What was recalled
In September of 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall involving a specific set of safety goggles. These goggles were not sold in traditional retail stores like Walmart or Target. Instead, they were distributed exclusively through Kickstarter, a popular crowdfunding platform where creators raise money directly from backers to fund creative projects. The product in question was part of the "Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Going Pro Edition Dodgeball Card Outdoor Game" set produced by the brand Exploding Kittens. This particular version was marketed as a prototype, meaning it was an early, experimental iteration of their game rather than the final mass-market release found in stores today.
If you were one of the enthusiastic backers who funded this project on Kickstarter, your reward included a neon orange nylon drawstring backpack. The name of the game was printed on the bag in bold black lettering, making it quite distinctive. Inside this backpack, alongside the card and physical components of the outdoor dodgeball game, came the safety goggles that are now the subject of this recall. These were intended to protect players' eyes during the active, throw-able aspects of the game. However, because they were part of a prototype run sold directly to supporters, the distribution was limited to those specific Kickstarter contributors rather than the general public.
The CPSC notice clarifies that this action targets the safety goggles specifically, which were bundled with the Extreme Edition Dodgeball Game Sets. While the recall alert focuses heavily on the hazard posed by the lenses, it is important to identify the exact package you might have received. The key identifier is the combination of the Exploding Kittens brand, the "Throw Throw Burrito" game title, and the neon orange backpack. If you purchased this specific prototype set through Kickstarter in 2019, there is a strong likelihood your goggles are included in this recall. It is worth noting that the CPSC report does not explicitly list the total number of units sold or the exact quantity of goggles recalled, only that the firm has received two reports of lenses breaking or cracking. This means the scope is defined by the specific Kickstarter campaign for this prototype edition rather than a widespread retail inventory.
Understanding where and how you acquired these goggles is the first step in determining if you need to act. Since they were sold exclusively on Kickstarter, they are not items you would find on shelves today. If you did not participate in that specific crowdfunding campaign, you likely do not have the recalled item. However, if you supported Exploding Kittens during that period and received a neon orange backpack with the game name in black lettering, please read the following sections carefully to understand the next steps for your safety.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about a "laceration hazard" in the context of eyewear, it is helpful to look at the specific materials involved and how they behave under stress. In this case, the core issue lies with the lenses of the safety goggles included in the prototype Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Going Pro Edition Dodgeball Card Outdoor Game sets. Unlike modern safety standards that typically require polycarbonate or other high-impact plastics for protective eyewear, these recalled goggles were manufactured with glass lenses. While glass can offer optical clarity and scratch resistance, it lacks the critical property of shatter-resistance needed for active play.
To understand why this is dangerous, we have to look at the nature of the game itself. Dodgeball, by definition, involves objects being thrown at players with significant force. Even when played casually or as a card-based outdoor game, there is an inherent risk of accidental impact—whether from a stray ball, a collision with another player, or simply dropping the goggles during enthusiastic play. Glass is a brittle material. When it experiences sudden impact or stress that exceeds its structural limits, it does not bend or flex like plastic would. Instead, it fractures.
This fracture is what creates the laceration risk. When glass shatters, it breaks into sharp, jagged shards with thin,锐 edges. If a lens cracks upon impact, those shards can easily cut the skin of the face, particularly around the delicate eye socket area. The eyes are especially vulnerable because they are protruding and lack the protective padding of other facial features. A deep cut near the eye can lead to serious injury, requiring medical attention and potentially causing long-term vision problems or scarring. This is why safety goggles intended for sports or play must meet strict impact-resistance standards that glass lenses simply cannot satisfy.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that there have already been two reported incidents where the goggle lenses broke or cracked. While no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is real and immediate. The hazard is not just about the lens breaking; it is about the resulting fragments becoming projectiles against your own face. This is why the remedy involves destroying the goggles entirely. You cannot simply wear them with caution, because once the glass fails, the safety function of the goggles vanishes, leaving you exposed to the very injury they were supposed to prevent. Understanding this mechanical failure helps clarify why immediate action is necessary rather than waiting for a more severe incident to occur.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of individuals who purchased the Exploding Kittens Extreme Edition Dodgeball Card Outdoor Game sets exclusively through Kickstarter campaigns. Because these items were sold as part of a crowdfunding campaign rather than through standard retail channels, the consumer base is somewhat specific. These are typically early adopters, fans of the brand, or individuals interested in prototype products who supported the project directly. If you bought this game set from a major retail store like Target, Walmart, or Amazon after its general release, your goggles are likely the updated, safer version and not part of this specific recall.
