WASHINGTON-The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today said it is working the wireless industry to develop a safety guide to prevent injuries from exploding cell phones, like the one at issue in a new lawsuit filed by Thailand prosecutors against handset giant Nokia Corp. after a Thai welder reportedly was seriously injured from a phone that ignited in his pocket.
According to news reports, the Thai suit was filed last Friday on the recommendation of the country’s Consumer Protection Board. The suit, according to the reports, seeks more than $25,000 in damages for injuries sustained by 50-year-old Prasit Sriseeluang in the March 2004 accident. In addition to amputations of his right leg and five toes on his left foot, news accounts said Prasit’s right hand was seriously injured.
Finnish-based Nokia and the Thai Consumer Protection Board did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Scott Wolfson, a spokesman for the CPSC, said the agency has received 115 reports of exploding phones during the past two years. Batteries are believed to be the culprit in many of the mishaps.
Wolfson said the CPSC is collaborating with CTIA, the national association of cell-phone operators, to craft guidelines to curb incidences of exploding cell phones. At least one major cell-phone manufacturer, however, has complained that CTIA and the CPSC are not moving fast enough to get safety information to consumers.
