CPSC Collecting Data On PFAS In Consumer Products
September 21, 2023, JD Supra
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is initiating a wide-ranging data collection effort on the use and presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. As detailed in a September 30 Federal Register Notice and Request for Information (“ROI”), CPSC is requesting public comments by November 30, 2023. The information could provide the basis for a future rulemaking that may restrict or ban PFAS in a broad swath of consumer products.

Editorial: ‘Nobody Should Lose Their Child Over A Toy’
September 21, 2023, Consumer Reports
Water beads can be deadly to children and are sending thousands to the ER each year. An estimated 4,500 visits to the emergency room since 2017 have been related to water bead incidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This is almost certainly an undercount. Inside bodies, the beads can contribute to hearing loss, infections and bowel obstructions that require the surgical removal of intestines. Blocked airways that can lead to lung collapse and even death can also result. Experts say the packaging of many water bead brands have vastly inadequate safety warnings that make no mention of any of these risks. 

CPSC Report Urges Parents And Caregivers To Check Baby’s Sleep Space; African Americans Disproportionately Impacted
September 21, 2023, cpsc.gov
A new report by the Consumer Products Safety Commission shows that risks associated with nursery products remain high. The report, Injuries and Deaths Associated with Nursery Products Among Children Younger Than Age Five, notes that there are more than 160 nursery product-related deaths annually. It also says that African American children are disproportionately impacted by nursery-product related deaths. African American children made up 29 percent of all deaths (compared to 16 percent of the population). 

5 Types Of Stories Leaders Need To Tell
September 22, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Storytelling is an important leadership skill, Executives who want to succeed should master five types of narratives: Vision stories, which inspire a shared one; values stories that model the way; action stories that spark progress and change; teaching stories that transmit knowledge and skills to others; and trust stories that help people understand, connect with, and believe in you.

Groove To These Glorious Consumer Product Safety Commission Songs
September 20, 2023, CNET
Move over, Taylor Swift. There’s a new pop superstar in town and it’s a government agency. The Consumer Product Safety Commission — the same agency that recalls dehumidifiers for fire hazards — has released a seven-track album of songs about wearing helmets and practicing fireworks safety. The album is called We’re Safety Now Haven’t We and you can download it for free. Don’t spend too long contemplating the grammar of that title. The cover hints at the absurdity beyond. There’s a cat with a phone, a fox wearing a bike helmet, a Shiba Inu riding an ATV and a bird hanging out with a smoke alarm.

 California’s Potential Approach To Regulations On Risk Assessments And Cybersecurity Audits Could Be A Game Changer
September 12, 2023, National Law Review
Until late August 2023, California’s data protection law, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or “CCPA,” only provided for future rulemaking on automated decision-making. This includes profiling, risk assessments and cybersecurity audits. However, the California Privacy Protection Agency, which shares enforcement authority of the CCPA with the California Attorney General, discussed a new set of draft regulations. While not yet part of the official rulemaking, the draft and the discussions around it provides direction on its upcoming rulemaking on these topics. 

How Safe Are Scooters? A Pediatric ER Expert Weighs In
September 19, 2023, CTV News
Scooters, both manual and electric, are gaining popularity. This popularity increase is leading to a surge in emergency room visits from scooter-related injuries, said Meagan Doyle, a pediatric emergency physician and the trauma medical director at McMaster University. A report published in 2022 by Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada stated there were 523 hospital cases related to e-scooter injuries between Jan. 2012 and Dec. 2019 in hospitals across the country. Out of these cases, 299 (57 per cent) were between the ages of two and 14 years old.

California Legislature Approves Bans On PFAS In Cleaning Products And Artificial Turf
September 19, 2023, JD Supra
The California legislature passed two bills regulating PFAS in certain products: AB 727 which restricts the use of PFAS in cleaning products and floor sealers and finishes; and AB 1423 which restricts the use of PFAS in artificial turf. Beginning on January 1, 2026, these products can no longer contain intentionally added PFAS, or total organic fluorine above certain thresholds, except for floor sealers and floor finishes where the effective date is January 1, 2028. Governor Newsom is expected to sign both bills into law.

Consumer Reports: Keep Your Baby Safe With This New Resource
September 20, 2023, WMTV 8
Parents and caregivers who are shopping for baby products face an unwieldy marketplace filled with items that may boast dubious claims, and in many cases turn out to be unsafe. Consumer Reports (CR), the nonprofit research, testing, and advocacy organization, launched a new initiative to provide parents with objective information they can use to make the best decisions about the safety, health and comfort of their children. As part of CR’s new baby initiative, the organization has expanded its testing, ratings and coverage of children’s products and created a comprehensive digital hub designed to be a new go-to resource for everyone who cares for an infant or small child.

Ex-Paramedic Warns Parents About ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Cleaning Detergent
September 21, 2023, 9honey/parenting
Ross Smith, founder of the popular first-aid education site Safer Little Steps, has warned parents dishwashing tablets and powder can be incredibly dangerous if kids get their hands on them. “They contain a caustic-type substance. When they bite on them and start chewing on them, they foam up, that foam can cause burns,” he explains. “They’re very attractive, they’re bright blues, bright reds, or multiple colored with round dots that look like a treat or some sort of sweet that [kids] want to have,” he says. 

Pediatric Group Warns Parents About Major Safety Risk Of Magnets Found In Reusable Water Balloons
September 5, 2023, Motherly
If you were outside with your kids this summer, chances are that you encountered reusable water balloons. They’re environmentally friendly and they provide hours of entertainment. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is issuing a warning about these summer staples—they can be dangerous. Specifically, the high-powered magnets used to keep these balloons closed pose a safety issue. After multiple uses, the materials on the balloon may wear down and the magnets can fall out. Or a young child (or family pet) could chew on these balloons and cause the magnet to come out as well.

U.S. House Budget Threats Jeopardize Proposed PFAS Regulations
September 8, 2023, Kiowa County Press
Environmental groups say a proposal to cut $4 billion from the Environmental Protection Agency budget would gut the regulations designed to clean up toxic chemicals from public water systems across the country. A group of House Republicans is demanding the cuts in exchange for their votes to keep the government from shutting down later his month. But this could jeopardize federal plans to eliminate “forever chemicals” known as PFAS found in U.S. water supplies. A bill in the House Appropriations Committee, which funds the EPA, proposes cutting the agency’s budget by more than one-third in fiscal year 2024.

