Senate Adds Language Blocking Gas Stove Ban To Appropriations Bill
July 14, 2023, The Hill
Language blocking a ban on gas stoves has been incorporated into a bipartisan Senate appropriations bill, giving it a significant chance to ultimately become law. A bill that would prevent the Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning the products was incorporated into a funding bill for “Financial Services and General Government”. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who sponsored the gas stove amendment, celebrated its inclusion in the bill in a written statement. “It’s past time for Washington bureaucrats to stop overreaching and telling American families how to cook their dinner,” he said. 

Tesla’s $1,860 Toy Car Sparks Buying Frenzy In China; Recalled In U.S.
July 15, 2023, Business Times
On July 14, Tesla officially started selling the Cybersquad toy car on its Chinese website at a price of 11,990 yuan (around $1,860). By 2:30 p.m. the same day, the toy car was already listed as “out of stock” on Tesla’s China website. Notably, last year in the U.S. market, Tesla’s Cybersquad children’s electric vehicle was recalled by its manufacturer, RadioFlyer, for not complying with safety regulations. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and RadioFlyer, the Cybersquad was considered to meet the standards of a “youth all-terrain vehicle (ATV),” and thus needed to fulfill specific safety requirements. According to the CPSC and RadioFlyer, the RadioFlyer version of the Cybersquad did not meet the requirements.

In Uncertain Times, Embrace Imperfectionism
July 10, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Change is accelerating, with uncertainty and threat of disruption in every industry segment. The pace of change and rise of global winner-take-all competition means that conventional product-market-structure approaches to strategy, as well as core competencies thinking, are difficult to implement in practice and may yield misleading answers. Under today’s conditions, the authors argue that real-time problem solving should be the heart of strategy development rather than theoretical frameworks, and they present a framework for this approach.

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Begins Revision Of PHTA-16 Standard
July 12, 2023, PoolMagazine
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has initiated the process of revising the ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs. This standard is referred to as the drain cover standard under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). In adherence with the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Essential Requirements, PHTA is ensuring timely review and potential revision of the entire standard. To this end, the PHTA-16 Standard Writing Committee (SWC) will convene regularly over the coming months to carefully review and evaluate possible revisions to the standard.

NYC GIG Workers Need Help Accessing Safe E-Bikes Amid Lithium Battery Fires
July14, 2023, TechCrunch+|
As the cost-of-living skyrockets and demand for food delivery via apps like Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats and Relay Increase, delivery workers have to pick up and drop off orders at a much faster clip. This increased pressure comes as electric bikes, scooters and mopeds become more popular and accessible, making the jobs of delivery workers easier.  The downside? Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are tearing through the city. And deliveristas are increasingly at risk of falling victim to such fires. Are UberEats, Grubhub, DoorDash and Relay responsible to help find solutions?

Recall Litigation Report: Consumer Lawsuit Alleges Electrolux Dehumidifier Caused Church Fire Years After Recall
July 12, 2023, Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
In late May, an insurance company filed suit against Electrolux Home Products, Inc.  for property damages allegedly caused by a dehumidifier several years after that humidifier had been recalled. In the case, the Church Mutual Insurance Company sued Electrolux on behalf of its policyholder, Mount Zion Lutheran Church Krumsville. The church was seeking to recover over $1 million for smoke, fire, and water damage after a dehumidifier allegedly failed on April 4, 2022. The dehumidifier, which had been donated to the church at some unknown time, was recalled in November 2016.

Litigation Minute: Is PFAS Litigation Heating Up?
July 14, 2023, National Law Review
PFAS litigation is on the rise, but questions mount as to the science and motivation behind these cases. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) gained substantial marketplace acceptance for their ability to make products resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. More recently, PFAS products have attracted the attention of the plaintiffs’ bar—including those specializing in consumer litigation. The question arises whether alleged concern from claimed exposure to PFAS is an adequate basis to bring, and maintain, a class action lawsuit under most states’ consumer protection statutes.

Canada-Wide Safety Alert: Shower Head Due To Risk Of Electrocution
July 13, 2023, Vancouver Is Awesome
A shower head that heats water without needing a hot water supply may pose a risk of shock and electrocution to Canadians. Health Canada warns that the WMLBK Electric Shower Head Heater, which is sold as a “shower head capable of heating water without a hot water supply,” has been recalled due to a shock or electrocution hazard. “The affected product has electrical wiring and a heating element that is in close proximity to running water without appropriate protections, posing a shock and electrocution hazard,” according to the consumer recall notification. 

How To Build Consumer Trust In Your Data Privacy
July 14, 2023, Information Week
After a decade of big data being touted as the new new oil or even the new gold, it’s refreshing to see more businesses trying to reduce the amount of data they store. Companies are thankfully getting away from the packrat mentality; they now know that data comes with costs. It’s expensive to store data, and it’s easy to end up with a lot of low-quality data that is unreliable or can lead to poor decision-making. Data is also costly in a way few businesses are prepared to face: the reputational cost. This is because, for a long time, companies assumed customers just did not care about data privacy. Big tech ran roughshod over consumer data privacy and yet consumers kept flocking to the worst offenders, like Meta. But that’s no longer the case. Almost three-quarters of consumers care more about privacy than anything else.

Parliament Vote Boosts EU Green Product Rules, Leaves Out Online Sales
July 13, 2023, euractiv.com
The European Parliament voted to strengthen the EU’s draft Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) but left out online sales from the scope of the regulation, to the disappointment of consumer groups and green advocates. The regulation, initially tabled by the European Commission in March last year, introduces obligations on manufacturers to increase the lifespan of products, by making things like spare parts and software updates more easily available to consumers. “It’s time to end the ‘take, make, dispose’ model which is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy,” said Alessandra Moretti, Italian center-left MEP who is the Parliament’s speaker on the proposal. 

South African National Consumer Commission Recalls Over 50,000 “Unsafe” Ladders
July 13, 2023, Smile 90.4 FM
The National Consumer Commission recalled over 50,000 Mainstay and Terra Firma stepladders. This amid safety concerns by the South African National Standard (SANS). The NCC said in a statement that Massmart, the company that owns Makro and Game, informed them that they conducted a “comprehensive set of tests at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).” The results revealed that the ladders “did not comply with safety standards” required by SANS. The tests relate to “minimum material thickness and static load,” read the statement.

