Counterfeit and aftermarket cell phone batteries have injured dozens in recent years, warned Sen. Charles Schumer, who is seeking increased government oversight of cell phone battery manufacturers.
There have been more than 60 reports of batteries smoking, catching fire or exploding over the past two years, the senator said Sunday.
Schumer is calling on the Consumer Product Safety Commission to monitor how widespread the problem is and determine whether action needs to be taken against the manufacturers of batteries that have malfunctioned.
“Consumers should not have to feel as if their cell phone is a ticking time-bomb, ready to explode at any minute,” Schumer said in a statement.
Danielle Salerno of Long Island said Sunday that she was in favor of stepping up oversight of battery manufacturers.
"My kids, they know how to use my cell phones at two years old," she said. "Anything that would make it safer would be pretty smart."
