The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled 16,000 air compressors that were made in China and sold exclusively at Walmart. Apparently there is a piece in the compressor that is supposed to shut the machine off when it gets too hot. The piece can fail, leading to a fire hazard.

While we haven't talked about it recently, this is just a small part of a much larger trend. Walmart pushes its suppliers to cut their prices in their maniacal desire to keep costs and prices low, that they often encourage their suppliers to cut corners on safety. The result is a dangerous air compressor, or lead tainted toys, or poisoned pet food, or countless other dangerous products. In the past year or so, Walmart has had mover 50 products recalled by the CPSC.

Check out some of the past coverage we've had of this issue.

Here's the article with more specific details on the product recall:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for 16,000 dangerous, Chinese-made air compressors that were imported by Campbell Hausfeld and sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.

According to Campbell Hausfeld, a device within the compressor that is supposed to shut the unit off to avoid overheating can fail, allowing the tool to become dangerously hot. While there is a clear fire risk, the CPSC says no one has been injured from the device so far.

The recall involves the model HU200099AV air compressor with a 20-gallon tank. They were sold at Wal-Mart stores for about $250. Consumers can return the item to Wal-Mart for a full refund.