CPSC Issues New Federal Mandatory Safety Standard For Adult Portable Bed Rails
July 6, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission took action to protect older adults and other vulnerable consumers from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with entrapment by adult portable bed rails (APBRs). CPSC has identified 284 entrapment deaths involving adult portable bed rails between January 2003 and December 2021. To address the entrapment risk, and also reduce deaths and injuries resulting from falls and other adult portable bed rail hazards, the Commission voted to adopt a mandatory safety standard for these devices. 

CPSC Chair and Commissioner Statements
Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric
Commissioner Mary T Boyle 
Commissioner Richard Trumka

CPSC Warns Consumers To Immediately Stop Using Carolina Milano High-Powered Magnetic Balls Cubes Due To Magnet Ingestion Hazard; Seller Resists Remedy
July 6, 2023, yahoo!finance
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using Carolina Milano 5mm Magnetic Balls Cubes because the loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if ingested. CPSC testing revealed the Magnetic Balls Cubes do not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for magnets. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to other magnets, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death. The seller, CarolinaMilano.com, of Israel, is not cooperating with the CPSC on the recall of this product and is not offering a remedy to consumers.

How To Find The Time To Connect With Colleagues When You’re Very, Very Busy
June 28, 2023, Harvard Business Review
A consequence of our often-never-ending to-do lists at work is the loss of camaraderie among coworkers. While productivity is important, the balance between task completion and taking the time to connect with your team is essential in avoiding burnout, making work more enjoyable and energizing us. Increased energy improves performance and therefore proves socializing to be even more beneficial than the head down work one might prioritize over fostering connections with colleagues.

CPSC Says Drownings Are Leading Cause Of Death Among Children Ages 1-4
June 27, 2023, KXAN Simple Health
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a new report on the number of drownings. “The latest data shows drownings remain high for children under the age of 15,” said the CPSC report. “Nearly 400 children drown each year with the majority of those — about 75% — children under the age of five,” Fleming continued. The yearly report found 80% of reported fatal child drownings occurred in residential settings, home pools or at a family member, friend or neighbor’s pool.

How Countries Around The World Are Trying To Regulate Artificial Intelligence
July 4, 2023, The Week
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has stoked both fear and existential dread among industry experts and politicians alike. Although AI has immense potential, industry insiders have repeatedly warned of the technology’s dangers and called for governments to step in with regulations. Studies suggest that “efforts to regulate AI appear to be gathering pace,” the World Economic Forum stated. Data from Stanford University’s 2023 AI Index shows that 37 bills related to AI were passed into law throughout the world in 2022. While some nations are still grappling with this issue, others are implementing national regulations to monitor and keep the use and development of artificial intelligence tech in check. 

Safety Tips For Air Purifiers As Canadian Wildfire Smoke Spreads In US
June 28, 2023, Fox Business
Federal safety regulators are issuing safety tips when purchasing air purifiers as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to spread into the U.S. Smoke from the wildfires is spreading throughout most of the Great Lakes region and as far as Missouri and Kentucky. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tweeted six tips for consumers to keep in mind when seeking out air purifiers. For one, the CPSC is reminding consumers that these machines should be plugged directly into a wall rather than a power strip or extension cord. 

Health Canada Recalls Series Of Car Seats Manufactured In China, Sold On Temu.Com
June 27, 2023, CTV News
Health Canada has issued recall notices for several children’s car seats manufactured in China and sold online that it says have not been certified to meet Transport Canada safety regulations. The health agency says that the recalled products were manufactured in China, do not display Transport Canada’s National Safety Mark. The products have not been certified to meet the safety requirements of the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations. Health Canada warns against using these car seats due to the potentially increased risk of injury in case of a collision.

6 Ways To Boost Consumer Trust In Online Platforms
July 4, 2023, unctad.org
UNCTAD estimated in April 2022 that 60% of internet users shopped online following the start of COVID-19, compared to 53% in 2019. Top consumer-focused e-commerce platforms increased their sales value by 63% from 2019 to 2021. But consumer trust in the digital market remains fragile. “Online platforms have become central to online consumption. However, consumers are concerned about false or incomplete information and misleading advertising, unsafe online products, data protection and inadequate dispute resolution,” said Teresa Moreira, head of competition and consumer policies at UNCTAD. Here are six ways to boost consumer trust in online platforms.

Long Island Town Looks To Regulate Sale Of Uncertified Lithium Ion Battery Products
July 6, 2023, RiverheadLOCAL
The sale of lithium-ion battery products — including e-bikes and electric scooters — would be limited in Riverhead Town under a proposed local law that aims to reduce the chance of fires caused by faulty batteries. The proposed town code amendment would require that lithium-ion batteries, chargers and adapters sold in the town be certified by Underwriters Laboratories. Battery brands tested to Underwriters Laboratories standards display a ‘UL’ mark on their packaging. Under Riverhead’s proposed code, retailers would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 to $1,000 per violation.

Horizon Research Deal With EU Awaits PM Sunak’s Signature
July 6, 2023, BBC
A deal for the UK’s association with the EU’s €100bn (£85bn) Horizon research and innovation program has been negotiated, according to BBC News. The proposed arrangement is awaiting approval from the UK prime minister. If Rishi Sunak agrees, an announcement is expected after his talks with the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Are New Safety Standards On The Horizon For Recliners And Motion Furniture?
June 21, 2023, Furniture Today
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has asked the ASTM International Furniture Safety Subcommittee to develop a performance safety standard to address hazards associated with reclining furniture. In their letter seeking action, the CPSC said the agency is aware of 13 incidents, including seven fatalities, involving children between eight months and five years old, occurring between 2011 and 2021. The incidents demonstrate two hazard patterns, according to CPSC. One is entrapment in the foot-support lift mechanism from beneath the recliner. The second is entrapment in the top of the leg rest while the furniture is in a reclined position, typically when a child slips between the leg-rest and the seat cushion. According to ASTM officials, the organization has agreed to develop the new standard.

