3M to recall about 40,000 noise-reducing earmuffs due to risk of overexposing user to loud noise

By Ciara Linnane

Earmuffs can develop cracks in the colored portion of the plastic cups, says consumer watchdog

3M Co. is recalling about 40,000 noise-reducing earmuffs because they risk overexposing users to loud noise, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

"The recalled noise-reducing earmuffs can develop cracks in the colored portion of the plastic cups, posing a risk of overexposure to loud noise and sound," the CPSC said in a statement.

The recall involves the 3M Peltor X4 Series Earmuffs that were manufactured from March 2020 to September 2022. The earmuffs are designed for noise reduction for workers in industrial and other occupational settings.

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Consumers can find the date of manufacture on the outside of the earcups. The Minnesota-based company (MMM) will offer a replacement in return.

The earmuffs are black with green or orange tones and are over-the-head, behind-the-head, hard hat-attached, or full brim hard hat-attached.

"Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled earmuffs and contact 3M to receive free replacement earmuffs, including free shipping," the company said in a statement.

No injuries have been reported from the earmuffs, which were sold at industrial distributors and online at Amazon.com, priced at between $16 and $26 a pair. An additional 6,700 sets were sold in Canada,

3M's stock was down 1.1% Thursday and is down 0.6% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 SPX has gained 5%.

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-Ciara Linnane

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04-25-24 1105ET

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