Sony notebook computer batteries recalled

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Sony Energy Devices notebook computer batteries due to fire and burn hazards.

The lithium-ion batteries, used with Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell notebook computers, can overheat, creating a potential risk for customers, the commission said in a release.

About 35,000 of the batteries made by Sony Energy Devices Corp. of Japan, were sold in the United States with an additional 65,000 sold worldwide, the commission said.

Seventeen of the 19 incident reports received have included reports of flames with 10 of the reports including descriptions of minor property damage.

About 32,000 of the batteries were sold in Hewlett-Packard's HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario and HP Compaq notebook computers.; 3,000 were sold with Toshiba Satellite and Tecra notebook devices and 150 with Dell Latitude and Inspiron notebooks.

Consumers were advised to remove the battery from their notebook computers and contact the manufacturer to ascertain if their battery is involved in the recall.

Consumers can call Hewlett-Packard Co. at 800-889-2031, Toshiba at 800-457-7777 or Dell at 866-342-011.