Ikea Recalls 29 Million Chests And Dressers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ikea North America is recalling 29 million chests and dressers sold by the retailer that do not comply with U.S. voluntary industry standard performance requirements.

The furniture is said to be unstable if not properly fixed to a wall, the CPSC stated, posing a serious tip-over and entrapment hazard that can result in death or serious injuries to children. The recalled chests and dressers, in the case of those developed for children's rooms, are taller than 23.5 inches. Adult-oriented dressers subject to the recall are taller than 29.5 inches.

The recalled chests and dressers include the Malm 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer and three 6-drawer models. 

The recall follows an earlier repair program for the chests and dressers, announced in July of 2015, that included a free wall-anchoring repair kit for the Malm chests and dressers and other Ikea chests and dressers. Two fatalities involving Malm chests and dressers occurred prior to the repair program announcement.

In all, Ikea received reports of 41 tip-over incidents involving the Malm chests and dressers, resulting in 17 injuries to children between the ages of 19 months and 10 years old, the CPSC said. Ikea also received 41 reports of tip-overs involving chests and dressers other than Malm items, resulting in the deaths of three children and 19 injuries to children.

Ikea sold the recalled Malm chests from 2002 through June 2016 for between $70 and $200. 

Consumers are instructed to immediately stop using any recalled chest and dresser that is not properly anchored to the wall and place it into an area that children cannot access. Consumers can also contact Ikea for a choice between two options, a refund or a free wall-anchoring repair kit. Consumers can install the kit themselves or Ikea said it will provide a one-time, free in-home installation service, upon request.