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday announced plans to

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday announced plans to recall fire extinguisher balls sold on Amazon due to extreme safety hazards.

The risk of burns and smoke inhalation associated with using LVYXON, TATTCHINE, ARMYJY, PETSTIBLE, HelloPharma, Vixuiyz, and JHEUAYK brand fire extinguisher balls sold on Amazon.com can fail to put out a fire, which could lead to serious injury or death, the federal agency released in a statement to USA TODAY.

"In addition, the products do not have a pressure gauge or pressure indicator, a locking device to reduce the risk of unintentional discharge, a self-closing valve for intermittent discharge, or a nozzle to direct the discharge," the agency wrote.

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The safety balls are a round-shaped fire extinguisher that self-activates after three to five seconds of fire exposure., according to Firetech Global, a company that produces fire-safety products.

"It disperses non-toxic extinguishing chemicals, and it can extinguish fires within a three-cubic meter radius," the Australian-based company wrote on its website.

The recalled balls are made of red plastic, with a diameter ranging from 4 to 7 inches and weighing between 1 and 3 pounds.

The products also include a stand that can be mounted to the wall, CPSC reported.

The products typically have a label wrapped around them with orange and red lettering stating "Fire Extinguisher Ball and XRT Auto Fire Off or AFO Auto Fire Off."

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The fire extinguisher balls were sold on Amazon.com for between $25 and $120.

The agency is instructing people not to buy or sell the affected fire extinguisher balls. Consumers should stop using them and thrown them out at a local fire department or a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Visit CPSC.gov for more information or call 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.