In the News: November 25, 2019

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Hong Kong Update: Toy Association monitors protests ahead of 2020
November 19, 2019, Toy Association
January travel to Hong Kong has long served as the kick-off to the toy community year. With protests and tensions rising in the city however, many Toy Association members have expressed growing concerns and conflicting views about how this may impact business travel heading into 2020 and beyond. Recognizing member concerns, The Toy Association is meeting with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) this week to discuss the upcoming trade show, travel to member showrooms, and what steps the HKTDC is taking to ensure safe passage for international visitors.

China’s vaping boom alarms the government
November 21, 2019, New York Times
For years, Chinese e-cigarette makers had free rein to operate without regard to consumer safety. But new rules are set to change that. China has joined the United States and other governments in putting new pressure on vaping. Regulators have banned online sales of vaping products, and China’s major propaganda outlets have heaped on scrutiny, citing the potential health effects. The government is considering banning vaping in public places.

Researchers work to make cleaning products safer
November 21, 2019, necn.com-NBC
In a lab in Lowell, Massachusetts, there is a belief in a better way to clean without using potentially dangerous chemicals.”There is still a perception that the stronger it smells, the better it works, the stronger the bleach, the more it will kill the germs,” Liz Harriman, deputy director of UMass Lowell’s Toxics Use Reduction Institute, said Thursday.The work done in TURI’s labs taking on renewed urgency in recent weeks after two chemical reaction incidents in the Boston area.

Washington State bans vitamin e acetate in vaping products
November 19, 2019, KUOW.org
In a new regulation starting November 20, Washington state is expanding its ban on certain vaping products. Health officials have not been able to determine what it is about vaping products that has caused hundreds of cases of severe lung disease in the nation. But this month, the Centers for Disease Control found that vitamin E acetate was present in all of the 29 patients they reviewed.

Activists including actor Mark Ruffalo help launch awareness campaign on PFAS chemicals
November 21, 2019, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Health advocates fearful of a family of chemicals widely used by companies, including 3M, launched a public-awareness effort Tuesday to coincide with the Friday release of a movie slamming corporate coverups of their dangers.The Fight Forever Chemicals campaign used the upcoming release of “Dark Waters,” a feature film about health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to urge people to pay attention to a largely ignored public health issue.

Time to embrace sustainability in the fashion industry
November 18, 2019, Singapore Business Review
Greenhouse gas emissions from the apparel industry is expected to increase to 49% in the next decade.
The US$2.5t fashion and apparel industry is one of the largest industries in the world and shows no sign of slowing down. With populations in Southeast Asia getting more affluent, demand for fast fashion is expected to balloon. To keep up with demand, fashion brands are producing more and more, faster and faster.

NTSB calls on Boeing to redesign some 737s after deadly Southwest accident
November 19, 2019, CNBC
Boeing on said it plans to revamp parts for thousands of 737s after federal safety officials investigating last year’s deadly engine blast on Southwest Airlines flight called for a redesign that would better withstand engine failures in flight. The NTSB recommendations don’t relate to Boeing’s beleaguered 737 Max, a newer version of the plane that has been grounded since mid-March in the wake of two fatal crashes in a span of five months, but the recommendations are adding to scrutiny of the aerospace giant’s planes. Dozens of 737 NGs have been grounded recently after inspectors found cracks in so-called pickle forks, which connect wings to fuselages.

New ACI guidance provides pathways for stewardship of enzyme-containing consumer products
November 20, 2019, American Cleaning Institute
Enzymes bring significant benefits to laundry and cleaning products, including improved cleaning efficiencies. An updated publication from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) provides a framework for consumer product manufacturers to develop appropriate risk management strategies to avoid unacceptable risks to the users of new products containing enzymes. Guidance for the Risk Assessment of Enzyme-Containing Consumer Products is now available for free on the ACI website, cleaninginstitute.org.

Wrap-up of federal and state chemical regulatory developments
November 19, 2019, JD Supra
EPA Will Provide Minimum 30-Day Public Comment Period On Draft Risk Evaluations: The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) announced that EPA will provide more time for public comment on its draft risk evaluations before the TSCA Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) meets to peer review the draft documents. According to an EPA official, the new schedule will include a comment period of at least 30 days before SACC meets. EPA plans to complete ten chemical risk evaluations by June 22, 2020.

Report reveals top retailers making major chemical safety advances
November 21, 2019, wamc.org
A new report finds many of North America’s largest retail companies are embracing chemical safety policies to help protect consumers from toxic chemicals in products. The fourth annual “Who’s Minding the Store? A Report Card on Retailer Actions to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals” evaluated and graded the chemical policies and practices of 43 retail chains with more than 190,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
It’s part of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families’ Mind the Store campaign.

