Latest news and perspectives on California Prop 65
January 10, 2019, The National Law Review (Squire Patton Boggs)
The latest news and perspectives on California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65) track the passage of the newly-amended Clear and Reasonable Warnings regulations under Prop 65, which took effect on August 30, 2018. Significantly, plaintiffs have started to target companies whom they believe to not be in compliance with the newly-amended regulations.
Complaints about electric scooters, hoverboards and segways on the road prompt police to issue prosecution warning
January 8, 2019, Elystandard.co.uk
A warning has been issued by police to users of electric scooters, hoverboards and segways to remind them that they should not be used on roads or pavements. Police say that in legal terms, electric scooters, go-peds, mini motors, hoverboards and segways “may be considered as motor vehicles”.
Best Practices in Product Safety
November 30, 2018, In Compliance
An effective product safety management program can help to reduce accidents, reduce recalls, reduce insurance premiums, increase the safety and quality of products, provide a more defensible product and company in the event of litigation, and minimize the chance of punitive damages. With that said, why are so many manufacturers being sued and fined by government safety agencies? Why are so many products being recalled, including products by well-known and respected manufacturers?
Lead water study shows many schools have far too much
January 9, 2019, NBC News
Many schools across the country have too much lead in their tap water, but most are not even testing for it, according to new research. There’s no coherent policy for lead testing, and half of all U.S. students go to schools in states that do not even bother to have programs for testing drinking water for lead, the study found. The study concludes that there could be millions of kids getting lead in the water they drink at school, the report from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Robert Wood Foundation found.
Forecast for U.S. Federal and International Chemical Regulatory Policy 2019: UNITED STATES CHEMICAL FORECAST
January 9, 2019, The National Law Review (Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.)
What a difference a year makes! What these new currents will mean for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in general and the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) in particular is subject to much speculation: will aggressive oversight by the new Democratic House majority stymie Administration initiatives?
Amazon video educates sellers while promoting safe products for consumers
January, 2019, You Tube
It doesn’t take long to provide an important service to society. In this 5 minute video Amazon walks its selling partners through the benefits of understanding product safety while complying with local and federal laws. The more informed these companies are, the less risk they take in having a business and consumer problem down the road. The video ultimately benefits consumers everywhere who shop for their products at the e-commerce giant’s internet mall.
Baker asked to veto bill by chemical industry
January 8, 2019, Greenfield Recorder
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is facing mounting pressure to sign a bill that would ban the use of certain toxic flame retardant chemicals in many products as industry groups lobby hard for the Republican to veto the bill. Sen. Cynthia Creem and Rep. Marjorie Decker brought together environmental advocates and firefighters on Tuesday to press publicly for the governor to sign the bill, which would ban the use of 11 flame retardant chemicals in children’s products, household furniture and bedding.
This Airpods case is also a fidget spinner
January 8, 2019, The Verge
The fidget spinner was supposed to be comfortably resting in its grave back in 2017, but a company has just made the first spinning case for AirPods. The ZenPod is made by Air Vinyl, a company known for making AirPod cases. It’s a leather case with a polycarbonate frame and, yes, a built-in anodized aluminum spinner with steel bearings.
Opinion: Member States should stop turning a blind eye to product safety
January 7, 2019, The Parliament
Product safety is a matter of life and death. Too many Member States are turning a blind eye to the import of unsafe products into Europe – favouring profit over the protection of European consumers.
The failure of market surveillance in Europe, along with Member States’ inability to properly enforce safety legislation specifically designed to protect their citizens, is a scandal.
BBB Column: Use these tips for tech toy safety
January 7, 2019, Post Register
The Better Business Bureau’s Children’s Advertising Review Unit is finding toys that may collect personal information (e.g. name, email address) from children. Unfortunately, this may be done without parents knowing it’s happening. These connected toys aren’t inherently bad; in fact, they can be highly educational and fun as long as parents are well-informed and choose wisely. But if you choose the wrong toy, there can be consequences. Your Better Business Bureau urges responsible parents to consider these tips when buying a smart toy for their child.