Learning Is A Learned Behavior. Here’s How To Get Better At It.
May 2, 2018, Harvard Business Review
Many people mistakenly believe that people are born learners, or they’re not. However, a growing body of research shows that learning is a learned behavior. Through the deliberate use of dedicated strategies, we can all develop expertise faster and more effectively. There are three practical strategies for this. Effective learning often boils down to a type of project management. Another practical method is thinking about thinking. Also known as metacognition, this is akin to asking yourself questions like “Do I really get this idea? Could I explain it to a friend?” Finally, reflection is a third practical way to improve your ability to learn. In short, we can all learn to become a better study.

Business In The Dark Over Regulatory Avalanche For EU Trade
September 8, 2023, British Chambers.org
New research by the British Chambers of Commerce has uncovered that the vast majority of businesses are unaware and unprepared for a swathe of fast-approaching changes in EU/UK regulations.The lack of knowledge and preparation for the changes mean that some traders with the EU could face a whole range of new delays and unexpected costs. In some cases, exporters could also find their goods unable to be transited to EU customers.

Opinion: Creating Trust In An Era Of Consumer Skepticism
September 5, 2023, Forbes
In case you haven’t noticed, Americans are having trust issues. We have experienced a steady decline in trust in the federal government since the 1960s. Some see the loss of trust as a sign of societal decline. This is usually seen as an increase in individualism or general loss of reliability and an “I am my brother’s keeper” mentality. Others point the finger at deep societal divisions. The division seems to be linked to suspicion, cynicism and the ability to confidently identify “fake news.” Whatever the case may be, this societal loss of trust also translates to how we make purchase decisions, especially when it comes to our food, our health and our wellness products.

CPSC Warns Two Helmets That Fail To Meet Federal Safety Standards; Sellers Do Not Offer Recall Or Consumer Remedy
September 7, 2023, Bicycle Retailer
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued warnings to stop using two adult bike helmets because they failed federal safety standard tests. The Cyclingsell Zacro helmets do not comply with federal positional stability, labeling and certification safety standard requirements. The Tengingyue Vera Natura helmets do not comply with federal positional stability, dynamic strength of retention system and label and certification safety standard requirements. The two Chinese sellers have not agreed to a recall or offered consumers a remedy.

Australia Updates Mandatory Toy Standard For Children
September 8, 2023, Bureau Veritas
The Australian mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age has been updated on September 5, 2023. From March 5, 2025, manufacturers must only comply with the updated standard. The mandatory standard sets requirements for the design and construction of toys for children up to and including 36 months of age.

Guidelines To Reduce The Risk Of Sleep-Related Infant Deaths
September 7, 2023, Loma Linda University
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare: putting a baby to sleep and they do not wake up. Every year in the United States, approximately 3,500 infant deaths are linked to sleep-related issues. These include cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and deaths with unknown causes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Michelle Parker, Safe Kids Coordinator Inland Empire at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, dives into the dos and don’ts of ensuring a safe sleep environment for babies.

Peloton “Instantly” Kills Man By Severing Artery, Lawsuit Claims
September 7, 2023, CBS News
The mother of a New York City man is claiming that a “dangerous” Peloton bike led to the death of her son when the fitness equipment fell on him as he was exercising and severed his carotid artery, according to a lawsuit. Johanna Furtado is asking for damages for “pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages.” The suit also seeking medical expenses and other damages, including the cost of past and future medical and psychiatric care, according to the suit, which was filed in March in New York Supreme Court. 

Consumer Alert: New York State DCP Offers Tips For Keeping Babies Safe
September 5, 2023, WNYpapers.com
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing baby-proof safety measures and tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies. September is Baby Safety Month, an annual event that focuses on raising awareness of critical, lifesaving information to help parents and caregivers keep little ones safe. “The first years of a baby’s life are filled with many milestones and new experiences, and parents and caregivers are often working overtime to keep them safe from harm as they learn and grow,” Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said. “While the health and safety of a baby matters every day, Baby Safety Month is a great time to highlight these lifesaving tips that can help parents and caregivers create a safe environment for their little ones.”

Philippine Toxic Watchdog Group Pushes For “SAFE TOYS FOR KIDS” Campaign
September 6, 2023, Journal Online
As the “ber” months kick off, shops and stores are inundating their shelves with a wide array of toys. Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics has taken the initiative to closely monitor these toys which aims to shed light on the presence of toxic chemicals in these playthings and to champion the health and safety of our children. Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner at BAN Toxics, stressed the importance of this endeavor, stating, “Every child deserves access to safe and good quality toys, free from potential hazards like choking, laceration, strangulation, eye injury and chemical exposure.”

Safety Warning Issued On Gel Water Beads
September 7, 2023, Irish Examiner
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued a warning to parents and caregivers about water beads. Also known as gel beads, sensory beads and by a number of other trademarked names, these small plastic spheres are made of a superabsorbent polymer and can retain hundreds of times their weight in water. ‘Safety Gate’ is an EU-wide system that allows consumer authorities across the EU to share information about dangerous non-food items that have made their way onto the market. Each alert contains information on the product, a description of the risk and the measures taken to deal with it. Every alert is followed up by authorities in each of the member states, who take action if they find the same product in their markets.

Federal Commission Finalizes Ban Of Inclined Infant Sleepers, Crib Bumpers
August 30, 2023, Fox29 Philadelphia
The Consumer Product Safety Commission unanimously approved the last two steps to ensure inclined infant sleepers and crib bumpers are no longer sold in the U.S. because of potential harm. Effective in November 2022, the Safe Sleep for Babies Act (SBBA) prohibited the sale of inclined sleepers for infants and crib bumpers, along with the manufacturing for sale, distribution or importation into the U.S., of such products. The new rules were implemented to save the lives of infants while creating a safer marketplace for parents, according to CPSC.

Rented Electric Scooters Removed From Paris As Ban Enters Into Force
September 1, 2023, Engineering & Technology
Paris has become the first European city to ban self-service e-scooters due to safety risks. Five years after it become the first city in Europe to open to the e-scooter market, the French capital has also become the first to end the experiment after residents voted to ban e-scooters in an April referendum. Three companies, Lime, Dott and Tier, all had contracts with the city to provide e-scooters in the French capital with a total fleet of 15,000 e-scooters. The three firms will continue to operate in Paris, with their focus shifted towards e-bikes. 

