An experiment shows how a nongenuine battery for an electric bicycle catches fire. Photo: Courtesy of Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation
Over the five years through 2024, 310 accidents linked to used products were reported to NITE.
Such accidents have increased alongside growth in the use of flea market apps and persistent consumer inflation.
Of the reported accidents, about 90 pct were fires, and some 30 pct involved products using 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, central Japan, bought a used power tool battery through an online auction. The battery burst while it was stored after being charged.
It was found to be a nongenuine product. The explosion is believed to have been caused by a defective design in its safety protection mechanism.
In another case, a consumer 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 installed in a secondhand home.
The institute recommends that consumers check the usage history, any defects and recall information before acquiring secondhand items.
It is essential to obtain the instruction manual when receiving such a product and understand proper usage, NITE said, adding that if a secondhand product operates in an unstable way, its use should be discontinued immediately.
