International Product Recall – The Basics You Need To Know
October 26, 2023, Cooley
Increasing globalization of product markets brings tremendous opportunities for product manufacturers. New technologies enable companies to reach consumers in markets all around the world, and rapid geographical expansion is increasingly the order of the day. These opportunities also bring risks that must be managed. For any consumer product manufacturer, there is an ever-present risk – despite the best planning and investment – that something could go wrong in the design, production or distribution phases that creates an unexpected safety risk to consumers.
Court Rules California Can’t Require Glyphosate Cancer Warning Labels
November 29, 2023, MedTruth
A U.S. appeals court recently ruled that California lacks the authority to enforce a regulation mandating cancer warnings on glyphosate, the main active compound in Monsanto’s widely used herbicide Roundup. Monsanto was acquired by Bayer in 2018. The Ninth Circuit ruled that the most recent warning issued by the state of California perpetuates the assertion that the chemical is hazardous, a claim deemed “at best disputed.”
What Self-Awareness Really Is (And How To Cultivate It)
January 4, 2018, Harvard Business Review
Although most people believe that they are self-aware, true self-awareness is a rare quality. In this piece, the author describes a recent large-scale investigation that shed light on some of the biggest roadblocks, myths and truths about what self-awareness really is — and what it takes to cultivate it. The study found that there are actually two distinct types of self-awareness, that experience and power can hinder self-awareness, and that introspection doesn’t always make you more self-aware.
New Graduating Class Of Certified Product Safety Professionals™ Announced
December 2, 2023, Virginia Newswire
Eight product safety professionals have earned the designation Certified Product Safety Professionals™, it was announced by the Society of Product Safety Professionals (SPSP) and Virginia Tech. These industry professionals were required to have 10 years of experience in a product safety role or 7 years of experience and a 4-year college degree in a related field. To earn certification, all candidates are required to complete a product safety education program at Virginia Tech’s Research Center in Arlington, VA. Candidates are required to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of consumer product safety. They do this by: 1) passing a multiple-choice examination, 2) submission of a personal essay, 3) submission of a written case study on a product safety problem, and 4) an oral presentation of their case study to a panel of product safety professionals and an academic member.
Report Finds China Accounts For Most Section 321 Shipments To U.S.
November 29, 2023, STR Trade
An effort in Congress to lower the de minimis value for duty-free imports could get a boost from a recent International Trade Commission report finding that most de minimis shipments into the U.S. come from China. Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 allows for the informal entry of articles that have a retail value of $800 or less and are imported by one person in one day. These articles are free of duty and taxes and are subject to expedited clearance processing. The U.S. de minimis level was increased from $200 to $800 in 2016 and is one of the highest in the world; others of note include $6.50 in China, $111 in Canada, $50 in Mexico, $162 in the European Union, and $168 in the United Kingdom.
British Columbia: Detailed Safety Study Coming For Electric Kick Scooters
December 1, 2023, B C Govt News
The benefits and effects of people using e-scooters will be studied in detail to help more local governments across B.C. evaluate how this clean and popular mode of personal transportation can be safely integrated into local transportation networks. “E-scooters are part of an ongoing shift toward electric personal mobility that’s reducing emissions by giving people new clean and affordable options to get around,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for the British Columbia government. “We’re making it easier for local governments to test e-scooters on their own roads, so we can ensure future regulations represent the needs of people across the province.” The safety review will start on April 5, 2024 and run for four years.
‘Non-Toxic’ Labels On Water Beads Are Meaningless
December 1, 2023, Consumer Reports
New government research and CR’s tests show dangerous chemicals in the popular children’s toys. When the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned parents and caregivers about water beads this fall, it cited a panoply of potential risks to children. But there is another potential harm to consider, aside from what the beads’ growth inside the body can do. The beads themselves may be toxic.
Consumer Groups Support Disclosure Of Financial Interests In CPSC Proceedings And Urge CPSC To Ensure Ease For Consumers
November 30, 2023, Consumer Federation of America
Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and other consumer organizations submitted joint comments to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding the proposed rule to require the disclosure of certain financial interests in CPSC proceedings. The consumer organizations support the changes that would promote transparency and fairness in the CPSC’s important work. However, as the agency works to finalize the rule, the groups urged the CPSC to take every step to ensure that the participation of consumers and affected families is not limited in any way.
EPA Seeks To Increase Protections For Two Toxic Chemicals
November 29, 2023, Safety + Health Magazine
The Environmental Protection Agency wants to strengthen restrictions on two persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals already regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. On Nov. 24, EPA published a proposed rule that would enhance worker protections from decabromodiphenyl ether – a flame retardant used in textiles, plastics and polyurethane foam – as well as phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1). PIP 3:1 can be a plasticizer, flame retardant, anti-wear additive or an anti-compressibility additive. Its uses include hydraulic fluid, lubricants and greases, and industrial coatings. It’s also used in consumer and commercial goods – such as cellphones, laptop computers, and other electronic and electrical devices – as well as industrial and commercial equipment.
Study Finds PFAS Still Abundant In Apparel
December 1, 2023, Sourcing Journal
Despite calls for bans and commitments from brands, outerwear products around the world are still laden with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), new research shows. Jackets and other apparel purchased in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America were found to contain the “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to severe health conditions, according to a study from the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and 13 IPEN members including international public interest NGOs. The groups tested items from 13 countries, finding that many were marketed to children and came into direct contact with the skin.
Is It Safe To Leave Outdoor Christmas Lights On Overnight?
November 29, 2023, Romper
In short: no, you should not leave outdoor Christmas lights and decorations on overnight. It’s indisputably safer to turn your exterior lights off when you hit the hay, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Their holiday safety guide clearly states that you should “turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.” If you’re worried you’ll forget or don’t want to fuss with turning your light display on and off every day, just invest in an outdoor light timer.