Business Wire: Colgate Palmolive ships world’s first tube recognized as recyclable
November 20, 2019, Tullahoma News, TN
Colgate-Palmolive’s new recyclable tube is made from the same plastic used to make bottles, so it recycles like a bottle, and squeezes easy like a tube.Last week, Colgate delivered to retailers the first tube recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) — Antiplaque & Whitening toothpaste under the Company’s Tom’s of Maine brand. Tom’s will complete the switch in 2020, and by 2025 the company will complete needed modifications to tube-making equipment at more than a dozen of its facilities around the world. Now, Colgate is sharing its innovative technology with competitors as part of its campaign to transform one of the most widely used forms of plastic packaging that until now could not be recycled.

 

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

In the News: November 18, 2019

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Consumer Reports: Dangers in the laundry room
November 17, 2019, Consumer Reports
A YouTube report by Consumer Reports on dangers in the laundry room, including tips on how to make the area safer for kids. The report includes information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on laundry room dangers and how to reduce the risk to children.

Federal experts warn parents about unsafe car seats being sold across the nation
November 15, 2019, News3LV
At the end of October, a concerned pediatrician alerted the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration that there are many child seats that do no meet the federal safety standards that are being sold across the country. The pediatrician brought forth many valid safety concerns, and now, government experts are urging parents that they should be aware of signs that a car seat is unsafe.

New Study: Too many kids get hurt by lawnmowers
November 15, 2019, Reuters
Many children are injured by lawnmowers despite safety guidelines in place to prevent these accidents, and kids in rural communities are most at risk, a U.S. study suggests. Researchers examined data on 1,302 lawnmower injuries in children 1 to 18 years old from 2005 to 2017. In cities, 1.47 kids out of every 100,000 sustained lawnmower injuries, compared to 4.26 kids out of every 100,000 in rural areas, the study found.

Create an ethics committee to keep your AI initiative in check
November 15, 2019, Harvard Business Review
It’s not uncommon for a news organizations to invite comments and feedback from their audience; in fact, most encourage it. But WITF has gone above and beyond a general invitation for engagement. A statement highlights the potential for bias in their own reporting — and their attempt to avoid it. Contemporary sensitivities to bias are growing, and this will only increase with the proliferation and ubiquity of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Most of today’s AI systems are built via machine learning, a technique that requires any one of thousands of potential algorithms to “learn” patterns from extremely large stockpiles of data. This should produce a model that is predictive of future real-world scenarios, but bias skews the accuracy of these models.

Family says hoverboard exploded burning down their home
November 15, 2019, WKYT (CNN)
A family is homeless after they say a hoverboard exploded and burned down their home. They say it happened in a matter of seconds and they’re only alive thanks to the oldest son’s quick-thinking. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented over 250 hoverboard incidents involving fires since 2015 and recommends checking for recalls. “Even though I saw the videos of hoverboards exploding, I never thought that mine would be one of those,” a family member said.

Dallas will wait a little longer for tighter scooter regulations
November 14, 2019, Dallas News
Transportation officials in Dallas will have four more months to iron out regulations that would address safety concerns around the city’s motorized scooters. The Dallas City Council on Wednesday approved an extension for the ordinance’s sunset to March 31, before the scooter ordinance was set to expire by the end of this month. Michael Rogers, director of the city’s Department of Transportation, initially planned to bring recommendations to the council this month for ordinance changes. Rogers said his staffers need more time to develop the proposal.

EPA will hold public meeting on TSCA new chemical program
November 17, 2019, National Law Review
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting on December 10, 2019, to engage with interested stakeholders on the implementation of EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) New Chemicals program. By the end of 2019, EPA intends to announce the availability of the updated “Working Approach” document and provide an opportunity for written public comment.  EPA states that feedback from the public meeting and comments received will help inform its ongoing efforts to improve the way EPA reviews new chemicals under TSCA

New one stop shop for ethical brands
November 13, 2019, Forbes
Nisolo, a popular sustainable shoe brand, now wants to push beyond footwear. Launching a new marketplace of curated items from ethical brands, Nisolo is making a one-stop shop for customers wanting to invest in purpose-driven brands.

Healthy sleep for children: Everything you need to know
November 13, 2019, Cayman Eye News
A growing body of scientific literature is highlighting the negative effects of inadequate sleep. A survey carried out in Japan concluded that “shortened nocturnal sleep is a growing social phenomenon in industrialized countries.”Another study published in the Sleep Journal states: “It is widely recognized that sleep is important for children’s health and well-being and that short sleep duration is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes.” Both studies agree that that lack of healthy sleep is associated with negative physical, emotional as well as cognitive outcomes.

