Fears over ‘exploding’ Bluetooth fidget spinners that ‘burst into flames while charging’
FEARS are growing over "exploding" Bluetooth fidget spinners that "burst into flames while charging".
Two mums have reported their children's gadgets unexpectedly set fire while plugged into the mains - prompting fears they could be dangerous.
Both cases involved Bluetooth fidget spinners in the US, which connect with phones to play music through built-in speakers.
They had been on charge for less than 45 minutes when they caught alight.
Kimberley Allums, from Gardendale, Alabama, told : "I was downstairs and all I heard was 'fire, fire'.
"The fidget spinner wasn't smoking, it was in flames."
It has sparked fears the Bluetooth devices have not passed safety standards and could be a risk to families.
The stunned mum said: "I just really want people to be aware of this because a lot of people have been inboxing me reaching out to me leaving messages saying my child has this same fidget spinner."
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Fidget spinners became the latest playground craze earlier this year and are sold online for as little as 99p.
They were designed as stress-relieving tools, which have been used to help kids deal with ADHD and anxiety.
Mum Michelle Carr said her Bluetooth spinner also caught fire after just half-an-hour on charge.
She told : "I personally won't buy another one because of the fear of it.
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"I know there are tons of kids who want to go get them, but if you plug them in, just stay by and make sure it's charged and doesn't catch."
The propeller-shaped gadgets, which come in a variety of colours, have ball bearings which allow them to spin.
You simply hold it in between your fingers, flick it and watch it spin. Some versions even light up, and they are completely silent.
Kids can compete against each other to come up with the best tricks, or to keep their gadget spinning the longest.
Promoted to beat boredom and increase concentration, some Amazon reviewers even claim the toys have helped them stop biting their nails.
There is a skill to mastering the gadgets, which are small enough to fit in your pocket and cost as little as £1.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission told Gizmodo: "Never charge a product with batteries overnight while you are sleeping. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the charger from the manufacturer that is designed specifically for your device."
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