275,000 glitter iPhone cases recalled that may cause severe chemical burns

275,000 glitter iPhone cases have been recalled after reports of at least two dozen people receiving chemical burns from their leaked iPhone cases.

The manufacturer uses a liquid gel mixed with glitter to allow the glitter particles to move around slowly like the contents of a snow globe. So far, 24 people have reported burns from these cases, manufactured to fit the iPhone 6, 6S and 7. The cases come in a variety of patterns and colours, retailing up to around £50.00.

U.K. victim hurt last year

The recall may not have come as a total surprise to some. Only last year, a nine-year-old child from here in the U.K. reportedly received an iPhone-shaped scar from a case purchased from New Look. The liquid gel mixed with glitter reportedly leaked out of the case and onto her leg whilst she was sleeping, leaving severe chemical burns.

The youngster’s mother was horrified by her daughter’s injuries:

“…imagine if it had leaked when [she] was on the phone or holding it to her face – it could have gone on her face or her eyes.”

The dangers outweigh the desire for such cases

As mobile phones have become such a vital part of our lives, we’re often never far away from our own. How many of us can say we have never fallen asleep with our phones on our chests or still in our hands? The risk of chemical burns far outweighs having a sparkly decorative phone case. One of the recent victims reported that they received permanent scarring, and other victims have suffered burns of varying degrees of severity, and swelling to the face, torso, hands and legs.

Some of the victims have taken to social media to warn others of the risk. One woman warned against purchasing the popular phone cases, explaining that she accidentally rolled onto it during her sleep and the liquid leaked out, burning her side.

Regulators and recalls

Regulators have stepped in and a recall has been initiated for the glitter phone cases. Anyone who has one is being asked to stop using it and contact the manufacturer for a full refund.

Manufacturers have an important responsibility to ensure that the products they make and sell are appropriate for use. In this case, they should have taken into account that mobile phones are usually kept on the person and any materials used must be safe if it comes into contact with skin – even if it is not intended to leak out. This is why all products need extensive testing, including impact testing to make sure that, in the event of a breakage, the risk of harm is kept to a minimum.