Samsung: Galaxy Note7 fires caused by oversized, faulty batteries
January 20, 2017, UPI.com
A new report being issued shortly concludes that fires in some Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones were caused by oversized and faulty batteries according to UPI sources. The report blames improperly sized batteries made in one factory, and manufacturing flaws from another.
Babies”R”Us® spotlights safety during month long great trade in event starting January 20, 2017
January 17, 2017, marketwatch.com
Babies”R” Us has launched a safety campaign to help parents rid their homes of old, unsafe baby products. The event, being held from January 20-February 20, encourages parents to bring in any previously used gear or furniture to local Babies”R”Us stores and receive a 25% savings on a new qualifying item.
New Federal standards warn of baby sling dangers
January 16, 2017, newschannel10.com
Baby sling carriers have been proven to be potentially dangerous if not correctly fastened. CPSC reported 159 incidents between January 2003 and Septemer 2016—17 were fatal. A new federal standard will address this, incorporating ASTM’s International Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Sling Carriers.
UK Announces Brexit negotiating principles
January 20, 2017, The National Law Reviews (Katten)
UK Prime Minister Theresa May laid out the country’s negotiating principles for departure from the EU. Her theme was the creation of a “stronger, fairer, and global Britain,” alongside a “new partnership with the UK’s EU allies.
The Road to recall: Evaluating defects for substantial product hazards
January 17, 2017, jdsupra (Stinson Leonard Street LLP)
Reporting a potential defect to the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not necessarily mean that the agency will require a recall of the product or other corrective measure. Rather, the Commission may order corrective action, including but not limited to a recall, if after a hearing, the Commission determines that the product presents a substantial product hazard and notification is required, or after notifying the manufacturer that the Commission deems the product is an imminent hazard.
Arizona child drownings rose in 2016 prompting safety commission advisory
January 11, 2017, phoenixnewtimes.com
Despite warnings about water safety and watching small children around water, Arizona recorded 24 children deaths by drowning in 2016, up from 20 in 2015. The CPSC has issued a report prompting a new call for parents and caretakers to be extra cautious.
Monsanto, California battle over listing glyphosate as a carcinogen
January 18, 2017, ecowatch.com
Monsanto and California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) will face off over the agency’s plan to list the herbicide glyphosate as a carcinogen. The outcome of this legal battle could have major ramifications to California’s long-established regulatory program, Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65.
Scientists discovered the VW emissions scandal by accident
January 14, 2017, inverse.com
While Volkswagen’s emission scandal has been headline news since 2015, and its current phase includes criminal charges against six top executives , it was only by chance that a team of university researchers discovered that allegedly ‘green’ diesel engine cars were in fact “riding dirty.” Three randomly selected cars were tested with red-flag results: 1 car, a BMW, displayed expected limits of emissions; 2 cars, Volkswagens, displayed faulty readings. The cost to Volkswagen today for this scandal exceeds $20 billion.
Flint residents remain skeptical of data for lead levels in water
January 12, 2017, npr.org
Despite a Flint official’s assurance that the situation resulting in high levels of lead in the city’s drinking water was “getting better,” many residents are skeptical. They were not buying the Mayor’s approach of expert testimony about improved conditions. Many residents continue to rely on bottled water, and are likely to continue this practice for the next several years.