Opinion: Why Are Unsafe Products Still Being Used Even After They’ve Been Recalled?
June 21, MarketWatch
America’s product-recall system is broken, exposing consumers to illnesses, injuries and death, according to Theresa Murray, a US consumer advocacy organization official. Recalled products may catch fire, poison people or suffocate babies months years later because consumers didn’t learn about the harm they can cause. When it comes to the products regulated by the CPSC, once the agency decides to act, there’s an enormous obstacle: Section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Section 6(b) prohibits the agency from publicly disclosing derogatory information about a product unless it has notified the company and waited 15 days.

Start Your New Leadership Role With The End In Mind
June 22, 2023, Harvard Business Review
To successfully step into a new role and set yourself up for long-term success, you must balance “now-forward” planning with “future-back” visioning. That is, you must start with the end in mind, envisioning what you want to accomplish and what needs to happen before for can take the next step. This mindset will empower you to make early decisions that will accelerate your transition, pave the way for long-term impact in the new role and contribute to your continued career growth.

New Jersey Congressman Introduced A New Bill Aimed At Tackling Pool Safety
June 20, 2023, PIX 11
One tragedy is too many, and New Jersey, like many other states, has seen a spike in tragedies involving drowning. That’s why Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., is introducing new legislation in Washington. Rep. Gottheimer is helping to introduce the bi-partisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Reauthorization Act to bolster safety standards for public pools and spas.  The law goes back to 2008. It requires all public pools to be retrofitted to eliminate entrapment hazards, like underwater drains that can pull swimmers down. “The bipartisan legislation will establish a new director of drowning prevention at the Consumer Products Safety Commission, or CPSC, and expand eligibility for federal pool safety grants,” said Gottheimer. 

Ireland/UK: Online And Social Media Companies To Face Massive Fines If They Breach Safety Laws
June 20, 2023, independent.ie
Online and social media platforms will soon have legally binding obligations to make the internet safer or face massive fines under Irish and EU law, the new media regulator has announced. Coimisiún na Meán has set out its plans to enhance online safety and to regulate and support the Irish media sector. The Coimisiún also has responsibility for regulating the many large online platforms and search engines that have an established European HQ here. 

Almost 8 Million Baby Shark Bath Toys Recalled After Children Impaled By Fin
June 22, 2023, PennLive
Almost 8 million Baby Shark bath toys have been recalled after some children were impaled by the top fin on the toys. Zuru, the toy maker, recalled 6.5 million Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark Sing & Swim Bath Toys (full-size). Zura also recalled an additional 1 million of a related product, according to an announcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Zuru is aware of 12 reports of children falling or sitting onto the recalled full-size Baby Shark bath toy, resulting in impalement injuries, lacerations and puncture wounds, including to children’s genital, anorectal and facial areas. Nine of the incidents required stitches or medical attention.”

Test For Humans: How To Make Artificial Intelligence Safe
June 21, 2023, Christian Science Monitor
The drumbeat of warnings over the dangers of artificial intelligence is reaching a new level of intensity. AI researchers have long worried that AI could push people out of jobs, manipulate them with fake video, and help hackers steal money and data. Now, some increasingly are warning the technology could take over humanity itself. 

Facebook Marketplace Tops List Of Most Complained-About Online Retail Platforms
June 20, 2023, The Independent
A national survey by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) found that the online giant causes its officers the most concern, as well as being unresponsive or uncooperative when contacted about problem sellers. Facebook Marketplace is the most complained-about online retail platform for selling counterfeit, poor-quality and potentially unsafe goods, Trading Standards has reported.

Summer Has Arrived With Opportunities For Fun — And Danger
June 21, 2023, ConsumerAffairs
What is your favorite summertime activity? Riding your ATV, time at the pool, firing up the grill? All three of those can be fun but — if you’re not careful — hazardous. Fortunately, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has some advice on how to keep everyone safe — especially children.

Why I Always Travel With A Carbon Monoxide Detector
June 22, 2023, AFAR
Although many states require carbon monoxide detectors in private residences, not all hotels are required to have such safeguards in place, according to Kris Hauschildt, founder of the Jenkins Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit that tracks carbon monoxide incidents in U.S. hotels and motels. To be safe, pack your own travel carbon monoxide detector. Look for plug-in models that have battery backup (and don’t forget to pack your plug adapter if you’re traveling abroad). It’s also important to make sure the detector has the UL 2034 mark on its packaging, verifying it meets the safety standard for carbon monoxide alarms in the United States.

CPSC Challenge: Chinese Seller Of Hazardous Infant Loungers Not Cooperating On Recall Or Remedy To Consumers
June 8, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using Momaid infant loungers because they do not comply with federal safety standards for infant sleep products, posing a risk of suffocation and a fall hazard to infants. The seller, Zhejiang Juster Trading LLC, of China, is not cooperating with the CPSC on a recall of this product and is not offering a remedy to consumers. 

Congress Pulls The Toy Gun Trigger: CPSC Takes Over Enforcement Authority For Imitation-Firearms Law
June 2, 2023, Arnold & Porter
With the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s myriad recent activities it would have been easy to miss the transfer of enforcement authority for toy, look-alike, or imitation firearms from the Department of Commerce to CPSC. However, CPSC’s recently issued Direct Final Rule adopting Commerce’s rule for the marking of toy, look-alike, and imitation firearms is a reminder of a jurisdictional shift that Congress effected last year that may portend a sea change in enforcement activity.

What Will Working With AI Really Require?
June 8, 2023, Harvard Business Review
To foster a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, organizations must find the appropriate balance between investing in human skills and technological capabilities. They must think strategically about how they attract and retain talent. To do this effectively, they need to think about where and how this technology will be used to assist people in their work; where people and machines will collaborate; and where either people or AI have skills that give them a clear advantage.

AHAM Urging Consumer Action On Gas Appliance Bill
June 7, 2023, Kitchen & Bath Design News
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is urging consumers to contact their Congressional representatives to request support for the “Save Our Gas Stoves Act.” This proposed legislation would prohibit the U.S. Dept. of Energy from implementing a proposed cooking-product regulation that AHAM says would result in longer cooking times and the loss of many gas stove features.

