Facebook recalls 4M Oculus Quest 2 headset components for rash

Facebook is suspending sales of its Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headsets and is voluntarily recalling part found in approximately 4 million devices, the company and federal regulators have said.

The affected part in the devices are the “removable foam facial interfaces”, which are found around a user’s eyes and nose and provide a cushion between the headset and their face.

The black piece of equipment “can cause facial skin irritation and reactions, including rashes, swelling, burning, itching, hives and bumps,” according to the Human Rights Commission. consumer products.

The recall comes after the company received more than 5,700 reports of skin irritation related to the device, the CPSC said, and about 45 reports of users requiring medical attention.

Oculus headsets are among Facebook’s only efforts to break into hardware, and it’s part of the social media giant’s push into virtual reality as a way to prepare for the so-called “metaverse,” which some have said. compared to the next evolution of the Internet. .

The company released the Oculus 2 headsets, which cost between $ 300 and $ 400 depending on storage options, in September as a smaller, cheaper alternative to its predecessor.

Andrew Bosworth, head of Facebook Reality Labs, touched on the recall on Tuesday in an open letter to Oculus users.

“As more and more people have entered virtual reality with Quest 2, we have started to receive reports that a very small percentage of Quest 2 customers have experienced skin irritation after using the removable foam facial interface, ”Bosworth wrote.

“Although the reporting rate is low and the majority of reported cases are minor, we are committed to ensuring that our products are safe and comfortable for all who use them,” he added.

In December, Facebook admitted in a blog post that some Oculus 2 users had skin issues and promised to investigate, Bosworth noted.

In April, the company said its investigation revealed “no contamination or unexpected substances in our manufacturing process,” according to CNN.

But the investigation also “identified some traces of substances normally present in the manufacturing process that could contribute to skin discomfort, and although they are already at levels below the industry standard, out of caution, we’ve changed our process to reduce them. Even further. “

Facebook is posting a silicone cover to rectify the problem.

Users do not need to return the complete helmet to the company for repair. Instead, customers can request a free silicone cover that fits over Facebook’s foam facial interface, Bosworth said.

Once sales of the device pick up, the company said it will include the silicone cover in the box when it ships.

“The team and I are committed to ensuring the quality of our products and the continued support and success of our developer community, with your safety and comfort as our top priority,” Bosworth said Tuesday. “The free silicone cover is part of that commitment.”