In the News; January 30, 2023

Meet The Man Who Unwittingly Triggered The War Over Gas Stoves
January 26, 2023, The Washington Post
Until he became an unwitting flash point in the nation’s culture wars, Richard Trumka Jr. was little known to most Americans, despite being the son of a famous labor leader. But less than three weeks ago, this member of the Consumer Product Safety Commission was thrust into the public limelight. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Trumka said his commission was considering regulations – or even a ban – on new gas stoves because of concerns about their harmful indoor air pollution.

PFAS In Consumer Products: Developing A Proactive And Strategic Game Plan
January 25, 2023, JD Supra
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products continue to be in the regulatory and litigation spotlight in 2023. Manufacturers and downstream businesses should be actively preparing to comply with the continually evolving patchwork of federal and state PFAS laws. This, as well as taking steps to minimize litigation risks. Here is strategic advice for manufacturers and downstream businesses on how regulatory and litigation PFAS developments may apply to them and best practices for minimizing regulatory and litigation risk.

Expecting A Bad Performance Review?  Here’s How To Prepare
July 7, 2022, Harvard Business Review
By preemptively taking action if you expect to receive a bad performance review, you may be able to steer a different course for yourself and avoid a foregone conclusion — or at least feel better about the outcome. The author offers six steps to take before and after your review if you know your performance has been subpar. If you still receive a negative review despite your best efforts to be proactive, it may help you realize that your skills, strengths, and interests don’t align with the needs of your current role.

ZLINE Expands Recall Of Gas Ranges
January 27, 2023, RTT News
Reno, Nevada-based ZLINE Kitchen and Bath has expanded its recall of gas ranges citing serious risk of injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. The recall now includes about 30,000 units of ZLINE gas ranges, including about 28,000 units of ZLINE gas ranges, which the company called back in late December for the same concerns.

New Law: EU Product Sales May Be Subject To Upcoming Product Safety Laws
February 2023, ICAEW
UK manufacturers whose products are sold in the European Union will welcome publication of a first draft of the proposed new European General Product Safety Regulation. The regulation will enable them to start to plan for potential new legal obligations on sales of their products in the EU.

U. S. Making Another Change In Gas Can Requirements
January 24, 2023, Magnolia State Live
Thanks to a Congressional mandate from 2020, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is making gas cans and other fuel containers safer by requiring flame mitigation devices. The new mandatory safety standard will go into effect in July 2023.  Flame mitigation devices, such as flame arrestors, protect against flame jetting and container rupturing.

Statement Of Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric On Approval Of A Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking Implementing Reese’s Law
January 26, 2023, cpsc.gov

Study: Most US Children Using Potentially Toxic Makeup, Face Paints
January 25, 2023, yourerie.com
Most U.S. children are using cosmetics and body care products that could contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals, a new study has found. About 70 percent of parents surveyed said that their children use items such as glitter, face paint, nail polish, lip gloss and perfumes that are marketed for kids, according to the research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Such products often feature bright colors, animals and cartoon characters that serve “to attract the attention of children,” the authors noted.

The Importance Of Wearing A Bicycle Helmet
January 24, 2024, Cleveland Clinic
Bicycle helmets save lives and prevent injuries. Using the safety gear is considered the single most effective way to prevent head and brain injuries if you should somehow tumble off your two-wheeler. More than 130,000 bicycle riders are injured every year in the United States following crashes, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even more alarming? Nearly 1,000 cyclists die annually. But don’t think these injuries come only from high-speed collisions. Just falling off of a bike on a slow ride — such as circling a cul-de-sac — can leave you pretty banged up.

The Pros And Cons Of Induction Cooktops, According To Consumer Reports
January 23, 2023, Fox9
For consumers looking for a health alternative to gas, an induction cooktop may be a viable option for you.  Roughly 35% of homes in the U.S. have gas stoves that, according to reports, release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other matter that the World Health Organization and EPA deemed unsafe because they can potentially cause cardiovascular problems, cancer and other health conditions. Some experts say induction cooktops and rangers are safer and more energy-efficient, according to Consumer Reports. Despite numerous studies pointing to induction cooking being safer and healthier than gas, the tech doesn’t come without its limitations or concerns. Here’s everything you need to know about induction cooktops to help inform you on your next purchase. 

Media Claim: Defective – Federal Database Of Consumer Product Complaints Leaves Out Deaths, Injuries The Government And Manufacturers Know About
January 23, 2023, NBC Investigate TV
No one can say how many lives Danny Keysar has saved. His death in 1998 fundamentally changed operations at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, and the way baby products are made. When the CPSC launched the website SaferProducts.gov because of Danny’s Law, it was a giant step towards sunshine. For the first time, consumers could search on their own for recalls and dangerous products. hey also could report their own experiences with a potential defect. But the website only offers a glimpse of the true dangers, because it doesn’t include any reports made only to the manufacturers.

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Home, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Uncategorized