Ex VW executive accused in emissions scandal denied release
November 15, 2019, Valliant News
A Detroit federal judge on Thursday denied pretrial bond release of former Volkswagen AG executive Oliver Schmidt, indicted for his role in the automaker’s diesel emissions scandal, saying there is “serious risk” that Schmidt would not appear in court for trial now set for January 2018. Cox said he carefully considered the arguments, but said the court believes there are no conditions to a release that will assure Schmidt’s appearance for trial.

 

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

In the News: November 11, 2019

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Vaping Illnesses Are Linked to Vitamin E Acetate, C.D.C. Says
November 8,2019, New York Times
A form of vitamin E has been identified as a “very strong culprit” in lung injuries related to vaping THC, health officials reported on Friday, a major advance in a frightening outbreak that has killed 40 people and sickened 2,051. Many patients with the mysterious illness have wound up hospitalized in intensive care units, needing ventilators or even more desperate measures to help them breathe. Most are young, male adults or even teenagers.

Is your family safe from tipping furniture?
November 6, 2019. Rismedia
While many of us think about safety in our vehicles, safety at home is often less front and center, especially when it comes to furniture safety. Lawmakers recently introduced the Stop Tip-Overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act (STURDY) that would direct the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to adopt a stronger, mandatory stability standard for household furniture. According to lawmakers, furniture or items on top of them like TVs have caused at least 363 deaths between 2000 and 2011 from children being trapped or crushed by unstable products

Scientists design ‘smart’ asphalts with magnetic materials for safer electric scooters
November 7, 2019, Tech Explore
Scientists from the University of Granada have used magnetic materials in “smart” asphalts that modify their properties in the presence of external magnetic fields. This work—part of the wider research field of “smart cities”—would enable roads to signal to scooters when to slow down, for example, or could automatically cut off the electric motor or engine in case of danger. Scientists from the University of Granada (UGR) have designed “smart” asphalts, made with magnetic materials, that significantly increase the safety of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), in particular electric scooters, in urban areas.

Buyers Beware: Recalled products are being sold on Craiglist and Facebook marketplace
November 6, 2019, Consumer Reports
A mom from Asheville, N.C., selling a Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper for $20 on Craigslist in October gave the product a ringing endorsement. “This was a lifesaver for my newborn,” she wrote. “He was able to sleep right next to me and I didn’t have to worry about him choking in the middle of the night. . . . Gave us so much peace of mind.”
“Was a lifesaver when my daughter was a baby,” echoed another mom from Kenosha, Wis., in a post on Facebook Marketplace. She had listed the Rock ’n Play Sleeper for sale for $40.
Neither mother apparently was aware of how much her upbeat recommendation jarred with reality.

House leaders demand FAA answer why it overruled its own engineers sfety concerns about Boeing 737 Max
November 7,2019, Washington Post
Two leading House Democrats wrote to the FAA on Thursday demanding to know why the agency appeared to overrule its own engineers’ concerns about safety issues related to the Boeing 737 Max and the 787 Dreamliner, ultimately siding with the manufacturer rather than its own staff. House Transportation Committee Chairman Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), who chairs the committee’s aviation panel, asked FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson to provide answers about how the agency “weighs the validity of safety issues raised by its own experts compared to the objections raised by the aircraft manufacturers the FAA is supposed to oversee.”

Boeing to invest $1 billion in global safety drive: sources
November 6, 2019, Reuters
Boeing Co (BA.N) is planning an initial investment of around $1 billion into industry-wide pilot development as part of a long-term initiative to reduce risks like those faced by the crew in two 737 MAX crashes, people familiar with the matter said.

Acting Chairman Adler dissenting opinion on organohalogen amendments to the CPSC FY 2020 Operating Plan
October 24, 2019, cpsc.gov
The Acting Chairman praises the spirit of communication in considering amendments to the CPSC FY 2020 operating plan among the commission members but says “I must voice strong opposition to…the amendment to direct staff to draft a notice withdrawing the Commission’s Guidance Document on Organohalogen Flame Retardants.”

Governor DeWine signs new law strengthening safety inspection standards for amusement rides
November 7, 2019, Fox8.com
Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a measure aimed at strengthening Ohio’s amusement ride safety program. The bill signed by the Republican governor seeks to strengthen safety inspection standards, define qualifications for ride inspectors and outline ride owner responsibilities, among other things. It also will provide for a professional engineer on the state panel that makes recommendations to Ohio’s agriculture director about safety matters involving amusement rides.

Engineering degrees should require ethics training
November 8, 2019, Quartz
This summer, the FaceApp debate exploded on social media, as people questioned the motives of the Russian engineers behind the technology that scanned millions of people’s faces, with no indication of what happened to the data given to the app. Privacy is presumably top of mind for the general public, but people’s urge to literally see the face of their own future selves seemed to outweigh that threat.