Product Safety Leaders Assist Industry In Meeting Crises That Affect Millions Of Consumers; Nine Guidelines Defined
September 1, 2023, einpresswire.com
The impact of crises occurs every day around the world, affecting the health and safety of millions of consumers. The challenge that companies face in these circumstances is to be prepared to respond and have the necessary tools already in place to support the company, its employees, consumers, and key stakeholders. The Crisis Management Conference taking place November 7-9, 2023, at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) College of Business Administration offers a set of 9 guideline areas that can help shape a company’s approach to crisis management.

How To Prepare For A GenAI Future You Can’t Predict
August 31, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Given the staggering pace of generative AI development, it’s no wonder that so many executives are tempted by the possibilities of AI. Businesses today are concerned about finding and retaining qualified workers and humbled by recent market corrections or missed analyst expectations. Here are steps every leader should take to prepare for an uncertain world where generative AI and human workforces coexist but will evolve in ways that are unknowable.

Company With Hazardous Infant High Chairs Unresponsive To CPSC Request For Recall
August 31, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to stop using iCraves high chairs because they do not comply with federal safety standards for high chairs and for infant sleep products. The Agency says they pose a suffocation risk, as well as entrapment and fall hazards to infants. The high chairs fail to meet the safety requirements of CPSC’s Infant Sleep Products Rule and the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. The seller, Brosishop Ltd, of the United Kingdom has been unresponsive to CPSC requests to recall the high chairs. 

Baby Gear: What You Should Never Buy Used
August 31, 2023, wfmy News2
Parents often turn to secondhand stores, consignment shops, and online exchanges devoted exclusively to used baby gear. But bargain hunters beware: You could be putting your baby’s life at risk. Consumer Reports has an important warning on the risks of buying secondhand. “While it’s illegal to sell recalled products, including on the secondhand market, people might not be aware of the law, or may not realize the product they’re selling has been recalled,” said Emily Thomas, Consumer Reports.

Safety Alert: Canada-Wide Recall For Portable Heaters After Multiple Fires
August 29, 2023, Vancouver is Awesome
Thousands of portable heaters sold across Canada are being recalled after several incidents of overheating, including three that caught fire. Health Canada has issued an alert stating certain heaters sold under the Mastercraft, Profusion Heat, Prestige, and Matrix brands could be unsafe and lead to burns or property damage. As of Aug. 17, there have been 10 reports of heaters overheating, with three that resulted in fires that damaged property. “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and return it to the place of purchase for store credit or to obtain a replacement unit. Proof of purchase is not required,” states the alert.

3M Agrees To Pay $6 Billion To Settle Earplug Lawsuits From U.S. Service Members
August 29, 2023, MYNORTHWEST
Chemical and consumer product manufacturer 3M has agreed to pay $6 billion to settle numerous lawsuits from U.S. service members who say they experienced hearing loss or other serious injuries after using faulty earplugs made by the company. The settlement, consisting of $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in 3M stock, will be made in payments that will run through 2029. The agreement announced by the Minnesota company marks a resolution to one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history.

Some Colleges Are Banning E-Bikes On Campus
August 29, 2023, Bicycling
It’s that time of year again. Colleges and universities around the country are welcoming students back to campus for the beginning of a new school year. However, something is different this year: several institutions have made it clear that while students are welcome, their e-bikes are not. Several campuses are joining what’s becoming a growing trend in higher education of banning electric scooters and e-bikes, according to Electrek. This trend is growing despite the ever-increasing popularity of electric bicycles among college students, who gravitate towards them as an accessible and practical mode of transportation and a greener alternative to owning a car.

Europe’s Two-Track Approach To Policing Big Tech
August 29, 2023, Washington Post
One reason why the digital economy is dominated by a handful of big technology companies has been their success in resisting government oversight. Now the European Union is trying to change that on two fronts simultaneously: new rules to expose the Silicon Valley giants to more competition, and tougher content moderation requirements for social media platforms and digital marketplaces including Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook, Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube and Amazon.com Inc. Failure to comply carries the threat of heavy fines, but the eventual impact in some areas will depend on how rigorously the laws are enforced by national governments. 

Woman’s Leg Impaled By Beach Umbrella In Alabama
August 31, 2023, CBC News
A beach umbrella impaled a woman’s leg at an Alabama beach, sending her to the hospital, local officials said. Last year, a 63-year-old woman, Tammy Perreault, died after a loose beach umbrella impaled her in the chest in South Carolina. Wind had blown the umbrella from its anchoring. A strong gust of wind also uprooted a beach umbrella in Virginia in 2016, killing a 55-year-old woman.  From 2018 to 2021, there were 1,700 beach umbrella-related injuries treated at hospital emergency departments, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Florida Warns Gas-Powered Generator Deaths Are Preventable Storm Hazards
August 30, 2023, Florida Politics
Seventy-five minutes into Hurricane Idalia’s landfall, almost a quarter-million Floridians were reportedly without power, prompting warnings about the dangers that gas-powered generators present. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 85 Americans die each year from gas-powered generators. And it can be an invisible killer — deadly in a matter of minutes — due to generators’ carbon monoxide emissions.

4 State Right-To-Repair Efforts To Watch Now That Apple Supports California Bill
August 29, 2023, Waste Dive
 Apple now says it supports California’s right-to-repair bill after long opposing such legislation. Advocates are also busy supporting pending bills in Massachusetts, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Whirlpool Agrees To Pay $11.5 Million Civil Penalty For Failure To Immediately Report Glass Cooktops Posing Burn And Fire Hazards
August 24, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Whirlpool Corp., of Benton Harbor, Michigan, has agreed to pay an $11,500,000 civil penalty. The settlement resolves CPSC’s charges that Whirlpool knowingly failed to immediately report to CPSC, as required by law, that 17 models of its JennAir, KitchenAid and Whirlpool brand electric radiant heat cooktops contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard and created an unreasonable risk of serious injury to consumers. Beginning in November 2017 and continuing into 2019, Whirlpool received numerous reports from consumers that cooktop surface elements turned on by themselves. Despite possessing information that reasonably supported the conclusion that the cooktops contained a defect, Whirlpool did not immediately report to the Commission. 

