Update #2: More details surrounding the helmet have been released and you can find out in this new post related to this story.
Update: This update clarifies the items that are being recalled. In the original story I was under the impression the helmets in question came as part of a Power Armor Edition. It has come to light that the actual item in question was a GameStop exclusive helmet only. I failed to locate official listings online and apologize for the confusion. I have also edited the original story to confirm this too and avoid confusion.
Additionally, a statement has been provided by Bethesda and reads as follows:
"The helmets that are being recalled are not from our Fallout 76 Power Armor Edition, but are instead a different line of helmets sold exclusively by GameStop. The Fallout 76 Power Armor Edition helmets are unaffected. Consumers should visit the product recall page for instructions if they have purchased the GameStop helmet."
Fallout 76 launched on November 14, 2018, and seems to have had a plethora of issues surrounding both the game and merchandise. Another issue has come forth as one themed item is being recalled due to potential mold exposure.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for the wearable helmet that was sold exclusively by GameStop. Those who purchased this would have been an owner of the wearable T-51 Power Armor Helmet as seen in the game itself.
According to the recall website, on the inside of the Fallout 76 themed helmet, the polyester/cotton blend fabric insert may contain mold. This poses a risk of respiratory or other infections to those who may suffer from compromised immune systems, damaged lungs, or an allergy to mold.
Full refunds are being offered for those who do contact GameStop, to which they'll be given return instructions. GameStop is also apparently reaching out to any known purchasers directly. The recall was issued on September 19, 2019, and the website also states that there are roughly 20,000 of these helmets out there. At current, there have been no reported incidents.
If you were a consumer who grabbed hold of the Fallout 76 T-51 Power Armor Helmet then you can contact GameStop through phone, online, or email by following the instructions on the recall site.
I'm surprised to see things still going rocky for Bethesda's Fallout 76. Physical merchandise received lots of criticism last year, such as the Fallout 76 leather jacket, and the Power Armor editions had switched out promised canvas bags with cheaper nylon bags, prompting a response from the company. This was met with anger online and Bethesda eventually offered replacement canvas bags.
Fallout 76 is available on PC, Xbox One, and PS4 and our review can be read here.