 

 

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

In the News: October 28, 2019

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All Infant Inclined Sleep Products Should Be Recalled, Consumer Reports Says
October 23, 2019, Consumer Reports
Last April Consumer Reports tied the Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper to dozens of infant deaths, prompting the recall of all 4.7 million of the sleepers. And last week, an independent study commissioned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded that “none of the inclined sleep products that were tested and evaluated as part of this study are safe for infant sleep.” Based in part on that study, the CPSC’s staff proposed last week that infant inclined sleepers be eliminated from the market by recommending that no infant sleeper exceed a back angle of 10 degrees.

Amazon consumer chief rebuts claims its marketplace sells unsafe products
October 22, 2019, cNet
Amazon top exec Jeff Wilke on Tuesday pushed back against news reports that uncovered counterfeit, illegitimate and unsafe products on its website. “You can find anecdotes to support whatever conclusion you want,” Wilke, Amazon’s CEO of worldwide consumer, said on stage at the Wall Street Journal’s annual Tech Live conference in Laguna Beach, California, “but the vast majority of sales on Amazon are legitimate product, safe product.”

Chemicals in consumer products during early pregnancy related to lower IQ, especially in boys
October 24, 2019, Science Daily
Exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy to mixtures of suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in consumer products is related to lower IQ in children by age 7, according to a new study by the Mount Sinai Hospital/Mount Sinai School of Medicine. This study is among the first to look at prenatal suspected endocrine-disrupting chemical mixtures in relation to neurodevelopment.

How consumers view male and female CEOs differently
October 24, 2019, University of Virginia
New research suggests that how well your company recovers from a crisis could depend on if your CEO’s name is “Adam” or “Abigail.” Amanda Cowen and Nicole Votolato Montgomery, both professors in the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, were curious if a CEO’s gender significantly affected how consumers respond to companies following product failures. They examined product failures attributed to ethical causes – such as the poor emissions performance of Volkswagen vehicles – as well as those attributed to competence shortcomings – like the exploding Galaxy Note 7 phones that plagued Samsung.

CPSC issues warning: Liquid nicotine can be deadly for children and pets
October 24, 2019, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers that even small amounts of liquid nicotine can be extremely hazardous to children and pets who swallow it or come into contact with it through their skin. Parents and caregivers should always store liquid nicotine in its child-resistant packaging, tightly seal the container after each use, and keep it locked up and away from children and pets. When handling solutions containing liquid nicotine, adults should also be careful to minimize direct skin contact.

A.I. regulation is coming soon. Here’s what the future may hold
October 24, 2019, Fortune
If you want to know how the global regulation of artificial intelligence might shape up in the coming years, best look to Berlin. Last year Angela Merkel’s government tasked a new Data Ethics Commission with producing recommendations for rules around algorithms and A.I. The group’s report landed Wednesday, packed with ideas for guiding the development of this new technology in a way that protects people from exploitation.

Unfavorable times for the electric scooter industry
October 24, 2019, Inhabitat
Once billed as an environmentally-friendly and enterprising venture, the electric scooter-sharing micromobility business has not lived up to the promising hype but is now looking dismal. Could this be the end for e-scooters? By commuting via e-scooters, it was hoped they would reduce traffic volume, promote zero-carbon transport and improve air quality by mitigating pollution. Instead, there have even been numerous complaints regarding cluttered sidewalks and claims about the injuries they cause due to irresponsible riders.

Editorial: Get PFAS out of firefighting foam
October 24, 2019, Daily Gazette
Among the bills destined for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk is one that would ban PFAS chemicals from firefighting foams made and used in New York state. It’s a necessary piece of legislation that will go a long way toward protecting the public from these harmful chemicals, and the governor should sign it. But this law should only be considered a first step toward more comprehensive and restrictive legislation down the road.

How to make sure your products don’t get damaged
October 23, 2019, Chicago Now
In 2018, people shipped more than 87 billion parcels worldwide. The journey from warehouse to consumer is a perilous one. It’s an impressive feat that more goods don’t arrive at their destination in pieces. This level of quality requires more than ensuring items are protected before they’re sent out. The process starts in the warehouse, but you must follow it all the way to the customer. Follow the five tips to avoid disappointing your client base with damaged goods.

Next gen scooter tech could help address city pain points
October 24, 2019, Government Technology
The next generation of small electric scooters may just guide themselves right to a rider’s door.
Tortoise, one of the newest startups to emerge from the San Francisco micro-mobility landscape, wants to outfit scooters with about $100 of autonomous technology that will allow the devices to be remote-guided or repositioned, at speeds of less than 5 mph.

Don’t be spooked by injuries this Halloween: Follow CPSC’s tips to protect children from harm
October 24, 2019, cpsc.gov
From October through November 2018, CPSC estimates there were 4,500 Halloween-related injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Here’s a breakdown of injuries and how to prepare for a safer Halloween this year.

