Five Items that Are Unsafe to Be Bought Used

Car Seats 

Did you know that car seats expire? They won’t grow mold or cause an upset stomach when they’re expired. But they can still send little ones to the ER. When a car seat is considered to be expired, it means that it no longer meets the current safety standards. You can check the manufacturer’s label on the car seat to determine whether or not the car seat is expired. If the car seat is expired, you may have to throw the car seat away. Thrift stores and donation centers generally have policies in place, citing that they will not accept expired car seats. Many websites that feature classifieds do not allow users to sell expired car seats. Additionally, if a car seat has been in an accident, it needs to be replaced, even if the accident wasn’t severe. Most experts recommend that you only accept used car seats from people you personally know and who can ensure that the car seat in question has never been in an accident. 

Cribs 

Cribs should not be purchased second-hand. Like car seats, they do expire, and the older they are, the more dangerous they can be. While it may be fun to have a vintage crib, there are certainly some antiques on the market that are coated in lead-based paint, making them more suitable for collectors than expecting parents. Another problem with second-hand cribs is that you may not be able to know for sure whether or not it was assembled correctly, or if there are missing parts that are crucial to the crib’s safety. Furthermore, the crib could have been recalled. The parents selling you the crib may not know that it’s been recalled, especially if it’s been recalled after their children have not needed the crib. If you are set on buying used, you may want to see if there’s anything that’s still in the box that you can buy second-hand. It may also be a good idea to prioritize buying a crib that still has the original manual.  

Mattresses 

You should never buy a used mattress unless you know the person you’re buying the mattress from, and even then, it would be appropriate to exercise caution. The largest concern is infestations, such as bed bugs. Bed bugs are extremely bothersome and contagious. When you have bed bugs, it’s not so simple as just spraying them and they go away. Bed bugs can be extremely difficult to eradicate; many people end up spending thousands of dollars to rid their homes of bed bugs. If you live in a condo, apartment, townhouse, or another home with shared walls, you can even get bed bugs from your neighbors. Mattresses can also harbor diseases such as mold, allergens, and other bacteria. If you’re looking for a sweet deal on a mattress, a foam mattress from Costco may be a better option than a used mattress. 

Make Up 

You’ve probably heard someone say, “that doesn’t really expire.” Sure, some expiration dates are overly cautious, but they are there for a reason. Buying used make up increases the chance that you’ll be buying something that’s expired—and when make-up is expired, that can matter quite a bit. Make up can harbor mold and bacteria. The ingredients can degrade over time, making the make-up less effective. While there’s nothing dangerous about less effective make up, there may be something very dangerous about the way some of these chemicals degrade. Sometimes, the degradation can cause allergic reactions or skin concerns because of how the chemicals in the make-up broke down. Furthermore, contagious diseases, such as pink eye, can be contracted by using make-up from another person.  

Helmets 

Buying used helmets can be especially dangerous. Like car seats, you should never purchase a helmet that’s been involved in a crash. If you’re buying a used helmet from a stranger, there won’t be a way for you to verify that it’s never been involved in an accident. Another problem with used helmets is the safety standards. Since safety standards change from year to year, you could be buying a helmet that no longer meets the current safety standards. Lastly, the protective materials that are covering the helmet may have degraded due to UV exposure, making the helmet less safe than one you purchased new.  

Stay Safe out There

While it may be satisfying to score a bargain, it may not be worth it, especially when the cost is your safety. When you’re injured due to unforeseen consequences of buying used products, there may be limited recourse in getting compensation due to the injuries you’ve sustained. At Moxie Law Group, we’re dedicated to helping promote safety within our communities, but we know that risk can’t be eliminated completely. If you have sustained injury due to the negligence of another person, and you need an attorney, contact Moxie Law Group today to get started on your initial consultation.