Dehumidifiers recalled for overheating, fire risk

Health Canada has issued a joint recall of dehumidifier products sold under several brand names manufactured in China by Gree Electric Appliances for fire risk.

Dehumidifier models under the brand names Danby, Fellini, Frigidaire, Gree and Premiere are part of the joint recall among Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Gree.

“The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke or catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers,” according to Health Canada.

“Gree Electric Appliances is aware of 165 incidents of dehumidifiers overheating, smoking, or catching fire in the United States. Of those incidents, 46 involved reported fires,” the government department said.

Health Canada, Gree Electric Appliances, Danby, Sunrise and Frigidaire have not received any Canadian reports of incidents or injuries related to the use of these dehumidifiers.

Approximately 52,546 recalled dehumidifiers were sold across Canada by Danby, Sunrise and Frigidaire and approximately 2.2 million recalled dehumidifiers were distributed in the United States, Health Canada said.

The recalled dehumidifiers were sold between August 2008 and August 2013 in Canada and between January 2005 and August 2013 in the United States.

Health Canada says consumers should call the recall service provider, Stericycle, at 1-866-853-2802 or go to firm’s website for a refund.