 

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

In the News: October 21, 2019

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Consumer Product Safety Commission: Proposes ban on inclined sleepers
October 17, 2019, WKBN
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission called for a halt in sales of all inclined baby sleepers, a popular product that has been implicated in at least 64 infant deaths nationwide. The federal safety agency announced its intention in a notice that still must be approved by the full commission. The change would ban the sale of any infant sleep product with a tilt of more than 10 degrees — effectively banning the entire category of products.

https://www.wkbn.com/news/national-world/federal-agency-proposes-ban-on-inclining-baby-sleepers/

Senate investigation pins data breach on incompetence
October 17, 2019, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has delivered an investigation report to Acting Chairman Robert Adler of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The committee’s investigation centered on the CPSC’s violation of section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and subsequent data breaches. The report cites lack of training and poor software design as the chief culprits, and not “deliberate, bad-faith efforts” by senior managers. A patchwork collection of three software applications used by employees to access CPSC data were found to be “convoluted and ineffective.”

Johnson & Johnson to recall some baby powder as FDA finds traces of asbestos
October 18, 2019, Reuters
Johnson & Johnson said on Friday it is recalling around 33,000 bottles of baby powder in the United States after U.S. health regulators found trace amounts of asbestos in samples taken from a bottle purchased online. The move marks the first time the company has recalled its iconic baby powder for possible asbestos contamination, and the first time U.S. regulators have announced a finding of asbestos in the product. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that has been linked to deadly mesothelioma.

Study concludes design of Rock-N-Play, other infant sleepers, led to deaths
October 17, 2019, Washington Post
A new study by an outside expert hired by the CPSC suggests that babies died in inclined sleepers for exactly the reasons that pediatricians and safety advocates had been warning about for years. Its findings highlight CPSC staff’s failure to understand the risk and undercuts arguments from industry officials that the product category could be made safe with minor changes to

Corporate boards can redefine business; why CEOs along can’t change companies for good
October 16, 2019, Forbes
A bombshell dropped on corporate America this summer. It was just over 300 words long, but it has challenged the fundamental purpose of business. Looking beyond the bottom line, 181 chief executives from organizations such as Amazon and Apple to Walmart and Xerox set out a vision for their companies to pursue social impact alongside profit. Issued by the Business Roundtable, a lobby group composed of many of the most profitable companies in the world, the statement upended the idea that a company’s sole responsibility is to maximize returns.

Police bust fake children’s product operation
October 17, 2019, Shine, China
A total of 22 suspects have been apprehended for allegedly producing fake infant and toddler products using the Fisher-Price brand name, Shanghai police said on Thursday. The suspects allegedly produced the fake goods at an industrial park in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, and sold them to shops in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province. The products were then sold through shops and over the Internet to domestic consumers and also to buyers in Southeast Asia, police said.

Sour Vape: Killer vaping lung disease now has a name, as death toll hits 31
October 17, 2019, The Sun, UK
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) referred to the illness as ‘EVALI’ in its weekly report on the number of deaths and cases. But experts say they still don’t know what causes EVALI, which stands for “e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury.” It comes as Minnesota’s health department confirmed two more people had died from the disease, taking the state’s death toll to three. More than 1,299 people have now fallen ill after using vaping products, according to the CDC’s latest figures.

First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Juul
October 15, 2019, Law.com
A Florida woman said she was “sentenced to a life of sadness” after her 18-year-old son died due to electronic cigarettes, according to the lawsuit filed by Levin Simes Abrams in California. Her son died after using electronic cigarettes for three years. She filed the first wrongful death lawsuit against Juul Labs Inc.

AHFA Helps buyers find compliant products at High Point market
October 15, 2019, Furniture Lighting and Décor
Recent product recalls issued by manufacturers and retailers in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) point to the high cost of ignoring the industry’s voluntary stability standard for clothing storage furniture. Members of the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) are making it easy for buyers to identify showrooms that carry compliant products by displaying a “WE COMPLY” tent card in their showrooms. The card identifies manufacturers whose products meet requirements of the voluntary stability standard for clothing storage furniture, ASTM F2057-19.

Wrap up of federal and state chemical regulatory developments
October 17, 2019, JD Supra (Bergeson & Campbell PC)
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) published a September 16, 2019, blog item entitled “EPA’s latest move to deflect criticism of its TSCA risk evaluations: Muzzle its science advisors.” EDF notes that it has opposed a number of recent decisions made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “that aim to limit the risks it finds when evaluating the safety of chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).”

Meeting chemical safety requirements and adding value for the U.S. market
October 18, 2019, Textile World
It’s no question that sustainability is a highly valued selling point. We hear — and probably use — related terms like “responsible sourcing,” “traceability,” “transparency,” and “product stewardship” daily. The terms sound good, but how can they be implemented to make a tangible impact? Suppliers face significant pressure from brands and retailers to be transparent about these issues and the solutions they have in place.

