Caution urged in Japan when using secondhand products amid safety risks

The National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, or NITE, is urging the public to exercise caution when buying secondhand goods, warning that they may cause accidents such as explosions and fires.

Over the five years through 2024, 310 accidents linked to used products were reported to NITE. Such accidents have increased alongside more people using flea market apps amid persistent consumer inflation.

Of the reported accidents, about 90% were fires, and some 30% involved products that use lithium-ion batteries.

By product, bicycles, air conditioners, kerosene heaters and fan heaters were among the common items involved in accidents.

In one case, a man in his 30s in Aichi Prefecture bought a used power tool battery through an online auction. The battery exploded while in storage after being charged.

It was found to have been a product from a third-party company. The explosion is believed to have been caused by a defective design in its safety protection mechanism.

In another case, one person obtained a dehumidifier from an acquaintance without realizing it was a recalled product. The machine later caught fire.

Separately, a fire started due to the age-related deterioration of an air conditioner still installed in a previously owned home.

The institute recommends that consumers check the usage history of a product, as well as for any defects and recall information, before acquiring secondhand items.

Having the instruction manual for a product is also essential to understand its proper usage, NITE said, adding that if a secondhand product appears to be operating in an unstable way, discontinue its use immediately.