CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In response to the deaths of two young children in 2014, IKEA has recalled millions of popular chests and dressers in order to prevent future tragedies.
Two children no more than two years old, one from Washington and one from Pennsylvania, were killed last year due to tipped over dressers. About 7 million Malm chests and 20 million other chests and dressers are considered affected.
However, consumers of the affected furniture do not have to return their items for repair. Instead, they are eligible to order or pick up a free wall anchoring kit to install themselves. The kit would secure the dressers and chests to the wall and prevent them from being knocked over.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission believes their needs to be a design change in IKEA’s furniture, as not everyone is aware of the problem or have the ability to modify their walls with screws, such as renters.
Mona Liss, an IKEA spokesman, said they will “continue to collaborate with the CPSC to find solutions for more stable furniture.”
Since 1989, there have been three other deaths related to falling IKEA furniture and at least four injuries. The Malm chests became on sale in 2002 and have ranged from $80 to $200.
To receive a free wall-anchoring kit, consumers can visit an IKEA store, register at www.IKEA-USA.com/saferhomestogether, or call toll-free at 888-966-4532.
