We use our appliances every day. Our kids play with toys every day. The United States is the biggest consumer goods market in the world—we use lots of different products in our everyday life! To keep your family safe and your home a pleasant place to be, look out for the most common defective products found in the home. Get rid of any malfunctioning items now to prevent disaster later!
Kitchen Appliances
A fridge that doesn’t keep your food cold leads to spoiled food that can make you sick. Any appliances that use electricity should have functional and safe wiring; electrical problems, especially in items you use every day, can cause severe burns. And make sure your blender and food processor are in good working condition. Anything with fast-moving parts should close tightly, and blades should be secure.
Heating Equipment
Portable heaters and space heaters present a fire hazard. Follow proper safety precautions and don’t leave the heater near any curtains or furniture that can catch fire. However, if you follow all safety precautions and the heat still causes damage, the temperature controls and auto-shutoff settings may be defective. If your heater burns you or scorches your furniture, research whether you have a product liability case and contact an attorney for further advice.
Toys
Back in the ‘70s, many toys featured lead paint—which infamously led to poisoning in scores of children. Although toy manufacturers no longer use lead paint, other defects can crop up, like sharp edges and loose parts that can snap off and pose a choking hazard. When you buy toys for your kids, read any warnings on the packaging and be aware of any small parts or potential dangers they pose during regular play.
Cleaning Products
Any cleaning product should have a label that lists every ingredient and potential hazard it poses. If a cleaning product releases toxic gases, this may legally be considered a product defect if the label didn’t adequately warn you of the possible danger. All chemicals should warn you if you need to open your windows while you clean.
Smoke Alarms
It’s better to be on the safe side and have an overly sensitive smoke alarm than a lazy one. If you rent your home, your landlord has a responsibility to install a working smoke alarm. If you own your home, the company that made the alarm has a responsibility to sell working smoke alarms.
Keep your living space safe by checking the working condition of items you and your family use every day. These are only a few of the most common defective products found in the home, so keep your well-being in mind as you use them.
