Lumber Liquidators Pulls Chinese-made Laminates on Safety Concerns
May 7, 2015, The Wall Street Journal
Company acting amid allegations that the product contains levels of formaldehyde in excess of California emission standards. Former FBI director Louis Freeh is being brought on to examine the company’s sourcing procedures as LL says it is further reviewing its supplier’s certification and labeling processes.
Lowe’s To Eliminate Toxic Phthalates In Flooring By End Of 2015, According To Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families
May 7, 2015, Reuters
The retailer is the latest to pledge to eliminate toxic phthalates by the end of 2015, joining The Home Depot. Recent Lowe’s report showed 48% of their flooring samples contained toxic phthalates.
Turf Concerns Muddied by Faulty Reporting and Sloppy Advocacy
May 4, 2015, The Product Safety Letter
CPSC Chairman Kaye is dissatisfied with the broad federal approach to acute and chronicle chemical hazards and has reached out to other agencies to discuss such issues. Part of the problem is reflected by limitations in report findings that can make it hard to reach solid conclusions, but the CPSC is not shy about defending its stances where necessary.
Laundry Detergent Packets Require Packaging Safeguards: Consumer Reports
May 5, 2015, About Lawsuits
Consumer Reports recognizes as “positive changes” the current ASTM standards for child-resistant outer packaging, such as plastic containers or tubs to hold the pods. But it says other stricter protections are needed, especially since many children gain access to loose pods that have been removed from their original storage container or tub.
A Flame Retardant that Came With its Own Threat to Health
May 4, 2015, The New York Times
Studies show that many flame retardant chemicals loom as potential health menaces. Is this a struggle between worthy goals of equal merit? The case study of the chemical Tris in children’s pajamas and furniture demonstrates that with new chemicals ”scientists have struggled to keep pace with studying their health risks.”
Child Resistant Packaging: One of the Noblest Assignments
May 6, 2015, Packaging World
The role of testing in C-R packaging is critical because there is no requirement for 100% effectiveness. Panels of children are part of the testing protocol. Still, can end users have confidence in supplier-conducted testing, rather than objective third parties?
Window Covering Industry Launches “Best for Kids” Safety Program
New program expected to help consumers and retailers easily identify products for homes with young children through use of a third-party certification.
Owner of Chinese Drywall Maker Wants Out of Suit
May 7, 2015, Associated Press, Naples Daily News
Majority owner of company making defective Chinese drywall says it doesn’t run the drywall manufacturer and should be dropped from their pending law suit involving consumers in Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
US Senate Environment Committee Approves TSCA Reform Bill
May 4, 2015, Lexology
Bipartisan bill passes committee with 15-5 vote. One change from current Toxic Substances Control Act “would require EPA to make an affirmative determination that a new chemical does not present an unreasonable risk of injury under its intended conditions of use before it can be manufactured, imported, or possessed in the U.S.”
Revised Food Safety Law In China Signals Many Changes And Some Surprises
May 3, 2015, Forbes
New law has the “potential to materially strengthen regulation of food companies in China.” Among changes are the addition of shipping and storage to law’s coverage, and measures to strengthen regulations for health food (dietary supplements) and infant formula design and manufacturing.
Conflicts and Silos Are Holding Back the Supply Chain, Say 68% of Industry Execs
May 7, 2015, Manufacturing Logistics
Poll finds that two-thirds of company leaders say that tighter integration between network design, demand and supply is being hampered by disjointed tools and planning processes along with conflicting business objectives.
