Fitbit recalls 1 million wristbands due to burns and rashes

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Fitbit is recalling one million of its wireless wristband fitness trackers after consumers complained the devices had caused itchy rashes and burn marks. The wristband in question, the Fitbit Force pedometer, is a $130 bracelet that tracks sleep and the nutrition habits. It has racked up more than 10,000 complaints, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to the recall notice, the problem is with the wristband's stainless steel casing, which has resulted "in redness, rashes, or blistering where the skin has been in contact with the tracker." Fitbit said it's looking into the problem, while speculating that it might be due to an allergic reaction to the nickel within the steel. The company has stopped selling the item on its website. Victims can contact Fitbit for a different product or refund.
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A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Jordan Valinsky is the lead writer for Speed Reads. Before joining The Week, he wrote for New York Observer's tech blog, Betabeat, and tracked the intersection between popular culture and the internet for The Daily Dot. He graduated with a degree in online journalism from Ohio University.
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