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

In the News: October 14, 2019

Posted on by adk

About 1 Million Dressers Are Recalled After Failing Government Safety Tests
October 10, 2019, Consumer Reports
Two companies recalled dresser models last week after the products failed stability testing conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This marks the third and fourth dresser recalls in the past five months. Ridgewood Industries (also known as Ameriwood Home) recalled about 1 million Belmont four-drawer dressers sold by Kmart and Sears for about $40. The second company, E&E, recalled about 1,800 Ink+Ivy Renu three-drawer dressers, sold online at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and elsewhere. for about $350.

New lawsuits filed against Polaris in connection to ATV fires
October 9, 2019, Star Tribune
More lawsuits claiming Polaris ATVs suddenly caught fire, resulting in injuries, have been filed in Hennepin County District Court. The new cases involve fires that occurred this year, including one that resulted in a passenger’s death. One also involved a replacement vehicle issued to an Arizona man after his original Polaris 2015 off-road RZR vehicle caught fire. Medina-based Polaris — a $6.1 billion maker of off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and motorcycles — said it will not comment on individual cases but has denied wrongdoing in court papers.

Amazon Prime Air VP Touts Environmental, Safety Benefits Of Drone Delivery
October 3, 2019, Benzinga
Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN 0.68% Prime Air vice president Gur Kimchi held an audience of clean technology and environmental policy experts spellbound as he laid out the company’s futuristic vision of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) darting around the sky delivering packages to consumers in 30 minutes or less.

Fossil fuel industry sees the future of their product in hard-to-recycle plastic
October 10, 2019, Phys.Org
Plastic pollution and the climate crisis are two inseparable parts of the same problem, though they aren’t treated as such. Many countries have implemented plastic bag charges and plastic straw bans while action to phase out fossil fuels lags far behind, due in part to the inertia of the huge oil and gas companies that dominate the sector.

Preliminary test results show PFAS chemicals in fish from Farmington River
October 4, 4019, NBC
Preliminary testing results detected elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in fish from the Farmington River after firefighting foam spilled into the river from Bradley International Airport in June. PFAS is a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that are widely used in consumer products, including products ranging from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing to carpets to food packaging materials. According to DEEP and the state Department of Public Health, PFAS have been linked to health risks ranging from developmental effects in fetuses and infants to certain forms of cancer.

Singapore supplier fined S$50,000 for affixing safety marks on unregistered charging adapters
October 9, 2019, MalayMail
Gadget supplier iPassion Group has been fined S$50,000 (RM151,712) for putting “Safety” stickers on unregistered charging adapters used for personal mobility devices (PMDs) and selling them, trade agency Enterprise Singapore said in a media statement yesterday.More than 90 per cent of the adapters have since been recalled and more than 900 pieces were seized as part of investigations.

China: Websites failing to protect consumers from toxic plastic toys
October 9, 2019, China Dialogue
A squishy toy, a squawking chicken and some fluorescent slime. Stress-relieving plastic toys like these sell well on China’s e-commerce sites, usually for less than 20 yuan (US$2.80) each. No matter how they are handled, they always return to their original shape because they contain “plasticisers” that make them more flexible and less brittle. But plasticisers can also be toxic. In particular, phthalates are one class of chemical used as a plasticiser that increase the risk of asthma and allergies and can interfere with hormone production, causing issues such as low sperm count or early puberty.

New York City files federal lawsuit accusing 22 online sellers of targeting young with flavored e-cigarettes
October 9, 2019, WTVR
New York City has filed a federal lawsuit against 22 online sellers of flavored e-cigarettes.
The suit accuses the 22 of illegally selling to minors, targeting young people via social media, and luring them with flavors such as “Lemon Twist,” “Freddy’s Pebbles” and “Whipped Salted Caramel.”

Professional Certification: Details released for 2020 product safety professional designation program
October 15, 2019, Society of Product Safety Professionals
Details for the consumer product safety field new individual certification designation have been released by the organizations that have developed the program. The Society of Product Safety Professionals (SPSP) is a non-profit professional development organization that is the conferring body for those who successfully complete the program. SPSP affiliate, the Consumer Product Safety Certification Services (CPSCS), is an  independent certification oversight organization that operates to assure the integrity of the certification program and related preparatory activities. The Emerson Leadership Institute at Saint Louis University’s Richard Chaifetz School of Business was selected as the organization to develop the educational program designed by SPSP and CPSCS. Registration to apply for the program will open in October.

Consumer Product Update: Health Canada warns Canadians of health and safety risks of certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain firepots that use pourable fuels
October 9, 2019, Oil and Gas 360
Health Canada is informing consumers of the serious fire and burn risks associated with flame jetting occurrences that may result from the use of certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain firepots that use those fuels. These products should not be used in the absence of important safety features.

