Toys “R” Us said to be prepping liquidation of U.S. Operations
March 8, 2018, Bloomberg.com
Toys “R” Us Inc. is making preparations for a liquidation of its bankrupt U.S. operations after so far failing to find a buyer or reach a debt restructuring deal with lenders, according to people familiar with the matter. While the situation is still fluid, a shutdown of the U.S. division has become increasingly likely in recent days, said the people, who asked not to be identified. Hopes are fading that a buyer will emerge to keep some of the business operating, or that lenders will agree on terms of a debt restructuring, the people said.
North America product safety regulators agree to increase cooperation on consumer product safety; Trilateral MOU signed at annual meeting of multi-stakeholder association
February 22, 2018, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Department of Health of Canada (Health Canada), and the Consumer Protection Federal Agency of the United Mexican States (PROFECO) formalized their cooperative relationship through the ratification of a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) [pdf]. The signing, involving CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle; Health Canada Director General, Consumer Product Safety Directorate, Health Canada Tolga Yalkin; and Profeco Federal Consumer Attorney Rogelio Cerda Pérez, took place at the annual meeting of the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) in Orlando, Florida.
Opinion: As Washington stalls, 24 legislatures move to make environment less toxic
March 5, 2018, MinnPost
For a timely reminder that Team Trump can’t halt all progress toward an American environment less toxic to human health, consider a new survey of state-level lawmaking around the country. More than 120 measures aimed at reducing hazardous chemical exposure in everyday life are moving in American legislatures this year, according to the latest annual count by the Safer States coalition. The tally has grown by a dozen in the last couple of weeks and may increase further.
Falling furniture and TVs are hidden hazards that threaten children
March 8, 2018, ABC2 News
On average, a child dies every 10 days from a TV or furniture falling on them. There’s a way to eliminate the hazard. Anchoring your furniture or TV is a worry-free way to protect your child. It’s not a new concept but there are still too many deaths and injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is working to keep kids safe by continuously getting the word out, launching educational campaigns, and working with product manufacturers.
Opinion: Support House Bill 27 to protect Alaska’s children from toxic chemicals
March 7, 2018, Juneau Empire
This week the Resource Committee of the Alaska Legislature will be having a hearing about the House Bill 27, the Toxic-Free Children Act (TFCA). The TFCA would protect the health of Alaska’s children by preventing exposure to toxic flame retardant chemicals. If passed, this bill will prevent the manufacture, sale and distribution of toxic and unnecessary flame retardant chemicals in children’s products and home furniture.
REACH Review
March 7, 2018, European Commission
REACH (select language of choice) is the regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances ( EC 1907/2006 ). This important EU legislation on chemicals aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment, promote alternatives to animal testing, and ensure the free movement of substances in the internal market, while strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the chemical industry in the EU. The four REACH procedures are Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.
New code of practice launched for product safety recalls
March 7, 2018, Home.bt.com (uk)
A new voluntary code of practice has been launched to help retailers improve the success of product safety recalls among consumers. The code, the first major announcement from the Government’s new Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and the BSI (British Standards Institution), is voluntary but provides “clear guidance” for retailers needing to recall faulty products.
Report: Hoverboard market challenges limitations and shortcoming of lithium-ion batteries
March 8, 2018, Opinion Investor
This report helps to pinpoints emerging trends, opportunities, performing as well as leading key countries and respective product segments in the market. It also provides current as well as anticipated market size along with competitive landscape in different regions.
Hoverboard causes house fire in Bulleid Place home in Ashford
March 10, 2018, Kent Online
A family fled their home after a hoverboard burst into flames, causing fire and smoke damage. The mother noticed the toy ignited on the landing of her Bulleid Place home in Ashford last night after hearing a crackling sound at about 9.20 pm. She switched the power off, rushed her children and their friend out of her home and dialed 999.
Detoxing carpet: Pathways towards safe and recyclable carpet in a truly circular economy
March, 2018, European Public Health Alliance
This briefing summarises the findings of research by Anthesis Consulting on hazardous substances found in carpets sold in Europe. The study, Toxics in carpet in the European Union (March 2018), reveals how toxic substances in carpets can affect consumers’ and workers’ health and pose obstacles for the industry to move towards a circular economy, as toxic substances might persist in recycled products and harm health. The report concludes with recommendations for how the
carpet sector must redesign its products and eliminate toxic substances to move towards a circular economy.