Commissioner Statements:

Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric

Commissioner Mary T. Boyle 

Commissioner Richard Trumka 

Federal Staffers Recommend First Safety Requirements For Nursing Pillows After Dozens Of Infant Deaths
August 23, 2023, NBC News
The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff recommended the first federal requirements to make nursing pillows safer and discourage caregivers from setting babies down on the pillows to sleep. The recommendation cites dozens of deaths associated with the popular infant product. The staff recommended requiring nursing pillows to be “sufficiently firm that the product is unlikely to conform to an infant’s face.” The staff also recommended that the U-shaped pillows have openings wide enough to avoid restricting infants’ head movements which could cut off airflow.

How To Get People To Accept A Tough Decision
April 19, 2028, Harvard Business Review
Every leader has to make tough decisions that have consequences. When you’re faced with a tough call, consider two features that often make these decisions so difficult: uncertainty and value complexity, or the notion that any choice will compromise your values. To overcome these issues, there are several things you can do. For example, to reduce the uncertainty in a decision, you should challenge any either/or assumptions you’ve made. Explain that you are in a bad situation where any decision you make will harm someone. You don’t wish negative consequences on anyone, but it’s impossible to avoid. 

UK Agency: Over 80% Of Online Marketplace Products Fail In Safety Checks
August 24, 2023, Evening Standard
More than 80% of items bought from online marketplaces in a government testing program have failed safety checks. This has led to concerns the UK has become a “dumping ground” for unsafe products. The Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) tested 2,260 products sold via online marketplaces between October 2021 and September 2022. The tests results showed that 1,832 (81%) failed to meet safety standards. The product category with the highest rate of non-compliance was toys, closely followed by small mains powered electricals.

CPSC Says These Gel Memory Foam Mattresses Do Not Meet Fire Safety Standards
August 24, 2023, PennLive
The federal safety agency said that people who own a certain brand of gel memory foam mattresses should stop using them because they do not meet flammability standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said certain Classic Brands Holdings Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam mattresses “pose a fire hazard and fail to meet the mandatory federal flammability standard for mattresses.” The mattresses were sold online at Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, The Home Depot, Macy’s and Target from March 2021 through October 2022. The importer, Classic Brands Holdings LLC, of Columbia, Maryland, is going out of business and is unable to conduct a recall.

Canada: BNQ Publishes New Standards For Products With Recycled Plastic Content
August 24, 2023, Packaging-Gateway
Canada’s central standardization and certification body Bureau de normalization du Québec (BNQ) has published its new standards for products with recycled plastic content. The standard, referred to as ‘CAN/BNQ 3840-100 Recycled Plastic Content Products’, has been introduced to guarantee the content of recycled plastic content in new products in Canada. Through this ruling, the BNQ intends to address the requirements of Canadian consumers, industry members and regulatory authorities. The newly designated National Standard of Canada (NSC) is applicable to all domestic organizations that carry out plastic recycling, sorting, processing and transformation work.

American Home Furnishings Association Spotlights New Voluntary Safety Standards For Tip Restraint Devices
August 23, 2023, JD Supra
Customer safety related to preventing tip-over accidents is a top priority for furniture manufacturers and federal regulators alike. In April 2023 the ASTM 2057-23 voluntary standard became mandatory when the CPSC determined it met the requirements of the STURDY Act. The standard applies to dressers, wardrobes, armoires and other clothing storage units (CSUs). However, even as companies prepare to comply with this new federal standard, they should not overlook a related ASTM voluntary standard for tip restraint devices (TRDs).

Mom Calls For Water Beads To Be Banned After Daughter Died After Accidentally Eating One
August 23, 2023, Daily Mail
A Wisconsin mother has called for water beads to be banned as bath toys following the tragic death of her 10-month-old daughter when she accidentally ate one without her parents’ knowledge. Esther Jo Bethard, the youngest of five children, died on July 7 after being taken ill the day before. Her parents are now pushing for change to enforce restrictions over the sale of water beads as bath toys to ensure no other family goes through the same tragic incident. 

Apple Backs California’s ‘Right To Repair’ Bill In Major Policy Shift
August 24, 2023, Fox 5 San Diego
Apple is now supporting a California bill that would require electronic and appliance manufacturers to provide product owners with tools and services to repair damaged items. The bill would specially require manufacturers that sell products for more than $100 to make replacement guides, parts and tools available for at least three years after the manufacture date, regardless of whether the three-year period exceeds the product’s warranty period, according to the bill’s text. The company’s latest move of support comes after its initial decision to oppose the proposed legislation.

Big Tech Braces For EU Digital Services Act Regulations
August 24, 2025, Reuters
More than a dozen of the world’s biggest tech companies face unprecedented legal scrutiny, as the European Union’s sweeping Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes new rules on content moderation, user privacy and transparency. A host of internet giants – including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms, Apple’s online App Store, and a handful of Google services face new obligations in the EU. These include preventing harmful content from spreading, banning or limiting certain user-targeting practices and sharing some internal data with regulators and associated researchers.

CPSC Warns Consumers About Dehumidifier Fire Hazard; 1.56 Million More Units Recalled
August 16, 2023, Consumer Reports
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers of the risk of fire from dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric. The warning covers 2.5 million dehumidifiers, some originally recalled as long as 10 years ago, as well as an additional 1.56 million dehumidifiers the company recalled recently. Dehumidifiers from the previous recall are potentially associated with four deaths, the CPSC said.

Jury Awards $787 Million To Family Of Child Killed From Being Trapped In Bunkbed
August 17, 2023, Furniture Today
A jury in Ohio has ordered a Vietnamese furniture manufacturer to pay $787 million to a family of a 2-year-old boy, who was killed after he was entrapped in a bunkbed in 2018. The bed, a twin-over-twin bunkbed sold under the name Angel Line, was manufactured by Moash Enterprise Co., a manufacturer of wood furniture based in Vietnam. According to court documents, Ja’Syiah Boone was killed five years ago after he ran up the ladder of the bed and got trapped between the top step and the rail, causing him to have positional asphyxiation. The CPSC recalled nearly 40,000 of the beds on Dec. 22, 2021. They were sold on Amazon, OJCommerce, Walmart.com and Wayfair from March 2016 to June 2021.

What To Do When You Don’t Trust Your Employee
August 17, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Bi-directional trust is a fundamental aspect of a healthy employee relationship; without it, the leader, the employee, and the broader team suffer. In this article, the author outlines five steps to take if you’re in the uncomfortable position of not trusting one of your employees: 1) Separate facts from assumptions and focus on specific problematic behaviors.  2) Identify the specific situations or assignments where you are willing to trust them. 3) Provide feedback on the specific behaviors that are leading to your distrust. 4) Reflect on what you might be doing (or not doing) to contribute to the situation. 5) Ask yourself whether the breach of trust is irreparable.

