Two Southern California Executives Convicted In Dehumidifiers Scheme Case
November 16, 2023, MSN
Two Southern California executives were found guilty for their roles in a scheme involving sales of defective and fire-prone Chinese-made dehumidifiers. Both were convicted of conspiracy and failure to furnish information to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The jury found that as early as September 2012, Simon Chu and Charley Loh received multiple reports that their dehumidifiers were defective, dangerous and could catch fire. The executives also knew that they were required to immediately report the product safety information to the CPSC, according to the DOJ.
U.S. Product Recalls Fall During Q3 Even As Regulatory Scrutiny Increases
November 16, 2023, Sedgwick
U.S. product recall activity recorded it largest quarterly decline in over three years, as events fell by more than ten percent between Q2 and Q3 2023. According to Sedgwick brand protection’s latest U.S. Recall Index report, there were 740 product recalls in Q3 2023, which is 13.6% fewer than the 856 recorded in Q2 2023. Despite this third quarter decline, 2023 still remains on track to hit a five year high for total recall events. The number of defective units recalled in Q3 2023 also fell significantly, decreasing 61.9% from Q2 2023.
10 Ways To Prove You’re A Strategic Thinker
October 31, 2023, Harvard Business Review
To get ahead in the business world, it’s not enough to think strategically. You also have to effectively communicate those ideas. There are several ways to do this. These include: 1) Elevating the conversation to focus on the big picture and broader context; 2) Being forward-looking in your comments; 3) Anticipating the effects of potential decisions; 4) Connecting disparate concepts, simplifying complex issues; 5) Using metaphors and analogies, stimulating dialogue with question; 6) Showing you are informed; 7) Actively listening; and 8) Seeking feedback.
Campaign Launched To Combat Rising Fires From Lithium-Ion Batteries
November 15, 2023, Fire Safety Research Institute
Fires from lithium-ion battery-powered devices are increasing at an alarming rate. UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute launched the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety campaign with a new PSA and tips to educate people about safer use of lithium-ion battery powered devices. The campaign is being launched in collaboration with The Fire Department of the City of New York, U.S. Fire Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and with the support of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
PFAS In Consumer Products: State-By-State Regulations – November 2023
November 14, 2023, JD Supra
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products across a broad spectrum of industries are being impacted by laws regulating 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 risks for non-compliance can be significant.
EU Report Says Harmful Compounds Lurk In Childcare Products
November 16, 2023, C&EN
Harmful compounds are present in products that kids are exposed to often, including car seats, bibs, and changing pads, according to a report from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The substances, which include flame retardants, metals, and phthalates, are known to cause cancer, genetic mutations, or reproductive harm. ECHA scientists collected over 1,500 measurements of childcare products to test for 182 compounds known as CMRs because they are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction. They found multiple potentially harmful compounds in concentrations above the European Union’s limits. These include vinyl chloride, lead, cobalt, diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, and the flame retardants tetrabromobisphenol A and tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate.
Irish Research: Flame Retardant Chemicals Can Cause Serious Health Risks – And They Only Slow Fire By A Few Seconds
November 15, 2023, The Conversation
Like for other chemicals such as pesticides and asbestos, research caught up with the most widely used FRs in the early 2000s and found that the benefits of these chemicals may be outweighed by the dangers. Simply using these items is enough to make FRs leach into indoor air and dust where we can inhale or ingest them, or even absorb them through our skin.
New Report Outlines Risks Of AI-Enabled Smart Toys On Your Child’s Wish List
November 17, 2023, USA Today
Toys that spy on children are a growing threat, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group which published a report covering the dangers of certain products as well as purchases of recalled toys. “Smart toys” specifically, are causing concern and the industry isn’t slowing down. The global market for smart toys grew to $16.7 million this year, from $14.1 million in 2022, according to a large market research firm, and is expected to at least double by 2027. Before purchasing that “must have” smart toy on your child’s Christmas wish list, here’s what to know about the risks.
How To Stay Safe While Cooking And Decorating This Holiday Season
November 15, 2023, CBS 11 News
The Consumer Product Safety Commission used dramatic demonstrations to warn of the pitfalls that can ruin a happy holiday and the stunning statistics behind injuries related to holiday decorating, cooking and toys. “The unthinkable can happen in an instant and fires involving Christmas trees and candles are far too frequent in this holiday season,” said Alexander Hoehn-Saric, CPSC Chairman. The CPSC says an average of 1,600 cooking fires take place on Thanksgiving Day, more than three times the daily average. The CPSC says to stay close while food is on the stove or in the oven. If you are frying a turkey, place the fryer far from the house and never on the porch or in the garage.
Third Time’s A Charm: California Re-Introduces Proposed Changes To Proposition 65’s Warnings And Safe Harbor Requirements
November 16, 2023, JD Supra
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), the lead agency that implements Proposition 65, introduced its third attempt to amend the “short form” warning provisions of this widely enforced consumer protection statute. If implemented, the proposal would require the Proposition 65 short form warning to identify at least one Proposition 65-listed chemical present in the product. The agency stated the proposal intends to make the short form warning more informative to consumers. In reality, the proposal shifts costs to businesses.
UK Ofcom Provides Detail On Online Safety Act ‘Illegal Harms’ Regime
November 16, 2023, Pinsent Masons
Online content platforms operating in the UK should study recent publications issued by Ofcom to get a better handle on how the Online Safety Act will apply to them, and what they can do to meet the new legal requirements around addressing illegal content. The draft codes of practice and guidance published by Ofcom on 9 November supplement the wording in the Online Safety Act, which became UK law late last month. This means that, for many service providers, compliance with the codes and associated guidance Ofcom issues will be the easiest way to meet their duties under the Act.
Indian Centre Sets Up Committee To Draft Safety Pledge For E-Commerce Platforms
November 17, 2023, KNN India
With the aim to prevent the sale of unsafe goods to consumers through online marketplaces, the government has constituted a committee to draft the safety pledge for e-commerce platforms. The panel, which includes members from major e-commerce platforms, voluntary consumer associations, industry bodies and National Law Universities, will submit its report in two weeks. The Department of Consumer Affairs held a stakeholder consultation on preparation for a ‘Safety Pledge’ for e-commerce platforms. The exercise is aimed at ensuring the sale of goods which are safe for use by consumers and requires platforms to take appropriate measures to prevent the sale of unsafe goods, an official statement said.
