Will federal safety panel ban toxic flame-retardants in household products?
September 20, 2017, Chicago Tribune
The Consumer Product Safety Commission plans to vote on a petition that would ban chemically related flame-retardants, known as organohalogens, from children’s products, furniture, mattresses and household electronics. Many of the compounds have been linked to cancer, neurological deficits, developmental problems and impaired fertility. A growing body of research suggests they can irreparably harm fetuses and young children by mimicking hormones during early stages of life.
CPSC Commissioner Kaye Statement on Organohalogen Fire Retardants Petition
September 20, 2017, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Kaye explains his position on a 3 to 2 vote in support of a petition regarding the use of additive, non‐polymeric organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) in certain consumer products and to direct staff to convene a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) … to assess and issue a report on the risks to consumers’ health and safety from the use of OFRs, as a class of chemicals, in the certain products affecting vulnerable populations including infants, children, and senior. He explains: “I voted to grant the petition and convene a CHAP because the overwhelming evidence received by the Commission to date indicates that OFRs are toxic and the exposure to them through certain consumer products may pose serious health risks to humans, especially pregnant women, young children and socioeconomically vulnerable populations.”
Latest Pool Safely Stats: At Least 163 Children Fatally Drowned in Pools and Spas This Summer
September 18, 2017, Markets Insider
From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2017, at least 163 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned in swimming pools or spas, according to media reports compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation, a Pool Safely campaign partner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of the 163 reports, 112 of the victims — nearly 70 percent — were children younger than age five. Florida led all states with the highest fatality counts: 25.
CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle Statement on Baby Safety Month
September 18, 2017, cpsc.gov
Acting Chairman Buerkle urges all parents, new and experienced, to think about safety first when it comes to infant’s sleep environment. Babies spend most of their time sleeping. She offers a few simple rules that will keep babies sleeping safely, including: never place pillows or thick quilts in a baby’s sleep environment, always put you’re a baby on his or her back to sleep and make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.
$1.2M in Fake Hoverboards Seized in California
September 20, 2017, Promo Marketing
Even before their CPSC rebuke 19 months ago, hoverboards had posed many problems for police personnel, and this year has proven especially disturbing due to a house blaze that claimed the lives of two Pennsylvania children and news that hackers have added the gizmos to their lists of compromised objects. But a recent bust netted about $1.2 million through the confiscation of between 2,500 and 3,000 imposter products. The numbers can give anyone pause, but what should trouble people more is that falsified labels from Underwriters Laboratories appeared on the shady hoverboards.
E-bikes the focus of BPSA’s first ever annual report
September 21, 2017, SGB
The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) released its first-ever Annual Report and, not surprisingly, grappling with safety and legal issues around e-bikes was a major discussion point. The report noted that on pavement, the BPSA/PeopleForBikes e-bike initiative helped bring about new laws clearing up the legality of e-bikes in Colorado, Illinois and Arkansas. Similar laws had already been passed in California, Tennessee and Utah. The focus on electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) remains on building a user base of riders who can speak as a common voice for improved access for eMTBs and working with officials at all levels to advocate for “common sense e-bike policies” in line with the current user base and technology.
This Yale grad’s startup makes following consumer product recalls easy
September 14, 2017, Forbes
According to the Center for Injury Research and Policy, 80% of recalled children’s products are still in use, a statistic that ought to provoke anxiety in even the most relaxed parent. A new consumer service called Bonnie a startup founded by Yale graduate and entrepreneur Chris LoPresti and his brother Matt LoPresti, is poised to provide an easy and smart solution.
50 predictions: Product Liability, Safety & Recall
September 19, 2017, Lexology (DAC Beachcroft)
Many manufactured goods require CE marking, which shows that a product is safe and complies with EU legislation. As CE marking is integral to trade, the UK will continue to recognize CE marks and apply them, at least in the short term, whether products are being sold across the EU or only within the UK. Following Brexit, the UK is likely to ensure product safety standards meet or exceed those operating in the EU to avoid causing confusion and damaging the UK’s competitiveness. However, the UK may lose the benefit of access to initiatives such as RAPEX, the rapid alert system for consumer goods, and manufacturers may need to appoint an authorized representative from within the EU to serve as their local representative. The exit should have no effect on the UK’s participation in European standards bodies, including CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, as CEN is a European body, not a EU body.
EU to launch cyber-security safety labels
September 20, 2017, Gadgets360
The European Union unveiled plans Tuesday to step up its response to cyber-attacks, including a new intelligence-sharing agency, cyber war games and product safety labels. The proposals by the European Commission, the executive arm of the 28-nation bloc, come amid growing concerns over election hacking by foreign states, ransomware attacks and other cybercrime like identity theft and bank fraud.
EU-Canada trade agreement enters into force
September 20, 2017, European Commission
Welcoming this milestone in the EU’s trade policy, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said: “This agreement encapsulates what we want our trade policy to be – an instrument for growth that benefits European companies and citizens, but also a tool to project our values, harness globalization and shape global trade rules. This trade deal has been subject to an in-depth parliamentary scrutiny which reflects the increased interest of citizens in trade policy. The intense exchanges on CETA throughout this process are testimony to the democratic nature of European decision-making and I expect Member States to conduct an inclusive and thorough discussion in the context of the ongoing national ratification processes of the agreement. Now it’s time for our companies and citizens to make the most out of this opportunity and for everyone to see how our trade policy can produce tangible benefits for everyone”.
These Updated Safety Requirements For Baby Bouncers Are Necessary For All Parents To Know
September 18, 2017, Romper
If you’re in the market for a new infant bouncer seat, you’ll notice that they all will now come with fall hazard warning labels placed on the front of the seat near the location of the baby’s head and shoulders. According to Sandhills Express, this new mandatory standard, approved by the CPSC, is intended to “prevent deaths and injuries” to the infants that are being placed in the seats.
The serious risk that the CPSC is looking to combat with these new hazard labels is the large number of falls associated with infant bouncer seats. Consumer Affairs reported that between Jan. 1, 2006 and July 6, 2016, there were 347 incidents involving bouncer seats reported to CPSC — including 12 fatalities and 54 injuries.
