CPSC launches landmark smoke and carbon monoxide alarm survey nationwide
February 14, 2019, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is launching a landmark survey of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm usage in consumers’ homes across the United States. The survey will be conducted in 46 cities across 23 states. The study will look at the number of smoke alarms in homes. A major CPSC study conducted 25 years ago showed that 27 percent of U.S. households did not have a working smoke alarm. The study will also include a first-of-its-kind survey to determine the prevalence of CO alarms in American homes.
Tumble dryer company rejects consumer group claim that fixed machines are bursting into flames again
February 22, 2019, Wales On Line
More than 30 supposedly repaired tumble dryers are claimed to have caught fire again, but maker Whirlpool has denied the allegations. Whirlpool has been working on a programme of modifying faulty machines since 2015, after it issued a safety warning over its Hotpoint, Creda and Indesit dryers in one of the UK’s biggest product safety scandals. Now consumer magazine Which? has questioned Whirlpool’s repair programme, and whether people are still living with a fire hazard in their homes.
Ban on baby walkers in New Jersey takes first steps
February 20, 2019, wobm.com
A bill that has taken its first wobbly steps in Trenton would ban the sale of baby walkers in New Jersey over concerns that young children continue to get injured in the devices despite safety improvements. The number of children 15 months and younger injured while using the wheeled walkers with a harness seat has dropped from more than 20,000 in 1990 to around 2,000 in 2015. But state Sen. Linda Greenstein, D-Middlesex, said despite safety improvements, they remain dangerous.
New ASTM International standard will help make portable fuel containers safer
February 21, 2019, PRNewsWire
A new ASTM International standard will help to make portable fuel containers safer. The new standard (soon to be published as F3326) was developed by ASTM’s committee on consumer products (F15). The new standard describes specifications and four test methods to determine the effectiveness, fuel flow resistance, and mechanical and chemical durability of a flame mitigation devices installed in a portable gasoline fuel container.
Prenatal exposure to phthalates linked to motor skill deficiencies at age 11
February 21, 2019, Columbia University School of Public Health
Scientists with the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health report motor skills problems in children exposed during pregnancy to plasticizer chemicals known as phthalates that are widely used in personal care products like moisturizers and lipstick, as well as plastic containers and children’s toys.
Johnson and Johnson baby powder at issue as U.S. subpoenas company
February 21, 2019, The New York Times
The Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating Johnson & Johnson over concerns about possible asbestos contamination of its popular baby powder and other talc-based products, the company said. In a securities filing, Johnson & Johnson said it was “cooperating with these government inquiries and will be producing documents in response” to subpoenas it had received.
Opinion: Making the online environment a safe space for our children
February 21, 2019, The Parliament Magazine
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, writes that an EU campaign reached nearly 30 million EU citizens, who benefited from more than 1800 new resources on topics such as fake news, cyberbullying, privacy concerns over connected toys, grooming, exposure to harmful or disturbing content, and cyber-hygiene. Almost 40 key players, including media and ICT companies, device and toy manufacturers, civil society and UNICEF, worked together to address emerging risks facing minors online, defining actions to protect and empower them and promote the exchange of best practices.
Missouri: Senators propose limitation on consumers suing for damages over purchases
February 21, 2019, Tribune Ledger
A Missouri State Senator said that under his bill, consumers could sue a car dealer for lying about having installed a new transmission but would not be able to sue a company for mislabeling the amount of sugar in a candy bar. Senate Bill 276, would set up a “reliance standard,” which means plaintiffs must prove that the unlawful act of the companies they are suing misled them into the purchases, resulting in damages. Consumers who can’t prove such causation might find their cases dismissed.
Critics say EPA action plan on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ falls short
February 14, 2019, The Washington Post
The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced what officials called a historic effort to rein in a class of long-lasting chemicals that pose serious health risks to millions of Americans. But environmental groups and residents of contaminated communities said that the agency’s “action plan” is short on action, saying ample evidence exists to regulate the chemicals in the nation’s drinking water.
Opinion: Time to recall defective Lime scooters
February 19, 2019, Scoop
Lime e-scooters have serious safety defects and should be recalled immediately, says the car review website dogandlemon.com. Editor Clive Matthew Wilson, who is an outspoken road safety campaigner, says: “There have been multiple accidents involving Lime e-scooters. In the latest incidents, Lime scooters have suddenly locked up while being ridden. Lime claims that it is dealing with the issue; the facts suggest otherwise. Clearly, it is time for the government to step in and force a compulsory recall.” “The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has the power to force a recall on any defective consumer product. Clearly, the Minister needs to act now, before more serious injuries and deaths occur.”