VA Tech Transportation Institute / NEC Use AI And 5G Technology To Improve Intersection Safety
June 6, 2023, The Roanoke Star.com
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) and NEC Corporation of America (NEC) have announced they have combined private 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) to create a roadway warning system that could potentially save lives. VTTI and NEC’s research have created the potential to identify dangerous traffic conditions and hazards, such as the approach of pedestrians or animals, to provide warnings to drivers. These tests were conducted from January to March 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia on the Virginia Smart Roads, one of the only facilities in the world that can conduct these advanced tests.

CPSC Issues New Drowning Report With Child Fatalities; Reminder For Extra Water Safety Vigilance
June 8, 2023, cpsc.gov
The annual drowning and submersion report released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that fatal child drownings and nonfatal drowning injuries for children under age 15 remain high. Child drownings continue to be the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 years old. CPSC urges families with young children and those in historically excluded communities to make water safety a priority, particularly as they spend more time in and around pools during the summer.

Children’s Product Safety Organization, Kids In Danger, Commemorates 25^th Anniversary
June 8, 2023, KID
Kids In Danger (KID), a Chicago-based nonprofit was incorporated on June 9, 1998, after the tragic death of 16-month-old Danny Keysar. Among KID’s victories over the past 25 years is the landmark Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. More recently, KID helped pass the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, STURDY Act, and Reese’s Law.

Airsoft Store Says Changing Regulations Could Hurt The Future Of The Hobby
June 9, 2023, WPSD 6 Local
Regulation at the federal level could affect a local small business and a hobby some enjoy: airsoft guns. They are small toy guns that shoot non-metal BBs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to add an additional layer of red tape to sell them. The commission argues increased safety measures are needed. Opponents say there are too many unanswered questions about the measure.

Singapore Identifies Six Generative AI Risks, Sets Up Foundation To Guide Adoption
June 8, 2023, ZDNet
Singapore has identified six top risks associated with generative artificial intelligence (AI) and proposed a framework on how these issues can be addressed. It also has established a foundation that looks to tap the open-source community to develop test toolkits that mitigate the risks of adopting AI. Hallucinations, accelerated disinformation, copyright challenges, and embedded biases are among the key risks of generative AI outlined in a report released by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). 

Australia Recalls The Laundress Fabric Conditioners Due To Presence Of Harmful Chemical
June 8, 2023, 7Life
A series of fabric conditioner products have been recalled by Australia’s consumer watchdog for containing a potentially harmful chemical. Ethylene oxide was found in 16 cleaning products sold internationally and nationally by luxury fabric care brand The Laundress. According to Product Safety Australia (PSA), ethylene oxide is a carcinogen and consumers using these products may be exposed to the chemical through residue on clothing or through inhaling the product during use. “Direct long-term exposure may cause adverse health effects, including cancer,” PSA said.

Link Found Between Exposure To “Forever Chemicals” During Pregnancy And Increased Risk Of Childhood Obesity
June 8, 2023, TrendsInTech
Exposure to per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” has been associated with various health risks. A recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University provides further evidence of the potential dangers of PFAS exposure during pregnancy. The study examined a diverse dataset collected from research sites across the United States. The findings shed light on the link between maternal PFAS exposure and higher body mass indices (BMIs) as well as an increased risk of obesity in children.

New European Union Product Safety Regime To Take Effect
June 9, 2023, Pinsent Masons
Manufacturers selling goods in the EU and online marketplaces facilitating their sale are among the businesses being urged to prepare for new product safety regulations that are set to take effect. The EU General Product Safety Regulation will begin to apply on 12 June 2023, though the new provisions will not be enforced until 13 December 2024. Previously compliant products placed on the market before then can still be sold. The legislation applies to economic operators involved in placing products on the EU market, even if they are not themselves established in the EU. 

Study: PFAS Makers Concealed Dangers Of Forever Chemicals
June 1, 2023, Mirage
The chemical industry took a page out of the tobacco playbook. They discovered and suppressed their knowledge of health harms caused by exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to an analysis of previously secret industry documents by UC San Francisco (UCSF) researchers. A new paper published in Annals of Global Health examines documents from DuPont and 3M, the largest manufacturers of PFAS. It analyzes the tactics industry used to delay public awareness of PFAS toxicity and, in turn, delay regulations governing their use. 

CPSC: Stop Using Fire Extinguisher Balls Due To Risk Of Serious Injury Or Death
June 1, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning about the risk of burns and smoke inhalation associated with the use of certain fire extinguisher balls sold on Amazon.com. Specifically, the products can fail to properly disperse fire suppressing chemicals and extinguish a fire. In addition, they do not have a pressure gauge or indicator, a locking device to reduce the risk of unintentional discharge, a self-closing valve for intermittent discharge or a nozzle to direct the discharge. These products fail to meet the requirements of UL 299 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers, UL 711 Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers and NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers which are voluntary safety standards.

Why Conflicting Ideas Can Make Your Strategy Stronger
May 31, 2023, Harvard Business Review
In a volatile, uncertain world, successful strategies are those conceived as portfolios of options rather than as roadmaps. But to successfully create and communicate such strategies, managers must embrace incompatible and misaligned ideas and communicate multiple and conflicting narratives. They must share ideas as they think of them as opposed to the traditional sequence of thinking then sharing. To enable this, leaders need to foster a culture in which people can disagree without being punished for it.

Summer Health Hazards And How To Prevent Them
May 30, 2023, WTAE
The unofficial start of summer is here, and with fun comes risk — especially for kids around pools, water parks and beaches. “Fatal drownings are 100% preventable if folks follow some simple water safety steps,” said Thaddeus Harrington of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Infant swimming safety classes are helping, but Harrington stresses, There’s no substitute for adult supervision. Sixty-seven percent of drownings occur in residential pools.

Why Are UK Rail Companies Banning E-Scooters On Trains?
June 1, 2023, ITVx
South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern Rail, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Scotrail made the move on Thursday, while Avanti West Coast, LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for London (TfL) already have a ban in place. Rail companies argue that if e-scooter fires were to happen on their trains, there could be terrible consequences. As well as e-scooters, the ban covers e-skateboards, e-unicycles and hoverboards.