“Toxic Mix”: New quad bike rules overlook age restrictions
October 10, 2019, Sidney Morning Herald
Quad bikes sold in Australia will have to be fitted with roll bars and safety stickers within two years, under new safety standards announced by the federal government. But advocates say there’s still a long way to go as children continue to ride the deadly bikes. The changes come after a long-fought campaign by a coalition of rural voices, including the National Farmers Federation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Country Women’s Association, to mandate safety standards for quad bikes, which are a major cause of injury and death on farms.

PFAS Forever chemicals are in your popcorn and your blood
October 10, 2019, Wired
Next time you pick up a pizza from your favorite pizzeria and toss the box in your front seat, think about why the grease doesn’t saturate through the cardboard onto your upholstery. Or when you hear popcorn bursting in a bag in your microwave, consider why the oil doesn’t ooze out and the paper doesn’t burst into flames, even when some kernels turn black. The answer is likely to be PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of about 4,700 chemicals that make carpets and upholstery stain-resistant and help firefighters douse burning oil and gas. Some PFAS versions keep your burger from sticking to its fast-food wrapper and your salad from turning its fiber-based bowl into a soggy mess.

 

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

In the News: October 8, 2019

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Robert Adler becomes Acting Chairman of Consumer Product Safety Commission
October 1, 2019, cpsc.gov
Effective October 1, 2019, Robert (Bob) Adler became the Acting Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Adler replaces Buerkle who earlier this year announced that she would step down as CPSC’s Acting Chair on September 30.

Baby death in Chicco inclined sleeper leads to lawsuit
September 30, 2019, ABC-TV
Lakin Harmon, is suing Chicco U.S.A. claiming her 3-month-old baby died in what she calls a defective product that is still on store shelves. She talked exclusively to Action News in hopes that sharing her story will prompt a recall of the product and motivate legislators to fix what she calls a backward system.

CDC intensifies warnings about vaping illness as cases top 1,000
October 3, 2019,  NPR
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intensified its warnings about the risks of vaping, as the number of patients with vaping-related illness continues to climb. The case count has reached 1,080, the agency announced. There have been 18 deaths in 15 states, and more deaths are being investigated. All patients reported a history of vaping, and the majority reported using THC-containing products.

Are kids really eating vape pods?
October 3, 2019, Rolling Stone
In the midst of the investigation into the vaping epidemic, which has resulted in the hospitalization of more than 800 people and 12 confirmed deaths nationwide, there’s been a rush to point fingers at the potential culprit behind the epidemic, as well as generate concern about issues that may be tangentially related to vaping. The latest is a report which claims there’s been an increase in reports of very young children accidentally ingesting e-cigarette cartridges or liquid nicotine bottles.

Rulemaking on the way? FTC is seeking input by October 11 on its made in USA claims policy
October, 2019, Retail Consumer Products Law
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is soliciting comments on its 1997 Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims and its ongoing enforcement of that policy. On September 26, 2019, the FTC held a workshop with key stakeholders to discuss how consumers perceive “Made in USA” claims, how advertisers and marketers comply with the standard, and whether the FTC’s current enforcement strategy is effective.

Boeing 737 Max Safety System Was Vetoed, Engineer Says
October 3, 2019, The New York Times
A senior Boeing engineer filed an internal ethics complaint this year saying that during the development of the 737 Max jet the company had rejected a safety system to minimize costs, equipment that he felt could have reduced risks that contributed to two fatal crashes.

Statement of Commissioner Elliot F. Kaye on the vote on the final rule amending the fireworks regulations.
October 1, 2019, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Kaye explains his vote against a fireworks proposal: “If this vote passed, it would have limited each Commissioner’s ability to vote on the resulting Federal Register notice and prevented the Commission from even considering any substantive changes to the final rule prior to it being published.”

Mayo Clinic Report: Suggests that vaping injuries resemble chemical burns
October 4, 2019, The National Law Review (Stark & Stark)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that over 1,000 people became ill from vaping e-cigarettes, including 18 deaths. Now, research by the Mayo Clinic of Arizona suggests the lung damage may be the result of chemical burns. The research team tested lung biopsy samples from 17 patients, including two who have since died from the condition. All 17 biopsies suggested that the lung injuries were most likely caused by “direct toxicity or tissue damage from noxious chemical fumes.”

DieselGate continues to haunt Volkswagen as class action suit is filed
October 1, 2019, Digital Trends
A case has been brought by the Federation of German Consumer Organizations against Volkswagen in which 470,000 owners of the 2.0-liter TDI EA189 engine are seeking compensation due to the company’s diesel emissions scandal. The scandal was uncovered in 2015 via a tip from European researchers to the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.

