Recently, Facebook and Oculus have pulled Quest 2 devices from Amazon EU. After face irritations caused by the foam face pad were reported.
On May 12th the Quest 2 headset was included in a chemical alert released by European Commission. Reportedly the devices contain substances which are classed as skin and eye irritants.
Listed substances include Propylene carbonate, Phenol, fragrance 7-hydroxycitronellal and Benzocaine. This means that the Quest 2 headset no longer fits the requirements of the EU General Product Safety Directive.
All the chemicals are found in the foam face pad, which borders the user’s eyes.
The irritations caused from the foam face pad have ranged from redness, bumps or swelling. Though this is different to the common pressure marks that a user gets after longer sessions.
Further Actions by Oculus:
Oculus have been aware of this issue and have already been working to fix it. A customer support update on the 15th of April concerning the foam was released.
The identification of the issue came alongside the rate of affected users and plans to commence a program on their website.
Originally in response to user irritation it was stated that:
“We did not find any contamination or unexpected substances in our manufacturing process. We identified a few trace substances that are normally present in the manufacturing process which could contribute to skin discomfort” – Oculus Support Team
While Oculus’ reported rate of 0.01% affected users seems low. As well as the symptoms being reported as mild and short lived. The irritation reported does not meet Facebook’s or Oculus’ high standards.
Reportedly, Oculus consulted dermatology and toxicology experts. Deeming the irritation to be neither an allergic reaction nor a serious medical condition.
Oculus are offering user’s with headsets made before January 4th, 2021. To receive a replacement facial interface for their Quest 2 devices: via their website.
It was following this update and leading into the middle of the month of May 2021, where some Amazon users online started to report recall notices popping up. Alongside the EU alert on May 12th.
Oculus appear aware of the situation and have been working, behind the scenes, to get the problem sorted for future headsets and getting solutions to affected users. Before the EU alert even appeared.
The Amazon delisting seems to be one the of first public steps to fix the Quest 2 experience for affected users.
When the EU Chemical alert appeared for Quest 2 devices, this most likely pushed the issue as a major priority and relisting should be in sight shortly.