Statement Of CPSC Commissioner Peter Feldman On Polaris CAP
August 10, 2023, cpsc.gov
“The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Polaris Industries Inc. announced a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to recall two models of off-road vehicles with defective clutches. I voted to adopt this CAP, but I wish we had done so sooner,” the commissioner said.

How Kids Are Being Injured By Ceiling Fans
August 17, 2023, MedicalxPress.com
U.S. emergency rooms treat about 2,300 children annually for head injuries caused by ceiling fans, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission. This, according to data collected between 2013 through 2021.These incidents totaled more than 20,500 over the period, a new study in Pediatrics reports. Lacerations are the most commonly treated injury from ceiling fans, with ER docs tending to cuts in 3 out of 5 (60%) cases, results show.

Sedgwick: Recall Risk Remains Prevalent As U.S. Regulatory Scrutiny Continues Across Industries
August 17, 2023, Sedgwick
U.S. recall activity has returned to pre-pandemic levels based on the latest product recall data, according to Sedgwick Brand Protection’s latest U.S. product recall index report. The current report shows there were more than 850 recall events for the second quarter in a row. Sedgwick’s report analyzes recall data from five key industries.

PFAS In Firefighting Foam (AFFF) And Equipment: State-By-State Regulations
August 16, 2023, JD Supra
Numerous states have either enacted or proposed regulations regarding per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) present in Class B Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (“AFFF”) used for firefighting, or present in firefighters’ clothing and equipment. These regulations typically involve restrictions in four general areas: Discharge or Use Restrictions; Disposal, Storage, Inventory or “Take-back” Provisions; Notification or Reporting Requirements; and Limitations on Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”).

E-Bike And E-Scooter Owners Urged To Check If Chargers Are Appropriate
August 16, 2023, Sky News
E-bike and e-scooter owners have been urged to check whether they are using appropriate chargers to power their devices, so as not to risk a potentially catastrophic fire. If they are not compatible with the voltage of the battery, it risks a process called thermal runway – a self-heating chemical reaction that can quickly prove devastating. To make it easier for people to avoid using something dangerously incompatible, the charity, Electrical Safety First, is calling for a ban on universal chargers that come with multiple outlets to connect to various batteries.

Philippines: Parents Warned Again Buying School Items That May Contain Lead
August 14, 2023, Inquirer.net With the opening of school, BAN Toxics, a watchdog group monitoring toxic products, warned parents to be careful in buying school supplies after market surveillance showed that several school items being sold in Manila had tested positive for lead. The group said it had conducted a “test purchase” of school supplies such as kiddie backpacks, crayons, pastel colors, pencils, pencil cases and water containers. An inspection of the items using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer showed that they had lead content, with kiddie water containers having the highest concentration of 24,500 parts per million (ppm).

Consumer Reports: Popular Blendjet Portable Blender May Pose Risks
August 18, 2023, Consumer Reports
Following an examination of consumer complaints, publicly available reviews, and our own recent tests, Consumer Reports is advising consumers to exercise caution when using the BlendJet 2, a popular portable blender. CR decided to evaluate the blender in its labs this summer based on complaints to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Better Business Bureau, in which BlendJet users reported instances of the blender’s charging wire melting, its battery catching fire, and the blades breaking off under regular use. Consumer Reports put the product through a durability test, and the blender’s blade assembly broke off completely.

CPSC Warns Consumers To Stop Using La-La-Me Infant Loungers Due To Suffocation Risk And Fall Hazard
August 10, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using La-La-Me infant loungers because they fail to meet the safety requirements of CPSC’s Infant Sleep Products Rule, creating an unsafe sleeping environment for infants. The agency says the loungers pose a suffocation risk and fall hazard to infants. The failures include not having a stand and not meeting the requirements for side height, fabric-sided openings, markings, labeling and instructional literature.

The Startling Number Of Australians Who Die Every Year Because Of Unsafe Products
August 9, 2023, 9NEWS
Almost 800 Australians die every year using products that end up being deemed unsafe in the way they were produced or sold, it has been revealed. Data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) shows that on average, 780 people die each year because of products that are found to be unsafe due to a design or manufacturing flaw. A further 52,000 people are hospitalized with serious injuries because of the products. The combined deaths and injuries cost the Australian economy at least $5 billion a year.

Getting Along: My Coworker Is Sabotaging Me—And My Boss Won’t Help
August 10, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Working with someone who is set on undermining you can be incredibly frustrating. And it can feel especially defeating if your boss doesn’t intervene when you try to get their support. Our advice columnist, Amy Gallo, shares her research-backed recommendations in this article.

Eureka! Virginia Tech Scientist Staring At Fire Devises Method Of Turning Plastic Waste Into Soap
August 10, 2023, Study Finds
Genius moments can happen anywhere at any time. For a scientist from Virginia Tech, a night by the fireplace has led to the creation of a recycling method that turns plastic waste into soap! This discovery could allow society to take the growing problem of plastic pollution and recycle everyday garbage — including milk cartons, food containers, and shopping bags — into useful cleaning products. A team of scientists at Virginia Tech College of Science developed this innovative technique for upcycling plastics into high-value chemicals known as surfactants, which are commonly used in soap and detergents. They hope this will provide a cost-effective way to significantly reduce the escalating levels of plastic pollution worldwide.

House Bill Would Direct Consumer Product Safety Commission To Explore AI
August 8, 2023, Financial Regulation News
A bipartisan group of legislators introduced legislation last week that would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a pilot program. Specifically, the Consumer Safety Technology Act (H.R. 4814) directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program exploring the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls or identify products not meeting importation requirements. 

Three innocent victims suffer an unfortunate fate as harmless golf cart ride turns fatal
August 9, 2023, Essentially Sports
The seemingly innocuous cart might appear to be a safe option for travel. But when the matter was dug deeper, it was learned that these golf vehicles play a huge role in causing accidents and street mishaps. While the frequency is not as high as motor vehicles, the rate is quite high and even causes death sometimes. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 15,000 golf cart-related accidents take place in the US each year.

