Feds Now Investigating The Houston Drowning Death In Hotel Pool
March 28, 2024, Click2Houston.com
The Consumer Product Safety Commission confirms they’ve launched a federal investigation into the drowning death of Aliyah Jaico at a Houston hotel pool. Investigators with the CPSC were at the pool to determine if a product regulated by the agency may be connected to the death and if the pool complied with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The law aims to enhance the safety of swimming pools and spas. A recent inspection report by the City of Houston uncovered significant violations at the pool.
Remarks: CPSC Chair Hoehn-Saric Expresses Concern About Lack Of Clarity Over What New Budget Will Be
February 15, 2024, cpsc.gov
As he has said in other public meetings, there is a “lack of clarity” over what the agency’s new annual budget will be. Limited resources and uncertainty are slowing agency safety efforts. He told members of the American Apparel & Footwear Association that when the agency gets its final appropriations, ” I fear that it will reflect a decrease in our budget from last year, further complicating matters.”
The Most Common Type Of Incompetent Leader
March 30, 2024, Harvard Business Review
The popular media is full of examples of bad leaders in government, academia and business. But the most common kind of incompetent leader isn’t the ranting, narcissistic sociopath that might immediately come to mind. Rather, it’s the “absentee leader” — those in leadership roles who are psychologically absent from them. These people were promoted into management and enjoy the privileges and rewards of a leadership role but avoid meaningful involvement with their teams.
Highest Number Of Nursery Product Recalls In Over A Decade And First Water Beads Recall Since 2013
March 27, 2028, Kids In Danger (KID)
Kids In Danger (KID) released a new report, Recall Radar: Nursery Product Recalls in 2023 Highest in Over a Decade, analyzing children’s products recalls in 2023. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 26 nursery products. Eleven of these and 20 additional warnings were due to suffocation hazards as products violated federal safety regulations for infant sleep products. “Children’s product recalls are the highest in a decade,” said Dev Gowda, KID Deputy Director. “While this could be an indication the CPSC is working as intended and is recalling dangerous products effectively, policymakers should increase funding for the agency so it can adequately protect our families from unsafe products,” Gowda concluded.
Study Fnds Most Mothers Don’t Adhere To Safe Infant Sleep Guidelines
March 26, 2024, Sleep Review
A Pediatrics study delves into mothers’ perceptions and practices regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep guidelines. While mothers acknowledge the recommendations, they find them impractical and resort to non-recommended practices to help their infants sleep. These practices include holding or rocking infants to sleep and using products not approved for sleep. The study authors suggest the need for interventions to educate parents about the risks and promote developmentally appropriate sleep strategies for infants.
PFAS In Children’s Products: State-By-State Regulations – March 2024
March 28, 2024, JD Supra
PFAS in Children’s Products is a major focus for state legislators across the country, prompting some of the most stringent PFAS restrictions in consumer products. Thus far, eight states have enacted legislation concerning PFAS substances in Children’s or Juvenile Products (“Children’s Products”). Seven additional states have proposed Children’s Products laws, and many of these are expected to continue to move through the legislative process in future months.
EU Rapid Alert System For Dangerous Non-Food Products – 2023 Results
March 28, 2024, Ministry of Trade and Industry
On March, 14, 2024, the European Commission published a report on the functioning of the Safety Gate Rapid Alert System for non-food products for 2023. The report includes statistical summaries of products that did not comply with the requirements of European Union legislation and were discovered by the market surveillance authorities of each EU Member State and EEC (European Economic Area) States during 2023. The report also includes brief information on Coordinated Activities on the Safety of Products, information on international cooperation in product safety and a reminder of the importance of online sale of products.
CPSC: Stop Using Elide Fire Extinguishing Balls Due To Failure To Extinguish Fires And Risk Of Serious Injury Or Death; No Recall Or Remedy Offered
March 28, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about the risk of burns and smoke inhalation associated with the use of Elide brandfire extinguishing balls. These products can fail to extinguish a fire, which could lead to serious injury and death. The products fail to meet the requirements of UL 299 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers and UL 711 Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers, which are voluntary safety standards. Elide Fire USA has not agreed to recall these fire extinguishing balls or offer a remedy to consumers.
JPMA Cares Baby Safety University – Stroller Safety
March 2024, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
As families get outdoors to make memories together, they should follow the latest guidance on safely using on-the-go gear. Let’s make a day out and about so much more enjoyable for not only the little ones, but for mom and dad, too! While we use strollers often, it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest safety tips.
Advocacy – Synthetic Turf Fields, Forever Chemicals, And The Safety Alternative: Organic Grass
March 27, 2024, Beyond Pesticides
A preliminary experiment conducted by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) reveals levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the skin of soccer players and coaches after playing on artificial turf fields. The Washington Post reported on March 12 on the PEER test results, which found PFAS levels increased on the skin in three out of four participants following soccer matches on artificial turf. In contrast, no similar increase was observed after games on natural grass fields. The presence of PFAS is alarming due to their association with several serious health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and developmental and immune deficiencies, among others.
Bill Banning Products Made With PFAS Moves Forward In New Hampshire
March 26, 2024, Concord Monitor
Mattresses, feminine hygiene products, food packaging and several other everyday items with added forever chemicals, may face a potential ban as a bill prohibiting their sale and distribution in New Hampshire progresses forward to the House of Representatives. Members of the House Finance Committee voted in support of House Bill 1649, which prohibits consumer products that are intentionally added with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Hampshire. If the bill passes, the ban will take effect in July 2028.
