September 4, 2026 — A recent incident report details a consumer’s struggle with new LG stackable washer and dryer units, alleging that the appliances caused severe respiratory symptoms including excessive mucus, sneezing, and difficulty breathing from the first use. Despite attempting manufacturer-recommended solutions, the consumer’s health issues persisted, leading to concerns about off-gassing and indoor air quality.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On July 7, 2026, a consumer purchased new LG stackable washer (WM4000HWA) and dryer (DLEX4000W) units. From the very first use, the consumer reported experiencing immediate adverse health reactions, including their nose and chest filling with mucus, sneezing, and trouble breathing. Initially, the consumer attributed these symptoms to typical “new product off-gassing,” expecting the issue to subside over time.
However, after three weeks of continued use without any improvement in symptoms, the consumer contacted the retailer, Gerhards Appliance Malvern PA, who then connected them with LG. The consumer communicated the persistent health issues to LG via text and phone, detailing the severe respiratory symptoms. An LG representative, identified as [REDACTED], provided recommendations aimed at improving or accelerating the off-gassing process. The consumer diligently followed these suggestions, and while a small improvement in symptoms was observed, the units still created an unhealthy reaction every time they were used. Even using a large fan and opening windows did not make a difference.
An LG technician was dispatched to inspect the units but reportedly only verified their operational functionality, conducting no air quality or chemical emissions testing. On August 10, LG informed the consumer that the case would be closed because the products were deemed to be “working” as intended, despite the ongoing health concerns reported by the consumer.
Safety Concerns
The reported incident raises significant safety concerns related to indoor air quality and potential health impacts from product emissions.
- Immediate Dangers: The consumer experienced acute respiratory symptoms, including excessive mucus, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, immediately upon using the appliances. Such reactions can be distressing and potentially dangerous for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, or those with heightened chemical sensitivities.
- Long-Term Risks: Prolonged exposure to airborne irritants or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could be off-gassing from new appliances may lead to chronic respiratory problems, exacerbate existing conditions, or contribute to the development of new sensitivities. While the exact compounds are unknown without testing, continuous inhalation of irritants is a serious concern.
- Who Might Be Affected: Primarily, the user of the appliances, but potentially anyone in the household, especially children, the elderly, or individuals with compromised immune systems or respiratory vulnerabilities, could be at risk. The confined space of a laundry room could concentrate emissions, increasing exposure.
- Property Damage Potential: In this specific incident, there is no mention of property damage. The primary concern is the potential health hazard to the occupant of the home. However, poor indoor air quality can subtly impact the living environment over time.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an LG WM4000HWA washer or DLEX4000W dryer and are experiencing similar health issues, here are steps you should take:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you experience respiratory symptoms or unusual odors when operating your new LG washer or dryer, discontinue use immediately. Ensure adequate ventilation in your laundry area by opening windows and using exhaust fans. Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Verify the model numbers of your LG washer and dryer. The models identified in this report are WM4000HWA (washer) and DLEX4000W (dryer). This information is typically found on a label inside the door, on the back of the unit, or in your owner’s manual.
- Prevention Measures: While new product off-gassing can occur, severe and persistent health reactions are not normal. If you notice strong, unusual chemical odors from new appliances, ventilate the area thoroughly. If symptoms arise, do not dismiss them as “normal new product smell.”
- Reporting Procedures: Document all symptoms, dates, and communications with the retailer and manufacturer. Report your incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. You should also contact LG directly, reiterating your concerns, even if a prior case was closed.
Manufacturer’s Response
LG Electronics, USA provided a response to the incident, stating: “LG manufactures this washing machine to meet or exceed all relevant standards including UL2157. Our process not only rigorously tests to insure the quality of product leaving our factory, but we also carefully monitor how our products perform in use. LG takes very seriously the concerns of our customers and uses such feedback on an on-going basis to evaluate and improve our products. Consumers desiring more information about their washing machines should either visit our web site at http://www.lg.com/us/index.jsp or call our toll free number: 1-800-243-0000.”
Despite the consumer’s detailed account of health issues, LG’s response focused on product standards and functionality, noting they closed the case as the products “actually work.” This highlights a potential gap between product operational standards and real-world consumer health impacts.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.