Protect Yourself And Others: Top 5 Flammable Liquid & Fuel Container Safety Tips
August 9, 2023, LI Herald.com
Planning a backyard bonfire, or a summer ride on a motorized vehicle? Make sure that you’re using the utmost care when starting any type of fire or filling a vehicle with fuel, by keeping flammable liquids away from ignition sources. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people go to emergency departments with burn injuries related to flammable liquids every year. Many of these incidents happen when liquid fuel is used outside on a backyard fire pit, a campfire, a bonfire, or when burning trash. Incidents can also happen when flammable liquids such as gasoline and alcohol are near ignition sources like flames. To help prevent severe injury or death when using flammable liquids and fuel containers, CPSC wants everyone to follow these top five safety tips.

UK: Trading Standards Law To Be Enforced In October
August 9, 2023, BBC
New consumer legislation in Guernsey will be put into law on 2 October, the States has confirmed. It said the Trading Standards Fair Trading Ordinance would bring much of the bailiwick “in line with UK requirements” and make traders meet minimum requirements for how they operate. Legislation would cover unfair terms in consumer contracts, unfair commercial practices, information and cancellation rights, and rights regarding additional charges, it added. The States of Guernsey voted for the new legislation in March.

Ten Weeks, Six Days And Three Deaths
August 8, 2023, Woodworking Network
During the summer of 2023, three children died after similar accidents involving furniture. Accidents that could have been avoided with a piece of aftermarket hardware that costs a few dollars. The children died when a piece of furniture toppled over on them. These tragic accidents occurred just months from the start date of a new safety standard which, depending on the furniture that fell, might have prevented the accident.

 ‘Dangerous’ Carbon Monoxide Alarms Sold Through The UK On Online Marketplaces
August 11, 2023, STV News
Dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are being sold on eBay, Amazon, AliExpress and Wish while the Government “fails to take the urgent action needed” to hold online marketplaces legally accountable, consumer watchdog Which? has warned. Which? raised concerns that the Government’s update on its long-delayed product safety review did not confirm that an independent regulator would be given effective powers to crack down on unsafe products on online marketplaces “any time soon.”

Deadly E-Scooter Crashes Prompt New Reporting Method
August 11, wsmv Nashville
According to a study conducted by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 119 people died while riding electric scooters or e-bikes between 2017 and 2021. Researchers said numerous deadly crashes involving these vehicles may have gone unreported, prompting transportation officials to take action. The NTSB made several recommendations to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Federal Highway Administration on gathering data for e-bike and scooter trips and the miles traveled. It also called for an e-bike code to be added to a national injury tracking system. In 2023, new codes were added to the ICD-10-CM code book that includes e-bikes. This recent addition in medical diagnosis codes changed how e-bikes and e-scooters are reported and could make measuring the impact of these vehicles on public health and safety more precise.

Advocates urge furniture companies to prioritize new federal safety standards
August 7, 2023, KIRO 7 News
Furniture manufacturers have less than a month to comply with new federal safety guidelines to try to prevent tip-over injuries and deaths. Starting September 1, 2023, all manufacturers must provide kits to anchor furniture to the wall and build dressers that meet higher stability standards. These new changes are part of the bipartisan STURDY Act. That’s why several parent and consumer advocacy groups sent an open letter to retailers urging them to prioritize these changes as soon as possible. 

Read the Advocates’ Letter

Family shares warning after 22-month-old dies

in furniture tip-over incident

UK Government To Recognize The EU’s Product Safety Symbol Indefinitely
August 3, 2023, Business Matters
The UK government has decided to recognize the EU’s product safety symbol indefinitely, in a post-Brexit climbdown. From the end of next year, goods such as light bulbs and toys were meant to carry a new UK-only mark to be sold in Great Britain. However, the UK business department has now confirmed the EU symbol will continue to be accepted on most goods.

Managers Are Burned Out.  Here’s How To Help Them Recharge
August 2, 2023, Harvard Business Review 
As a leader of leaders, you “create the weather” for your team. It’s your job to not only support your burned-out leaders, but also to keep burnout at bay going forward. In this article, the author offers six strategies to help recharge the burned-out managers on your team, including recognizing and acknowledging their burnout.

Industry Makes Its Point, But Can The CPSC Regulate Lithium-Ion Batteries?
August 3, 2023, Bicycle Retailer
Mike Fritz left last week’s Consumer Product Safety Commission public hearing on lithium-ion battery safety confident he and other industry representatives convinced the agency mandatory regulations are needed. “Whether they have the resources to take effective action in the short term remains to be seen,” said Fritz, who was present at the CPSC public hearing. He has worked with the National Bicycle Dealers Association to educate retailers about safe storage and handling of batteries.

Washington State Proposes Sweeping Changes To Key Greenhouse Gas Regulation
August 1, 2023, National Law Review
On July 13, 2023, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) published proposed amendments to Chapter 173-443 WAC, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The law directs Ecology to adopt rules to establish a refrigerant management program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary refrigeration and commercial air conditioning systems operating in Washington. The law also calls for adoption of a maximum global warming potential (GWP) threshold for the refrigerants used in new refrigeration equipment in ice rinks. 

CPSC: What Regulations Apply To My Product?
July 2023, cpsc.gov
The type of third-party testing that may apply to an individual product may vary based on a variety of factors related to production choices. Companies should pay close attention to these mandatory testing requirements and maintain good records to document their compliance.

The Legal Perils Of Customer Service
August 1, 2023, Incompliance Magazine
A manufacturer’s duties are very broad and encompass many different layers of the chain of production. In addition, some of these duties extend to those in the chain of distribution, namely, distributors, dealers, retailers, and service personnel. Here are some of the types of customer service advice that can create the most significant risks.

Canada: Battery Safety Button Batteries
August 2, 2023, Government of Canada
Button batteries are shiny, small enough to swallow and can be found in many household items that children can access. If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. A swallowed button battery can result in significant injury and death. It’s important to act quickly if your child has swallowed a button battery.

Litigation Minute: What Types Of PFAS Claims Are Being Filed?
August 1, 2023, National Law Review
Here are the key points manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products need to know about recent lawsuits related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) targeting their peers. While environmental, commercial product liability, and personal injury lawsuits related to PFAS are still filling dockets, suits have expanded into the realm of consumer protection-based class actions. 

