What is the future of the inclined sleeper?
May 7, 2019, Consumer Reports
Following the deaths of at least 37 babies, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says infant inclined sleep products present such a danger that the current standards and warning labels governing them may need to change. The CPSC, which regulates the products, says it plans to “reevaluate” the entire product category. At the same time, consumer advocates are pushing to eliminate the category from the market.
Dollar Tree pushes for safer chemicals usage with Chemical Footprint Project
May 8, 2019, Cleanlink.com
Dollar Tree Store, Inc., an American chain of discount variety stores that operates 14,835 stores throughout the United States, recently joined the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP). CFP creates a common reporting framework that assesses a company’s risk and their ability to capture market value from safer chemical use. Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and Trinity Health are Signatories to CFP and members of the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN).
Etsy, seller sued after heartbreaking death of a child
May 7, 2019, Ecommerce Bytes
A mom is suing Etsy and a seller after her son was accidentally strangled to death in 2016 when wearing a teething necklace that a friend had purchased on Etsy. CBS covered the heartbreaking story after Etsy appeared in court to object to the case – the judge overruled the “demurrer.” The news reporter published Etsy’s Terms of Use where it states that the company makes no warranties about the quality, safety, or legality of the items that are produced and listed by independent sellers.
German transport minister to ban e-scooters from sidewalks
May 8, 2019, Xinhuanet
German Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) has said he will not permit electric scooters to be ridden on sidewalks, the German news agency (dpa) reported. In a concession to widespread safety concerns about the use of virtually silent e-scooters on sidewalks, and to ensure e-scooter legislation is not delayed, Scheuer told dpa that he was now “removing” the use of e-scooters on sidewalks from the bill.
Australian house fire sparks call for stricter rule for lithium-ion batteries
May 8, 2019, Stuff.co.nz
Australian consumer advocates have called for stronger safety regulations for lithium-ion batteries after a Sydney house fire was thought to be caused by an e-bike battery. The risk of fires from faulty lithium-ion batteries is increasing because they are used in an increasing number of consumer electronics, from mobile phones and laptops to home battery systems and electric cars.
Local mom successfully expands innovative products that help parents
May 7, 2019, Chester County
Laura Toto is a very busy woman these days.Her company, Diaper Diva Designs, has been working on developing Naked No More, a garment specifically designed for toddlers or older children with special needs who find a way to undress when they are taking a nap. In November of 2018, Toto launched the Naked No More one-piece garment on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon), and the first 1,000-piece run is now nearly sold out.
In effort to protect children, California could set the nation’s strictest limits on cadmium and lead in jewelry
May 6, 2019, California Health Report
California could impose the nation’s strictest limits on the amount of lead and cadmium allowed in jewelry under a bill designed to protect women and children from exposure to toxic metals. The Safe Jewelry Act, which cleared the Senate Environmental Quality Committee last week, updates the state’s existing lead-containing jewelry law passed in 2006. It sets vastly lower lead limits for jewelry marketed to adults and older teens—much lower than the current amount allowed under state and federal law.
Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse publishes data base
April, 2019, IC2
IC2-member states have developed and published lists of priority chemicals to fulfill the requirements of their chemical policy legislation. To provide support and assistance to these efforts and those of states in the process of developing similar lists, the IC2 has developed an online, searchable database that allows users to:
>Search for chemicals on one or more of the state lists
>Identify source lists
>Identify hazards and toxicity characteristics associated with the chemicals
>Find useful information resources
Lawmakers restart flame retardant bill debate
May 8, 2019, Gloucester Times
Four months after a bill restricting chemical flame retardants died on Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk, its proponents are again making their health-related case to lawmakers as industry representatives continue to voice concerns. At the very end of the last two-year legislative session, on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, lawmakers worked to send Baker a bill that would prohibit the manufacture or sale of children’s products, household furniture and bedding that contain 11 chemical flame retardants. Despite a push by the 12,000-member Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Baker pocket vetoed the bill and said he would have returned it with an amendment had time not run out.
Why is data ethics important to data analysts
May 8, 2019, Dynamic Business
With data management and analysis becoming such an integral part of a business’ success, it’s easy to solely focus on the exciting aspects of the vast data that can be attained. Despite the potential of data analytics as a field, it’s important that data scientists and analysts understand the ethical implications of using that information. Ethical use of the data is just as important as the data itself, and it’s integral for businesses to understand what data ethics is, and how it should be adhered to.