Top AI Researchers & CEOs Warn Against ‘Risk Of Extinction’ In Joint Statement
May 30, 2023, VentureBeat
A group of leading artificial intelligence (AI) experts — including many pioneering researchers who have sounded alarms in recent months about the existential threats posed by their own work — released a sharply worded statement warning of a “risk of extinction” from advanced AI if its development is not properly managed. The joint statement, signed by hundreds of experts including OpenAI, DeepMind and Anthropic CEOs aims to overcome obstacles to openly discussing catastrophic risks from AI, according to its authors. It comes during a period of intensifying concern about the societal impacts of AI.

Canada Begins Public Consultation On Proposal To Recommend Adding PFAS To CEPA Schedule 1
May 30, 2023, JD Supra
On May 20, 2023, Canada published a Canada Gazette notice announcing the availability of its Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report (Draft Report). Canada proposes to conclude that the class of PFAS meets one or more criteria set out in Section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). According to the notice, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to recommend that the class of PFAS be added to the CEPA Schedule 1 List of Toxic Substances. The ministers have released a risk management scope document for PFAS to initiate discussions with stakeholders on the development of risk management options. Comments on the Draft Report and risk management scope document are due July 19, 2023.

Clothing Retailers Want QR Codes To Replace Bulky Tags
May 31, 2023, Axios
If the apparel industry gets its way, small labels with QR codes on them would replace the bulky clothing tags that offer washing instructions and other information. Garment manufacturers have been lobbying Congress and the Federal Trade Commission for permission to replace physical clothing tags — which must include care instructions, fiber content, country of origin, etc. — with digital labels, most likely in the form of a QR code. A consumer could scan that code to get the legally required information and more — such as recycling instructions, supply chain information, product recalls, the sustainability practices of the manufacturer and more.

Commentary – E-Bike Injuries: ‘We’re Only Seeing The Tip Of The Iceberg,’ Trauma Experts Warn
June 1, 2023, Fortune
Though the record-keeping on severe e-bike injuries is spotty, both anecdotal evidence and emergency, trauma and orthopedic department interviews suggest that we’re on the front edge of a new order of danger on both bike paths and roadways. “I honestly believe that we probably are only seeing the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Marko Bukur, medical director of trauma at New York’s Bellevue Hospital and himself an avid cyclist. “A lot of the injuries that are coded (in the electronic medical record) as conventional powered devices are probably e-devices.” The bigger problem: We have no coherent plan for dealing with it.

Hazardous Effects Of Using Recycled Plastics In Toys And Tricycles
May 31, 2023, Times of India
While recycling plastic has become increasingly common, the use of recycled plastics in toys and tricycles is a controversial topic due to potential hazardous effects. A study by the American Chemical Society, recycled plastics can contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). A study by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency found that up to 45% of recycled plastic toys contain high levels of phthalates. According to a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 31% of toys made from recycled plastic contained lead, cadmium, or both. This is especially concerning for young children who may put toys in their mouths and ingest these harmful substances.

Senate Bill Aims To Create Digital And AI Oversight Agency; Microsoft Leaps Into Debate
May 22, 2023, MeriTalk
Two Democratic senators reintroduced legislation to establish a new Federal agency that would oversee digital platforms and AI products for a sector that has gone virtually unregulated. The Digital Platform Commission Act was introduced by Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Peter Welch, D-Vt. If passed, it would create a “Federal Digital Platform Commission” that would provide comprehensive regulation of digital platforms and AI products to protect consumers, promote competition, and defend the public interest.

Microsoft Leaps Into The AI Regulation Debate,
Calls For New US Agency And Executive Order

U.S. Product Recalls Hit Four-Year High In First Quarter Of 2023
May 25, 2023, Yahoo Finance
Data from the first quarter of 2023 shows that the number of product recalls in the U.S. increased 14.2% from the previous quarter. According to Sedgwick brand protection’s latest U.S. product recall index report — which analyzes recall data from five key industries — this marks the highest single-quarter total in four years. After a second consecutive record-breaking year for the number of units recalled in 2022, stakeholders have been watching closely to see whether that trend would continue into 2023. With three quarters in the year yet to be reported and regulatory and consumer scrutiny continuing to increase, there is still the possibility of a third consecutive year with over 1 billion recalled units.

Has Cynicism Infected Your Organization?
May 25, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Workplace cynicism may be the least-understood aspect of burnout in part because of its complexity. Cynicism can be caused by a number of workplace factors, and it can be expressed in a broad range of emotional states and behaviors. Cynicism can spread rapidly throughout teams through a phenomenon known as “emotional contagion.” It’s possible to improve even deep-seated cynicism — and better yet, to prevent it from infecting your organization in the first place. Here are strategies to help reverse existing cynicism and to create an anti-cynical culture at work.

Analysis – Draft Model State PFAS Legislation: A More Holistic Approach To Regulating “Forever Chemicals” In Consumer Products
May 22, 2023, JD Supra
The Draft PFAS Prevention Model Act (Draft Model) offers a menu of policy options for state legislatures to address potential PFAS contamination and exposure from consumer products. Most notably, the Draft Model includes a near-total ban on PFAS-containing consumer products within three years. It also includes product reporting requirements, “extended producer responsibility” obligations and a new multi-jurisdictional “clearinghouse.” The Draft Model reflects a move towards a more holistic approach to the regulation of PFAS in products. 

EU Publishes General Product Safety Regulation – Full Enforcement To Commence In December 2024
May 25, 2023, JD Supra
On May 23, 2023, the European Commission formally published the new General Product Safety Regulation, which reforms a variety of product safety regulations for manufacturers doing business in the European Union (EU) and its 27 member states. The regulation takes effect June 12, 2023, and will include an 18-month transitionary period for EU member states, companies subject to the regulation and others implement the new and revised regulations. Full enforcement begins December 13, 2024.

New Zealand Company, NZME, Fined For Supplying Unsafe Magnetic Toys
May 25, 2023, Mirage
NZME Advisory Limited (NZME), a broadcasting and media company, has been fined in the Auckland District Court for supplying unsafe magnetic puzzle toys, commonly known as buckyballs, which breached product safety laws and caused harm to a child in New Zealand in 2021. The toys, sold on NZME’s previously owned online store GrabOne.co.nz, were made up of small, high-powered magnetic balls. They were supplied between October 2020 and September 2021. The sale was in-breach of an unsafe goods notice which bans the supply of any magnets, sold in sets of two or more, that are a particular size and strength.