How Consumer Reports Tests Treadmills For Safety
August 1, 2023, Consumer Reports
The machines cause a significant number of injuries each year. Here’s how our testers evaluate them for user safety. n 2019 there were an estimated 22,500 treadmill injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 2,000 of those involved children under 8 years of age. Consumer Reports has long tested treadmills for safety, which is one of the key measures we use to rate them, along with ergonomics, construction, ease of use, and exercise range. Here’s more about CR’s user safety testing on treadmills and what we’re doing to consider these new potential risks.

Green Bay Police: Toddler Died After Getting Tangled In Bedroom Blinds Cord
July 25, 2023, First Alert 2
Green Bay police say the death of a 2-year-old last week was an accident. The toddler was found tangled in the pull cord of bedroom blinds. The Brown County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the case an accidental death from asphyxiation. The police are reminding parents and caregivers to take precautions to keep dangling cords out of children’s reach or invest in cordless window coverings. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says an average 9 children under the age of 5 are fatally strangled every year in window coverings with cords, including blinds, shades and draperies.

Amazon Will Now Warn Consumers Of Recalls And Product Safety Alerts Related To Their Orders
July 25, 2023, TechCrunch+
Amazon introduced a new feature that will allow consumers to be better informed about potential product safety alerts and recalls. Now, instead of having to seek out product recall information through third-party websites and other news sources, Amazon shoppers will be able to access a new “Your Recalls and Product Safety Alerts” page that will be linked on the top of their “Your orders” page and shared with customers via email. When consumers click on the banner or the emailed link, they’ll be directed to a page where they can read more details about the potential safety hazards of products they’ve purchased and review their options — like refunds, returns and repairs.

It’s Ok To Fail, But You Have To Do It Right (Video Presentation)
July 28, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson is probably best known for her work on psychological safety in the workplace. She has authored a number of books, including the forthcoming Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well. She spoke with HBR editor in chief Adi Ignatius about the right–and wrong–ways to fail. Experimentation and risk-taking are crucial for an organization’s success, but failing twice in the same way is probably a mistake.

European Commission Proposes Updated Safety Regulations For Toys
July 28, 2023, UPI
The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, proposed new expanded safety regulations to prevent the importation and sale of dangerous toys, particularly those containing toxic substances. “The proposal not only maintains the current prohibition of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMRs), but it also prohibits the use of other harmful chemicals in toys,” the European Commission said. The proposed regulations will require all toys sold in the European Union to have a digital product passport, which will be checked at EU borders.

Consumer Reports: Pediatricians Warn That Weighted Baby Blankets, Sleep Sacks, And Swaddles Are Not Safe
July 26, 2023, Consumer Reports
Weighted blankets have become popular with adults suffering from insomnia or anxiety, who say that the product’s comforting pressure makes sleep come more easily. That’s raising alarm among pediatricians and many product safety experts, including those at Consumer Reports. The Consumer publication says that these products are being sold with no safety standards in place and little to no evidence that they’re safe. Last month the American Academy of Pediatrics said in a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that these weighted products should never be used for babies. 

Tyco To Stop Making Firefighting Foam With Toxic Chemicals Next Year
July 24, 2023, PRNewswire
Amid an increasing number of firefighter foam lawsuits and mounting regulations seeking to restrict exposure to so-called “forever chemicals,” Tyco Fire Protection Products has made a decision. The company will stop making and selling aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that contains toxic PFAS chemicals by this time next year. Tyco has announced plans to end the sale of fluorinated firefighter foam products by June 2024. The company has indicated that it plans to create a new “portfolio” of non-AFFF products, which it claims will be just as effective at fighting fuel-based fires.

CE Marking: What Is It And Does My Business Need One?
July 26, 2023, West Virginia Development Office
The CE marking is a label, but it’s not just any label. This mandatory regulatory marking for certain products signals that your business is committed to delivering safe and reliable products that meet essential safety, health and environmental requirements defined by EU regulations. Compliance with CE marking standards is not only essential for your product to have successful market access but necessary to build consumer trust in the EU. Think of it as a key to getting your product into the European market. Exporters should note that not all products require a CE marking and that it is illegal to affix the mark to other products. Here are some products that require a CE marking.

As E-Bikes Proliferate, So Do Deadly Fires Blamed On Exploding Lithium-Ion Batteries
July 27, 2023, Associated Press
Consumer advocates and fire departments, particularly in New York City, are urging the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish mandatory safety standards and confiscate noncompliant imports when they arrive at the border or shipping ports. This, they say. would keep unsafe e-bikes and poorly manufactured batteries from reaching streets and endangering homes. During a forum focused on e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries held at the CPSC office in Bethesda, Maryland, the commission’s chair, Alexander D. Hoehn-Saric, said it was an “urgent moment” that requires attention. “Voluntary standards are not enough,” he said, siding with fire officials and other safety advocates who expressed broad support for mandatory standards for batteries and electrical systems in micromobility devices.

Public Comments Skew Toward Eliminating Coaster Brake Requirement For Kids’ Bikes
July 25, 2023, Bicycle Retailer
A 60-day comment period has ended, giving interested people an opportunity to weigh in on whether federal bicycle safety requirements – in particular a requirement that sidewalk bikes have coaster brakes — are outdated. The prevailing opinion of commenters is the coaster brake inhibits kids from learning to transition to a hand-brake bike when they’re older. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission staff will look over the 246 opinions expressed online and through the mail before making a recommendation on whether to initiate any changes, a CPSC spokesperson said. A deadline to initiate any changes has not been set, the spokesperson added.

Textile Perspective: PFAS In The News
July 27, 2023, Textile World
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl sub-stances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals, have been in the news for years, but the number of news stories seems to have picked up in 2023. As the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) debate continues, textile companies are taking action and moving towards a future without PFAS.

Do You Recall? A Blueprint For Managing Product Recalls
July 25, 2023, JD Supra
While the intention is never to create a product that will be recalled, it is a fairly common occurrence. And while the scope of a recall may vary greatly depending on the product and individual facts at issue, the days following the report of an initial incident often follow a pattern and require quick action. The more efficient and transparent the recall process is, the better the outcome will be for all, which is why it is important to keep a few best practices in mind.