Within that group of owners, children are the demographic most vulnerable to the laceration hazard described in this recall. The product is an outdoor game designed for active play, which inherently involves running, throwing, and physical interaction with other players. Children often lack the full motor control or situational awareness of adults when wearing protective eyewear during high-energy activities. If a lens shatters upon impact with another player, a ball, or the ground, the resulting glass shards can cause significant cuts to the face, eyes, or neck area. The flexible nature of the frame might give a false sense of security, leading users to engage in more vigorous play than they would with rigid, clearly protective sports goggles.
While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is real because glass lenses are not designed to withstand the kind of direct impact common in dodgeball-style games. Adults who purchase these sets for younger relatives or who participate in family game nights are also at risk, though their thicker skin and greater awareness of pain may mitigate some severity compared to a child’s more delicate facial structure. Additionally, anyone with sensitive skin or pre-existing eye conditions should be particularly cautious, as even minor lacerations around the orbital bone can lead to complications or require medical intervention beyond simple first aid.
It is also important to note that the hazard is not limited to those currently wearing the goggles. Anyone who owns the set but has stored it away may still be at risk if they decide to unpack and use the equipment without realizing the defect. The recall applies to all units sold with the neon orange nylon drawstring backpack, regardless of whether the goggles have been opened or used. Therefore, every owner, regardless of age or experience level, should treat this item as unsafe until the replacement process is complete.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your game set contains the specific safety goggles covered by this recall requires a careful look at both the packaging and the contents themselves. Because these items were not sold through standard retail channels, they can be easy to misidentify if you are relying solely on memory or general descriptions of "dodgeball games." To ensure you are checking the correct product, you need to verify three distinct elements: the specific game title, the unique packaging features, and the critical component that triggers the hazard.
First, examine the name of the game. This recall applies exclusively to the Extreme Edition Dodgeball Game Sets from the brand Exploding Kittens. Specifically, look for the prototype version titled Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Going Pro Edition. If your box is labeled simply as "Throw Throw Burrito" without the "Extreme Going Pro Edition" subtitle, or if it is a different game entirely from this brand, it is not part of this specific recall. It is important to be precise here because Exploding Kittens produces many different card games and accessories, and only this particular outdoor dodgeball set was equipped with the problematic eyewear.
Next, look at how the item was stored or packaged when you received it. These goggles were not sold separately; they came bundled exclusively with the game sets inside a distinctive neon orange nylon drawstring backpack. When you open the bag or look at the exterior of the box, check for black lettering that spells out the name of the game. If you purchased this item directly from Kickstarter as part of a crowdfunding campaign, it is highly likely you have the recalled version. However, even if you received it as a gift or bought it second-hand, the physical characteristics of the bag should match this description.
Finally, and most importantly, you must inspect the goggles themselves. Remove them from the neon orange backpack and hold them up to the light. The recalled goggles contain glass lenses. This is the key identifier for the hazard. If your eyewear has clear plastic lenses that are flexible or shatter-proof, it may be a different product. However, if you see rigid glass panes set into the frame, you have the recalled item. Please do not attempt to break or test the lenses yourself to check; simply observing the material is sufficient. Glass lenses pose a laceration risk if they shatter during play, which is why this specific combination of the Extreme Edition Dodgeball game and glass-lensed goggles is under recall.
If you are unsure about the model number or serial number, note that the recall facts do not provide specific serial codes for identification. Instead, rely on the combination of the "Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Going Pro Edition" title, the neon orange drawstring backpack with black lettering, and the presence of glass lenses. If all three of these features are present, you have a recalled item that requires immediate action.
- Brand: Exploding Kittens
- Product Name: Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Going Pro Edition Dodgeball Card Outdoor Game Set
- Packaging: Neon orange nylon drawstring backpack with black lettering
- Hazard Component: Safety goggles with glass lenses
- Sales Channel: Sold exclusively via Kickstarter
By confirming these details, you can be certain whether your game set is affected. If you have any doubt about the lens material or the specific edition of the game, it is safer to assume it is recalled until you can verify otherwise through the contact information provided by Exploding Kittens.
