Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) has issued a public warning on the risks of purchasing and using second-hand goods, citing incidents of fires, explosions, and other accidents linked to used products.

According to NITE, 310 accidents involving used items were reported over the five years through 2024, with cases rising amid the growing popularity of online flea market platforms and continued consumer inflation.

About 90% of the incidents involved fires, while around 30% were linked to products using lithium-ion batteries.

Common items involved in accidents included bicycles, air conditioners, kerosene heaters, and fan heaters.

In one reported case, a man in his 30s in Aichi Prefecture purchased a used power tool battery online, which later exploded while in storage after charging. Authorities said the item was a non-genuine product with a defective safety mechanism.

In another incident, a dehumidifier obtained from an acquaintance—unbeknownst to the buyer as a recalled product—later caught fire. A separate case involved an air conditioner that ignited due to age-related deterioration in a secondhand home.

NITE advised consumers to check product history, defects, and recall information before buying used items. It also emphasized the importance of securing instruction manuals and properly understanding usage.

The agency further warned that unstable or malfunctioning second-hand products should be discontinued immediately to prevent accidents.