Australian Retailers Pay First Penalties For Supplying Products Allegedly In Breach Of Button Battery Standard
May 1, 2023, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
The Reject Shop and Dusk have paid a total of nearly $240,000 after the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission issued them with infringement notices. The infringement notices related to the supply of Halloween novelty products containing potentially lethal button batteries, allegedly without complying with mandatory product safety and information standards. The penalties paid by discount retailer The Reject Shop and national homewares retailer Dusk are the ACCC’s first enforcement outcomes under button battery standards introduced last year. 

NBC News Investigation: As Federal Officials Delayed Rules On Infant Loungers, Babies Continued To Die
May 25, 2023, NBC News
In September 2021, federal officials grew so alarmed by the number of babies who had suffocated after being laid down on a popular infant lounger that they issued an urgent notice to parents: Stop using it immediately. The padded, pillowy Boppy Newborn Lounger — sold to exhausted caregivers who relied on it as a safe place to put their infants — was linked to the deaths of eight babies, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned. The federal agency announced a recall of more than 3 million of the loungers, which had been a mainstay of baby registries for years. 

Hurricane Season Starts June 1: Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Dangers
May 22, 2023, Medical Xpress
The Atlantic hurricane season in the U.S. starts June 1, and some dangers might not be immediately obvious: carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and electric shock. “Hurricanes and major storms in the U.S. have increased in frequency and severity in recent years. This hurricane season may bring widespread destruction that could impact millions of Americans,” said Alex Hoehn-Saric, chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “I urge consumers to follow CPSC’s safety tips to prepare ahead of storms to prevent loss of life in a storm’s aftermath,” he said.

I’m An ER Pediatrician. I Won’t Let My Kid Do These 5 Summer Activities
May 25, 2023, NBC News Dallas
Summer is almost here, which means the weather is warmer, the days are longer and parents are gearing up for big schedule changes. It’s a favorite season for many children, and for good reason. Along with a much-needed break from school, the summer provides plenty of opportunities for fun. The season also presents unique risks to children’s health and safety, according to experts. Whether kids are enjoying the summer at home, going on vacations, or heading to camp, it’s important to ensure they are having fun safely. We spoke to pediatric emergency medicine physicians about some of the top reasons why children end up in the ER during summer; risky activities they wouldn’t let their own children do and how parents can ensure their kids stay safe this summer.

Peloton Will Offer Safety Guard For Recalled Tread+ Treadmill
May 18, 2023, CNBC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission approved a repair for a rear guard of Peloton Interactive Inc’s recalled ‘Tread+’ treadmill. The fitness equipment maker had announced a costly recall of its ‘Tread+’ treadmill in 2021 following the reports of multiple injuries and the death of a child in an accident. Peloton’s Tread+ is a “slat-belt” treadmill that needs a higher torque motor and ground clearance than a typical home treadmill, making them a risk for children and pets. “The approved rear-guard repair eliminates the potential for entrapment near the rear roller of the treadmill,” the safety regulator said in a statement.

CPSC Statement: Peloton Tread+ Rear Guard Repair Approved

Illinois Senator Fine’s Bill To Create Database On Safety Of Children’s Products
May 17, 2023, Illinois Senate Democrats
A new initiative from State Senator Laura Fine will require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to maintain a database on the safety of consumer products, making safety information much more accessible to protect Illinois children. House Bill 3363 requires DCFS to establish and maintain a public database on their website on the safety of consumer products regulated by the department. If enacted, the bill would put DCFS in compliance with the federal Consumer Product Safety Act. “This consumer-friendly resource will help better inform parents and caregivers about recalls of dangerous or hazardous toys on the market,” said Fine.

4 Distractions That Derail Meetings — And How To Handle Them
May 19, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Most of us have attended a meeting that veered off course, leaving us feeling confused or like we wasted our time. But meetings don’t have to be time consuming, unproductive or painful. Understanding a few common dysfunctional behaviors can help managers turn meetings to instruments for team success. The author presents four dysfunctional behaviors that cause meetings to derail. In addition, the author presents information that managers need to know to make their team’s meetings more effective, efficient and productive.

What Makes A Company More Likely To Issue A Product Recall? Maybe A New CEO
May 15, 2023, Marketplace Morning Report
Recalls are — unsurprisingly — not good for business. Companies have some discretion on how quickly to issue them. Thus, the term “voluntary recall.” But issuing a recall too slowly also has its costs, according to Consumer Reports’ William Wallace. Indiana University business school professor George Ball said his research shows the odds of a recall go up significantly when a new boss arrives. “They’re much more open to recalls the first couple years where, they’re really not culpable yet,” Ball said.

ChatGPT Chief Calls For AI Rules
May 17, 2023, Arkansas Democrat and Gazette
The head of the artificial intelligence company that makes ChatGPT told Congress that government intervention will be critical to mitigating the risks of increasingly powerful AI systems. “As this technology advances, we understand that people are anxious about how it could change the way we live. We are, too,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said. He made that statement at a Senate hearing. where he proposed the formation of a U.S. or global agency. The agency would license the most powerful AI systems and have the authority to “take that license away and ensure compliance with safety standards.”

Minnesota Legislature Passes Ban On “Forever Chemicals” PFAS
May 18, 2023, CBS Minnesota
Both chambers of the Minnesota state legislature approved a ban on so-called “forever chemicals” PFAS in consumer products. The bill was sent to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature. The legislation prohibits non-essential use of the substances in cookware, cosmetics, cleaning products and more starting in 2025. It also includes funding to help clean up water contaminated with the chemicals and will phase out PFAS in firefighting foam.

CPSC Racial Equity Plan Update (Pdf)
May 17, 2023, cpsc.gov
On January 20, 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its Equity Action Plan. The plan responds to Executive Order 13985 – Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The CPSC’s Equity Action Plan lays out the challenges and barriers faced by the Commission in achieving more equitable public health outcomes with respect to product safety. The plan details steps the agency has already taken, and will take in the future to address the identified barriers. It is risk-driven.  Here are the steps laid out in the plan.

