Fitness Tracker Burns Prompt Recall of 30,000 Wristbands

Reports of burns to the wrist due to overheating have prompted the recall of 30,000 fitness trackers in the United States.

Provata Health voluntarily issued the recall after a few consumers reported that wristbands, designed to track heart rate and step rate, were overheating.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall notice saying that the Chinese manufactured devices “posed a burn hazard,” advising consumers to immediately stop wearing or charging them.

“The wristbands were given to consumers as a promotional giveaway and feature a digital display, a charging terminal, a heart rate and step detector with Bluetooth technology.”

“The firm has received 13 reports of the activity tracker overheating during use or while charging, including three reports of burns to the wrist.”

A Provata activity tracker in this image provided by the CPSC as they issued a recall of the 30,000 fitness trackers on Sept. 25, 2018. CPSC/Provata Health

Provata has offered to replace the devices which were distributed for free from August 2017 through July 2018 in mailings nationwide and in-person during employer wellness events in Oregon, North Carolina, and Arizona.

The devices were distributed in three colors: black, blue or mint green. “The packaging displays the word “Provata” and “Activity Tracker [color]” printed on the front cover,” said the CPSC in a statement.

The company’s senior director of corporate communication, Melissa Gilkerson, said the company has contacted users of the wristband and has been working closely with the CPSC, reported CNN.

“The safety of our clients and program participants is our primary concern,” said Gilkerson, adding that the recall was issued “out of an abundance of caution.”