Reports are emerging that Apple’s iPod nano could be a fire hazard as it’s been reported that it’s emitting sparks. Apparently this is something reserved for the first generation iPod nanos, so if you have an old iPod nano you should be careful with the MP3 player device.

According to reports coming out of Japan, two iPod nanos emitted sparks and overheated while they were charging. Apple claim that instances of their iPod nano MP3 players overheating are ‘very rare’. When the devices overheated they caused damage to nearby items, such as paper and a straw mat on one occasion, but no one has been injured. The devices were rendered unusable however.

Reports of iPod nanos overheating first emerged in March when Apple admitted that an iPod nano had given off sparks and overheated. The models concerned are: MA099 and the MA005.

According to Apple, the affected units were sold between September 2005 and December 2006.

According to Apple’s website:

When you’re using iPod or charging the battery, it is normal for iPod to get warm.

The exterior of iPod functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the unit to the cooler air outside.