Got Recalled Consumer Products? Follow These Steps To Keep Your Home Safe
May 17, 2023, vipHomeLink
Last year was a record-breaking year for recalls. More than 1 billion units of food, drugs, medical devices, automobile, and consumer products were recalled in the United States, and unfortunately, some of these products may still be in your home. That’s why we reached out to Patty Davis of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Patty shared with us important tips to help you handle recalled products, so they don’t harm you or your family.

Japan To Ban Some Magnetic Toys And Expanding Beads
May 19, 2023, Toy World
The Japanese government has moved to ban two types of toys that have been mistakenly ingested by children in a number of incidents, calling them “tiny time bombs”. As reported, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida passed a decree on May 16th to ban the production and sale of magnetic toys and beads that expand when saturated, which do not meet international standards. These toys are seen as capable of causing serious accidents if swallowed, before adults have time to notice.

Protect The Only Brain You Have With The Best Bike Helmets For Trails And Roads
May 16, 2023, AOL.com
Choosing the right helmet is as important as choosing the right bicycle for your leisurely weekend rides or morning commutes. You want a helmet that fits the way you ride, your style, and your budget. There are three main types of helmets: Road helmets are lightweight and prioritize venting; mountain bike helmets provide more coverage and often include a visor to block the sun; and commuter helmets offer a more casual style and less ventilation. All helmets sold in the U.S. meet the same basic safety standard set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These helmets have additional safety systems, such as MIPS, that can help protect you from concussion. Most importantly, make sure you wear a helmet every time you get on your bike.

Consumer Advocacy Group Supports Consumer Product Safety Commission Against Industry Attacks
May-June 2023, Public Citizen News
Companies are attacking the authority of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to do its work protecting consumers from dangerous products. A nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, Public Citizen, is filing briefs in courts across the nation to support the agency and its vital product-safety standards. The organization says the broad attacks on the CPSC in these cases reflect a larger trend of regulated industries trying to undermine the authority of federal agencies that protect consumers. And Public Citizen’s briefs in these cases reflect the organization’s long history of pushing back against attempts by industry to undo consumer protections.

$15.8 Million Penalty For Product Safety Violation Highlights Disagreements Within CPSC
May 10, 2023, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
A recent penalty imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission has highlighted differences among agency leaders about when and why such penalties should be utilized and whether other tools might be more effective.

Commissioner Mary T. Boyle Statement on Generac Power Systems, Inc. Agreement to Pay $15.8 Million Civil Penalty
Statement of Commissioner Peter A. Feldman on Generac Power Systems Civil Penalty Settlement
Statement of Commissioner Richard Trumka: CPSC Secures $15.8 Million Penalty Against Generac for Failing to Timely Disclose Amputation Hazard Posed by Portable Generators

Peloton Recalls Two Million Exercise Bikes Over Seat Issue
May 11, 2023, Reuters
Peloton Interactive Inc. has recalled two million exercise bikes citing the possibility of the seat post breaking during use that could lead to injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The CPSC said Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries due to falling from the bike.

Is Your Remote Job Making You Lonely?
May 12, 2023, Harvard Business Review  
Loneliness — the distress and discomfort we feel when we perceive a gap between the social connection we want and the quantity and quality of the relationships we currently have — can be a side effect of remote work. Sadly, prevalent feelings of loneliness were on the rise even before the Covid-19 pandemic. In a 2020 study from Cigna, 61% of respondents reported feeling lonely. The author presents several steps to take if you’re grappling with loneliness.

Europe’s First AI Rules: Could They Set A Global Standard?
May 9, 2023, Christian Science Monitor
Authorities worldwide are scrambling to figure out how to control the rapidly evolving technology to ensure that it improves people’s lives without threatening their rights or safety. Regulators are concerned about new ethical and societal risks posed by ChatGPT and other AI systems, which could transform daily life, from jobs and education to copyright and privacy. The EU’s AI Act could become the de facto global standard for artificial intelligence.

More Than 150 Countries Agree To Ban 3 Toxic Chemicals
May 11, 2023, Grist
To get plastics ready for use in consumer and industrial products, companies add thousands of chemical additives that give them properties like elasticity and fire resistance. Many of these chemicals, however, are hazardous to human health. Environmental advocacy groups have long pushed for their elimination. The most recently banned chemicals include a pesticide called methoxychlor, as well as two plastic additives: UV-328, which absorbs UV light and is widely used in transparent plastics products, and Dechlorane Plus, a flame retardant that’s added to plastic coatings and electrical wires.

Packaging Issue In Play For Recall Of 36,250 Knives
May 11, 2023, Best Life
The Consumer Product Safety Commission just issued a recall notice for over 36,000 knives sold at Target, because they pose a threat before you even take them out of the packaging. According to the CPSC, the knife only poses a threat while it’s still in its original packaging. The blade can become unlocked and protrude through the plastic, “posing a laceration hazard,” the notice states.

Australia: Wooden Baby Toys Sold Over Etsy Recalled After Major Choking Hazard Discovered
May 10, 2023, 7news.au
Wooden rattles for babies made by a Brisbane brand have been urgently recalled over fears of injury or even death. The play toys were found to breach safety standards and pose a risk of fatality to young children. “There is a risk of choking, suffocation or death to young children if they continue to use these rattles,” the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recall reports.

Health Canada Advisory – Misuse Or Modification Of Lithium-Ion Batteries In E-Mobility Devices Can Be Extremely Dangerous 
May 11, 2023, newswire.ca
Health Canada is warning people in Canada about the misuse or modification of lithium-ion batteries used in e-mobility devices. Lithium-ion batteries are more easily damaged than other types of batteries and can become hazardous in certain conditions as they are more unstable than other types of batteries.  It is also important to never modify, tamper with or attempt to make your own lithium-ion battery. This could result in the battery being damaged or compromised internally, potentially leading to short circuits, overheating, fires or explosions, and could result in severe injuries and even death.

