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.

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.