Woman Gets Chemical Burns, Eye Damage from Exploding Car Air Freshener

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Mar 25, 2024

A woman’s ordinary day turned into a nightmare when a car air freshener from Bath & Body Works reportedly exploded, causing her severe facial injuries.

Her alarming experience, shared on TikTok, went viral, shedding light on the unexpected dangers that everyday products can pose.

From Normal to Emergency

In the viral video, Kyndal (via @kyndal_bret on TikTok) is shown in a hospital bed in the severe aftermath of the incident.

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Bath and Body Works mall storefront

Source: Larry Hachucka/Wikimedia Commons

Her facial injuries, including ocular damage and chemical burns, are distressing reminders of the hazards lurking in products we often take for granted.

Community Shock and Support

The reaction to Kyndal’s video was immediate and vast, with 42 million views and thousands of comments expressing concern and anger.

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Kendyl Bret in a hospital bed with face injury

Source: @Kendyl_Bret/TikTok

Some commenters even stated that this is a pretty common occurrence, with one user in particular (@mikaylakatelyn) saying, “I used to work there and this has been happening for yearssss.”

Calls for Accountability

Many viewers rallied behind Kyndal, urging her to pursue legal action against Bath & Body Works.

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A statue of the blindfolded ‘Lady Justice.’

Source: Tingey Injury Law Firm/Unsplash

This outcry reflects a broader demand for companies to be held accountable for the safety of their products and for adequate consumer protection measures.

Historical Echoes: E-Cigarette Explosions

Kyndal’s incident is not unique. There have been numerous reports of products like e-cigarettes exploding, causing burns and injuries to users (via National Library of Medicine).

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A young man smokes from an e-cigarette and blows out smoke

Source: lindsayfox/Pixabay

These cases, similar to Kyndal’s, highlight the potential dangers associated with battery-operated devices and the need for stringent safety standards.

The Case of Exploding Phones

Another well-known case involves smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which were recalled due to battery issues that led to explosions and fires (via Samsung).

A person holding a smartphone with the Google search homepage displayed on the screen. The screen shows the Google logo and search bar

Source: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash

This situation, parallel to the air freshener incident, brings to light the risks associated with everyday electronic devices.

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Rethinking Product Safety

The repeated incidents with various products highlight the crucial need for comprehensive safety evaluations.

Close-up Photo of a Stethoscope

Source: Pixabay/Pexels

Companies must prioritize consumer safety by rigorously testing products before they hit the market to prevent harmful accidents.

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The Legal Perspective

If product negligence is established, Bath & Body Works could face significant legal challenges.

A wooden judge's gavel rests on a polished wooden table

Source: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels

Kyndal’s case may join a series of product liability lawsuits, emphasizing the importance of legal recourse in consumer protection (via Cornell Law School).

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Preventive Measures for Consumers

Given the recent events, consumers are advised to be increasingly cautious.

A huge row of shipping containers stacked on top of one another.

Source: Samrendra Singh/Unsplash

It’s important to be aware of product recalls of common household items, report suspicious items, and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents with household products.

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Brand Response and Consumer Trust

The public awaits Bath & Body Works’ response to these incidents. How a company addresses such complaints and takes action to improve safety can significantly impact consumer trust and brand reputation.

A joyful woman with glasses, wearing a striped shirt, is standing in the beverage aisle of a Target store, laughing and looking to the side. She is posing next to shelves stocked with bottles of Gatorade

Source: Arren Mills/Unsplash

Since this has reportedly been happening for years (according to users on TikTok), it’s possible that Bath & Body Works may be doing too little, too late to retain customer loyalty.

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The Role of Social Media in Advocacy

Kyndal’s story illustrates the influential role of social media in bringing attention to consumer safety issues.

An image of someone holding a phone whilst loading the ‘TikTok app.

Source: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash

It has become a powerful platform for sharing experiences, spreading awareness, and mobilizing support for affected individuals.

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Moving Forward with Caution

As the community continues to support Kyndal in her recovery, her story remains a reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy for product safety.

A person with blonde hair wearing a brown coat is walking down a grocery store aisle carrying a blue shopping basket. On the left side of the aisle are shelves stocked with various bottles of olive oil and vinegar

Source: Martijn Baudoin/Unsplash

It’s a call to both consumers and companies to prioritize well-being over convenience.

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