In the News: August 1, 2022

Senate Panel Advances Bills To Boost Children’s Safety Online
July 27, 2022, The Washington Post
U.S. Senators have taken their first step toward increasing protections for children and teens
online. They advanced a pair of bipartisan bills that would expand federal safeguards for
children’s’ personal information and activities on digital platforms.

PFAS Update: July 2022 State-By-State Consumer Products Regulations
July27. 2022, 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.

The Upside Of Playing Favorites
July 28, 2022, Harvard Business Review
While managers should strive to treat their employees fairly, it’s natural to develop stronger
relationships with some people than with others. The good news is, new research suggests that
this sort of favoritism doesn’t have to be destructive.

Rising Temperatures Mean Hotter Playground Equipment
July 22, 2022, WRDW
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says one child was burned when it was just 74
degrees. It’s not just the metal slides you need to worry about. Plastic slides, swings and even the
ground surfaces can all burn children if you aren’t careful.

EV Makers Get Show Cause Notice Over Explosions, Fires
July 27, 2022, The Federal
After a spate of EV two-wheelers caught fire, a regulator under the Indian Ministry of Consumer
Affairs issued notices to four to five EV two-wheeler makers asking them for the reasons behind
the fire episodes and why the authority should not take action against them.

Bipartisan Bill, Reese’s Law, Passes The U.S. House
July 28, 2022, Suburban Chicagoland
Reese’s Law is named for Reese Hamsmith, an 18-month-old child who tragically passed away
after ingesting a button cell battery. The consumer protection bill would create safety standards
that prevent accidental ingestion of button batteries by children ages six and younger.

Using Safety By Design To Address Online Harms
July 26, 2022, Brookings
Around the world, policymakers are grappling with how to address the spread of harmful content
and abuse online. From misinformation to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to harassment
and the promotion of self-harm, the range of issues on policymakers’ plates are diverse. All of
them have real consequences in the lives of their constituents—and lack easy remedies.

Nine Sustainable Business Terms: What They Mean And How To Use Them
July 25, 2022, Shortgo
As more companies begin incorporating sustainability into their business strategy, they start
using more environmental terms in their marketing. Let’s look at nine sustainable business terms
and what they mean.

New Florida Law Requires The State To Meet Certain Cleanup Levels Of Toxic ‘Forever
Chemicals’

July 25, 2022, WUSF News
Lawmakers warn that “these are forever chemicals that are within our environment now and are
going to create a major environmental disaster.” HB 1475 and companion bill SB 7012 now
legally require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to set state rules for target
cleanup levels of PFAS. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on June 20. It took effect
immediately.

Electric Scooters Are Illegal In Quebec
July 27, 2022, Queen’s Citizen.ca
Although electric scooters are becoming more popular, they are still illegal says the Société de
l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). “A scooter not covered by the Highway Safety Code
is illegal,” maintains an SAAQ official. They are prohibited to use on public roads: streets,
sidewalks and cycle paths.

Recalled Baby Bottles Violate Federal Lead Content Ban
July 28, 2022, WTTV
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall involves NUK-branded First Choice
glass baby bottles. The brand name NUK, in white lettering, a graduated volume scale in white
markings and white and gray stars are on the outside of the bottle contain lead levels that exceed
the U.S. federal lead content ban, according to the CPSC.

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Innovation, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Sustainability, Uncategorized