Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones being recalled over fire risk

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Health Canada has moved to recall the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones because there’s a chance the battery could catch fire while charging.

Experts say the problem should not be ignored.

Health Canada’s warning is the same as ones coming from the US. The agency says while there have been about 70 cases of this happening in the US, there has only been one report of a battery overheating in Canada. You’re being warned not charge the phones.

You can register your product with Canadian Product Exchange through the Samsung Canada website and deal directly with the company, only there’s no firm word on when the replacements will arrive. The new phones could come in as early this week, but that might not be good enough if your mobile is your only phone.

CityNews Technology Specialist Mike Yawney says you can probably bring it to a dealer where they can offer you a loaner or a different type of device.

Whatever you choose to do, Yawney says ignoring this would not be wise. “Clearly, there’s a major issue with the battery. There have been reports of the batteries exploding when they’re plugged in and charging. There’s even some reports in the States of houses catching on fire because of these batteries. It’s a serious issue and if Samsung is saying not to plug in your phone, not to charge it, not to use it, there must be a reason why.”

He expects the company will take a short-term hit as customers given the option of taking another company’s phone might never come back to Samsung.

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