What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled Extreme Edition Dodgeball Game Sets from Exploding Kittens, your immediate priority is to ensure that the safety goggles included in the package are rendered completely unusable. The recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on September 19, 2019, identifies a specific laceration hazard: the goggles contain glass lenses that can shatter upon impact, potentially causing cuts or injuries to users during the high-energy activity the game is designed for. Therefore, the first and most critical step is to immediately stop using these goggles entirely. Do not attempt to wear them even once more, as a broken lens poses a direct physical risk to your eyes and face.
Once you have decided to discontinue use, you must physically destroy the defective item to prevent it from being used by someone else, such as a family member or friend who might borrow it. Exploding Kittens has provided clear instructions on how to do this safely and effectively. Take a pair of standard household scissors and carefully cut the goggles down the center of the flexible plastic frame, specifically above the nose bridge area. You must also cut through the elastic strap that connects the two sides of the frame. This dual-cut method ensures that the structural integrity of the goggle is completely compromised, making it impossible to wear them again for any purpose.
After you have destroyed the goggles, you need to document this action for verification purposes. Take a clear photograph showing the cut lenses and strap, proving that the item has been rendered unsafe and unusable. This image serves as your proof of compliance with the recall instructions. With your photo ready, you must contact Exploding Kittens to initiate the replacement process. You can do this by emailing support@explodingkittens.com or calling their toll-free number at 866-777-7027 between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may visit www.explodingkittens.com and click on the “In Case of Recall” link at the bottom of the page.
In your communication with the company, you will need to provide your current mailing address so they can send you the replacement safety-tested goggles. Exploding Kittens is also contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye out for their outreach. Once they receive your email containing your address and the image of the destroyed goggles, they will process your replacement. This step-by-step approach ensures your safety while allowing you to continue enjoying the game with proper protective gear.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you are one of the fortunate individuals who purchased the recalled Extreme Edition Dodgeball game sets, you do not need to worry about bearing the cost of this safety correction. Exploding Kittens has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy designed to make it as easy as possible for you to resolve the issue. The company is offering a complete replacement for the unsafe goggles. This means you will receive a new pair of safety-tested goggles that meet current safety standards, ensuring that your game nights can continue without the risk of injury from shattered glass. It is important to note that this is not a partial refund or a store credit; it is a direct swap for a safer product.
The process to claim your replacement begins with Exploding Kittens contacting all known purchasers directly, which is a significant convenience if you are on their mailing list. However, they also provide clear channels for you to initiate the process yourself if you have not yet heard from them. To receive your new goggles, you must take specific steps to verify that the hazardous item has been disposed of safely. This verification step is crucial because it ensures that no one will accidentally use the broken glass lenses after discarding them. You are required to send an email to support@explodingkittens.com. In this email, you must include two things: your current mailing address so they can ship the new goggles to you, and a clear image proving that the old goggles have been destroyed.
Destroying the goggles is a necessary part of the remedy because simply throwing them in the trash could pose a danger to sanitation workers or others who might handle the waste. The instructions are quite specific about how to destroy them safely. You should use a pair of scissors to cut the goggles down the flexible plastic center, right above the nose bridge. Additionally, you must cut through the elastic strap. This dual-cut method ensures that the frame is broken apart and the strap is severed, rendering the goggles completely unusable and safe for disposal. Once you have taken these photos and sent them along with your address, Exploding Kittens will process your request.
If you prefer to speak with someone directly or need more detailed guidance on how to proceed, you can call their toll-free number at 866-777-7027. Their customer service team is available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.explodingkittens.com and navigate to the bottom of the page to click on the “In Case of Recall” link for additional information. By following these steps, you are not only protecting yourself but also helping to keep the community safe by ensuring the recalled items are properly neutralized.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to destroy a brand-new piece of gear, especially one that came with a popular game set like the Throw Throw Burrito Extreme Going Pro Edition Dodgeball. Perhaps you think the glass lenses are tough enough to survive a playful match, or maybe you simply don’t want to go through the hassle of cutting them up and emailing for a replacement. However, ignoring this recall is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a significant safety risk that turns a fun activity into a potential emergency room visit. The core issue here is not the frame or the strap, but the material of the lenses themselves. These goggles were manufactured with glass, which, while offering clear vision, lacks the critical impact resistance required for active play. When you choose to keep using them, you are essentially gambling that no sudden force will ever strike the lens at the wrong angle.