CPSC And Company Reach Agreement On $15.8 Million Civil Penalty For Failure To Report
May 10, 2023, Retail & Consumer Product Law Observer
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a civil penalty settlement with Generac Power Systems, Inc. to resolve charges that Generac failed to report immediately to the CPSC under Section 15(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act. This settlement includes a $15,800,000 civil penalty, and requirements that Generac (1) implement and maintain a compliance program and system of internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the CPSA; and (2) file annual reports with the agency for the next three years regarding the Company’s compliance program, internal controls and procedures, internal audits of the effectiveness of the new compliance program and internal controls.

Study: Do You Know What Toxic Chemicals Are In Your Everyday Products?
May 10, 2023, KSBY 6
Do you know what toxic chemicals are in your everyday products? “For many categories of products there’s no requirement to list ingredients so there’s no easy way to tell what’s in a lot of products,” said Megan Schwarzman, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley in the School of Public Health. California’s Prop 65 requires businesses to have warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Some of the categories containing the most chemicals overall are adhesives, paint removers, vehicle care products and mothballs.

Strangulation Risk Prompts Health Canada Recall Notice For Window Shades Sold By Wayfair
May 11, 2023, CBC
Health Canada has issued a recall notice for window shades sold in Canada by Wayfair over concerns they pose a strangulation hazard. The recall involves three different shades of various sizes manufactured by Green Mountain Vista and distributed by Wayfair in Canada. Health Canada says the products are problematic because they have multiple operating cords tied together, creating a loop. It says the blinds consequently do not meet national safety regulations.

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Generator Company To Pay $15.8 Million Fine Related To Defect That Caused Finger Amputations
May 5, 2023, Penn Live
A Wisconsin company has agreed to pay a $15.8 million civil penalty related to charges that it failed to immediately report a defect with 32 of its generators that posed a risk of finger amputation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Generac Power Systems of Waukesha, Wisconsin, agreed to pay the penalty. “The settlement resolves CPSC’s charges that Generac failed to immediately report to CPSC, as required by law, that 32 models of its Generac and DR 6500 Watt and 8000-Watt portable generators contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard and created an unreasonable risk of serious injury to consumers,” the commission said.

CPSC Says Stability Standard To Go Into Effect September 1
May 4, 2023, Woodworking Network
After years of back-and-forth debate, a tipover stability rule for clothing storage units is set to go into effect on Sept. 1, 2023. That is, “unless the Commission receives a significant adverse comment by June 5, 2023.” The rule, which is based on the industry-backed ASTM F2057-23 voluntary standard, was approved on April 19 by a 3-1 vote by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC commissioners found that the standard met the requirements of the STURDY legislation signed into law by President Biden in December 2022. The May 4 Federal Register stays the implementation of a CPSC rule that was set to go into effect on May 24.

4 Types Of Employee Complaints — And How To Respond
May 3, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Complaining can have both positive and negative effects on organizational communication. Managing the different types of complaints with the appropriate behaviors can have a positive effect. Managers can create a positive, high-performing work environment while monitoring and containing the risks and costs of complaining for themselves and their teams.

Facebook Marketplace fails to remove listings of dangerous electrical goods
May 5, 2023, Engineer & Technology
UK charity Electrical Safety First (ESF) flagged ten dangerous and substandard products to Meta in late February as part of a wide-scale investigation that identified dangerous goods for sale via five major online marketplaces. Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Wish.com and AliExpress all responded to alerts from the charity by swiftly removing the listings. But ESF says goods that expose shoppers to risk of electric shock and fire remained on sale via Facebook Marketplace. 

Peloton Identifies Defect In Seat Posts After Reports Of Injuries
May 4, 2023, Reuters
Peloton Interactive Inc. said that it had identified a defect involving seat posts in its original stationary bike, with 12 reports of injuries, including one wrist fracture, as of April 30. Out of 2.4 million units sold in the U.S. and Canada as of April 30, there were 35 reports of the bike’s seat post breaking during use, Peloton said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said it had notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the “potential product safety issue” and is working with the regulator to finalize a corrective action plan.

Commissioner Mary T. Boyle Statement On Fy 2023 Operating Plan Alignment And Midyear Review
May 1, 2023, cpsc.gov
In the words that Congress chose to introduce our founding statute, “complexities of consumer products and the diverse nature and abilities of consumers using them frequently result in an inability of users to anticipate risks and to safeguard them adequately.” If that was true in 1972, think how much more complex the world is today. And in 1972, Congress couldn’t have been clearer: “the public should be protected against unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products.”

Health Canada – Water Beads May Pose Life-Threatening Risks To Young Children
May 4, 2023, Yahoo! Finance
Health Canada is warning parents and caregivers about the risks of water beads. These tiny beads, also known as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil, sensory beads or orb beads, are water-absorbing gel beads that can grow up to 1,500 times their size when placed in water. Water beads can be very harmful if swallowed or put in the ears or nose. Health Canada is aware of several international incidents where children who had ingested water beads sustained life-threatening injuries. In the U.S. there have been at least 248 known water bead cases as reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from January 1, 2017 to November 22, 2022. 

Biden Administration Unveils An AI Plan Ahead Of Meeting With Tech CEOs
May 5, 2023, CNN Business
The White House announced a series of measures to address the challenges of artificial intelligence amid rising concerns about the technology’s potential risks for discrimination, misinformation and privacy. The plan came the same day that Vice President Kamala Harris and other administration officials met with the CEOs of Google, Microsoft, ChatGPT-creator OpenAI and Anthropic to emphasize the importance of ethical and responsible AI development. Vice President Harris told the chief executives they have a “legal responsibility” to ensure the safety of their artificial intelligence products.

Doorglass Inserts Made For Hurricane Zones Might Come Off In A Hurricane
May 4, 2023, FLKeysNews
Doorglass inserts designed to protect your house from windblown debris blowing through your door during a tropical storm or hurricane shouldn’t be vulnerable to breaking off from the door in a tropical storm or hurricane. That’s why ODL recalled about 39,100 severe weather doorglass inserts. Or, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission stated, “Under severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, the adhesive bond holding the doorglass inserts can become separated from the door causing a risk of injury and property damage from windborne debris.”

April 2023 PFAS Legislative Developments
May 4, 2023, National Law Review
A review of federal and state PFAS legislative activities.