CPSC Investigating Carnival Ride After Child Seriously Injured
July 20, 2023, NBC5 Chicago
Antioch police have seized the Moby Dick thrill ride just days after a 10-year old boy was seriously hurt after being thrown from the attraction. NBC 5 Investigates has learned the ride’s manufacturer, Wisdom Rides, had previously issued safety alerts and service bulletins related to this style of ride, which operates under the name “Moby Dick” and others. In addition to the state’s Department of Labor and Antioch Police, the Consumer Product Safety Commission also told NBC 5 Investigates it too is now conducting an investigation into the Antioch incident, according to a CPSC spokesman.

The White House And Big Tech Companies Release Commitments On Managing AI
July 21, 2023, NPR
Presidents and CEOs from leading tech companies that are creating artificial intelligence have agreed to several commitments on sharing, testing and developing new AI technology, the White House says. Seven companies — Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, OpenAI, Anthropic and Inflection — met at the White House to announce the voluntary agreements. President Biden also be made remarks. “U.S. companies lead the world in innovation, and they have a responsibility to do that and continue to do that, but they have an equal responsibility to ensure that their products are safe, secure and trustworthy,” White House chief of staff Jeff Zients told NPR in an interview.

How To Manage An Employee Who Always Makes Excuses
July 17, 2023, Harvard Business Review 
It’s common for managers to shortchange upfront alignment conversations in the name of speed. But that haste can cost you. An investment in alignment upfront enables good performance and also provides the framework to address poor performance if it persists. Your job as a manager is to create a process that acts as a performance scaffold to strengthen an employee’s alignment, capability and motivation.

Lolly Urgently Recalled Across Australia Over Fears It Could Cause Death
July 21, 2023, 7Life
Consumers have been warned to dispose of a novelty lollipop sold across Australia over fears it could cause choking, severe internal burn injuries or death to young children. The Novelty Pops lollipops sold with a spinning toy are being urgently recalled due to a button battery in the toy sold alongside the sweet treat. According to a recall notice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the compartment containing the button battery is not secured and the batteries may be easily accessed.

CPSC Warns These Bicycle Helmets Will Not Protect You From A Head Injury; Sellers Offer No Remedy To Consumers
July 20, 2023, PennLive
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning to consumers about two brands of helmets sold on Amazon – SQM and Xinerter (sold by US-Xiner). he commission warned people to stop using the brands “because they can fail to protect riders in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury. The helmets do not comply with the positional stability and certification requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets.” The commission said both companies have refused to issue recalls “or offer a remedy to consumers.”

PFAS Update: State-By-State Consumer Products Regulations – July 2023
July 19, 2023, JD Supra
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products across a broad spectrum of industries are being impacted by regulations regarding the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in their products. This area is rapidly developing as states create new laws, and the penalties and litigation risk for non-compliance can be significant. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (“ATSDR”), PFAS have been reported in certain consumer products. The map below is an overview of enacted and proposed state laws and regulations as of July 12, 2023, to assist you in investigating whether your products may be impacted.

NY Fire Commissioner Brings Lithium-Ion Battery Concerns To US Capitol
July 21, 2023, News 12 Brooklyn
The commissioner of the FDNY brought concerns over the dangers of exploding lithium-ion batteries to Washington, D.C. Commissioner Laura Kavanagh testified before the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the dangers that have caused fires and gut homes and businesses throughout the city. Kavanagh said the batteries are a critical safety issue that has grown since 2021. She said as of this week, there have been 131 fires, 76 injuries and 13 deaths caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Health Canada: Man Fined $12,000 For Selling Bleaching Agent As ‘Miracle’ Treatment
July 19, 2023, LiveWireCalgary
A Calgary man has pleaded guilty to offences under Canada’s Food and Drug Act for selling sodium chlorite, a commonly used industrial bleaching agent, as medicine. Sodium chlorite, commonly referred to as MMS which stands for Miracle Mineral Supplement or Master Mineral Solution, has been cited by Health Canada as a cause for concern for the health of Canadians, with multiple warnings and convictions for its sale over the past decade. “The Department warns that anyone involved in the advertising or sale of MMS or similar products will be stopped. We urge the public to not take MMS for the treatment of ailments, and to report the sale of these unauthorized products to Health Canada,” said Health Canada.

E-Scooter, E-Bike Casualties In Israel Soar While Train Usage Declines And More Cars Hit The Roads
July 18, 2023, The Media Line
There has been a staggering rise in casualties from electric scooters and electric bicycles in Israel in recent years, according to new data supplied by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Meanwhile, other figures show that train usage in Israel is still struggling to recover after plummeting during the COVID pandemic and that the number of cars on Israeli roads continues to rise. According to data reported to police, combined with unreported hospital data, there were 1,546 casualties from e-scooter accidents in 2022, with five people killed and 1,541 injured. This was 15.81% higher than in 2021, when there were 1,335 casualties, and a huge 440% higher than in 2018, when there were 286 casualties.

European Commission Product Safety Award For Businesses And Researchers Making A Difference In Product Safety For Future Generations Of Consumers
July 21, 2023, EU LawLive
The Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission is organizing the 2023 Product Safety Award. The Award aims to reward innovative business initiatives that focus on making a difference in product safety, guaranteeing greater consumer protection for younger generations. The deadline for submitting an application is 8 September 2023. Submissions will be accepted in any of the official languages of the European Economic Area.

Stay Cool And Safe In And Around The Pool This Summer
July 18, 2023, Illinois.gov
Pools are a popular summer destination for people to beat the heat, but they can pose some hidden dangers. The number of residential pools has increased over recent years raising the risk for accidental drownings meaning homeowners and parents need be extra vigilant to protect kids who have access to the water. “Parents should put down their phones, books, or other items that could take their attention away when children are in or around the water. It only takes a few seconds for an accident to occur,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “I encourage parents to enroll their children in swimming lessons and have conversations with children about not entering a pool without permission.” According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), child drownings continue to be the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 years old. 

Mom Says 8-Year-Old Daughter Was Injured By Magnets In Reusable Water Balloon
July 20, 2023, ABC News (GMA)
An Ohio mom says her 8-year-old daughter was injured by magnets from a reusable water balloon. Kelley Whitty of Morrow, Ohio, told “Good Morning America” her daughter Leah was swimming earlier this month at a family friend’s house, where they had reusable water balloons, soft silicone balls with a magnetic closure that allows them to be refilled. At the hospital, Whitty said Leah was sedated so that doctors could perform a small surgical procedure, during which they removed six small magnets from her nose. “There ended up being four on one side and two on the other,” said Whitty, adding that the magnets had “bonded” to Leah’s nasal septum.