The consequences of continuing to use these defective goggles are immediate and physical. If a ball hits the glass lens with sufficient force, or if the goggle is squeezed too tightly against your face during a chaotic moment in the game, the lens can shatter or crack violently. This is not a slow degradation; it is a sudden failure. The primary danger is laceration—deep cuts caused by sharp glass fragments. Because these goggles sit directly over your eyes, a shattered lens poses a threat to some of the most delicate and vital parts of your body. Even if you are wearing them only for casual wear rather than intense dodgeball, the risk remains because the structural integrity of the glass is compromised under stress. You might avoid injury in one instance, but the hazard does not disappear; it simply waits for the next impact.
We know from the company’s reports that two incidents have already occurred where lenses broke or cracked. While the good news is that no injuries have been reported so far, this is a narrow escape, not a guarantee of safety. The fact that the glass has already failed in two instances proves that the design flaw is real and active. If you ignore the recall, you are putting yourself in the same position as those two individuals, but without the benefit of knowing the risk beforehand. A laceration around the eye can range from a painful scratch on the skin to a serious injury requiring medical sutures or even surgical intervention if the eyeball is struck. There is no way to predict which outcome will occur if the glass gives way.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall prolongs your exposure to this hazard unnecessarily. The remedy provided by Exploding Kittens is straightforward and designed to get you safe gear quickly. By refusing to act, you are choosing to keep a known danger in your hands rather than exchanging it for safety-tested alternatives. The potential cost of an emergency room visit, combined with the pain and trauma of eye-related injuries, far outweighs the few minutes it takes to cut the old goggles and send them in. Please do not wait for a worst-case scenario to force your hand; take control of your safety now by removing the hazard from your playset entirely.
Staying safe: broader tips
Safety is rarely about a single action or product; it is a habit of mind and a layering of small, sensible precautions that keep our homes and hobbies secure. When we talk about recreational gear, particularly items designed for active play or outdoor use, the line between fun and risk often depends on maintenance and awareness. Just as we inspect the tires on our cars before a long trip, it is wise to regularly examine the equipment we use for sports and games. Look closely at seams, straps, lenses, and structural joints. Over time, materials degrade from sun exposure, sweat, and physical stress. A pair of goggles might look fine at first glance, but micro-fractures in plastic or weakened elastic can turn a minor accident into a serious injury. Taking five minutes to check your gear before each use can prevent the kind of unexpected failures that lead to the need for a recall.
Beyond physical inspection, staying informed is one of the most powerful tools you have as a consumer. Product safety is not static; manufacturers and government agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) constantly monitor incidents and update their databases. You do not need to wait for a news headline to find out if something in your home might be dangerous. Make it a routine part of your life, perhaps during a monthly household check, to visit the CPSC’s official website or sign up for email alerts. These notifications are not meant to cause alarm but to provide you with the information needed to act quickly and correctly. Knowing where to find reliable recall data empowers you to protect yourself and your family without relying on word-of-mouth or social media rumors.
Finally, consider the environment in which you play and interact with these products. Active games involving throwing objects, such as dodgeball or card-based outdoor games, require clear space and appropriate boundaries. Ensure that the playing area is free of tripping hazards and hard surfaces where falls could occur. For any product involving impact or projectile motion, wearing certified safety gear is not just a rule—it is a best practice. If you are unsure whether a piece of safety equipment meets current standards, consult independent testing resources or customer service lines for guidance. By combining regular physical checks, proactive information gathering, and mindful usage habits, you create a robust shield against accidents. Safety is a shared responsibility between the maker and the user, and your vigilance completes that circle.
- Inspect all recreational gear for wear, tear, or damage before every use.
- Sign up for official safety alerts from government consumer protection agencies.
- Create safe play zones that are clear of obstacles and hard edges.