 

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

In the News: October 1, 2019

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Google’s YouTube will pay $170 million to settle claims it violated child privacy laws
September 4, 2019, CNBC
YouTube will pay $170 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission and the New York attorney general that it earned millions by illegally collecting personal information from children without their parents’ consent. The settlement was passed in a 3-2 vote by the commissioners along party lines. The two Democrats voted against it, saying it did not go far enough to punish YouTube.

Olathe School District will sue e-cigarette maker Juul
September 27, 2019, KMBC
The Olathe Public School District has taken action to sue e-cigarette maker JUUL, claiming the vaping epidemic and JUUL Labs has created a threat to students’ health. The school board authorized school attorneys to sue JUUL. The district says the lawsuit will not require the school district to allocate money to pay for the litigation. A law firm will underwrite the litigation costs and 1/3 of any award would go to the firm.

Boeing revamps safety oversight after review of 737 Max crashes
September 25, 2019, Seattle Times
Boeing aims to sharpen its focus on safety after the 737 Max’s grounding ends, forming a new oversight panel and recommending changes to the planemaker’s structure and design practices after two crashes that killed 346 people. The board’s new Aerospace Safety Committee will supervise the development and manufacturing of Boeing aircraft, the company said, led by Retired Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, a former vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Mattel says its new line of gender neutral dolls is “free of labels”
September 25, 2019, CBS-Moneywatch
Mattel may be best known for Barbie — a doll that epitomizes femininity for many people — but now it’s rolling out a new line of gender-neutral dolls. The $30 toys are aimed at children who “don’t want their toys dictated by gender norms,” the company said.

SF to allow 10,000 e-scooters citywide, raising fears of ‘scooter-geddon part two’
September 25, 2019, San Francisco Examiner
Four e-scooter companies just won a coveted permit to rent electric kick scooters in San Francisco. Jump, Lime, Scoot and Spin will all become a permanent presence on The City’s streets. And those e-scooter companies will be able to run in more neighborhoods than they were previously allowed to, spreading to San Francisco’s West Side.

States’ Survey: PFAS consumer product regulations
September 24, 2019, 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 polyfluorinated chemicals (“PFAS”) in their products. This area of law is rapidly developing as states create new laws, and the penalties for non-compliance can be significant. Here is an overview of enacted and proposed state laws and regulations.

Massachusetts senator votes to ban certain toxic flame retardants
September 25, 2019, Arlington, MA Wicked Local
Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, joined her colleagues in voting to ban certain toxic chemical flame retardants from children’s products, including toys and nap mats, as well as in upholstered furniture, window dressings, carpeting, and bedding made or sold in the state. The bill, S.2338, would establish an initial list of eleven chemical flame retardants that would be banned.

FTC on influencers and consumer reviews from the NAD conference
September 27, 2019, JD Supra
Mamie Kresses, a senior attorney in the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Advertising Practices division at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), offered her views on influencers and consumer reviews, two topics “near and dear to our hearts.” Here are some key takeaways on the FTC’s approach to the topics.

US Fireworks industry expresses disappointment in CPSC “failure to improve consumer safety”
September 24, 2019, PRNewswire
“The American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) and the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), together representing more than 95 percent of the American fireworks industry join to express disappointment in today’s 3-1 vote by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in failing to update its mandatory consumer fireworks safety standards to enhance the safety of American families.”

Charges for VW executives mark latest bad day for German carmaker
September 25, 2019, The Irish Times
Volkswagen was supposed to turn the corner this year from the shadow of a costly diesel emissions scandal, with a new emphasis on electric vehicles, a new logo and a new commitment to ethical behaviour. But German prosecutors charged the carmaker’s two highest-ranking executives with stock market manipulation for failing to inform shareholders of an investigation in the US that led to its conviction for emissions cheating.

FTC identifies concerns over plaintiff’s lawyer’s advertisements concerning risks associated with pharmaceutical drugs
September 26, 2019, The National Law Review
On September 24, 2019, the FTC announced that it had sent letters to seven legal practitioners and lead generators  that expressed concerns that some television advertisements that solicit clients for personal injury lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies may be deceptive or unfair under the FTC Act.  The FTC did not identify who received the letters or which specific ads might be at issue.

 

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

In the News: September 23, 2019

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Walmart to end sales of e-cigarettes, as vaping concerns mount
September 20, 2019, The New York Times
Walmart said on Friday that it would stop selling e-cigarettes at its stores in the United States, dealing a new blow to the vaping industry as concerns mount over the health risks of the products and their soaring popularity among teenagers. “Given the growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity and uncertainty regarding e-cigarettes, we plan to discontinue the sale of electronic nicotine delivery products,” the retailer said in a statement on Friday.

U.S. House forces tip-over prevention standards with new bill
September 19, 2019, Woodworking Network
The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass a bill that would force the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to set up standards that prevent furniture tip-overs. “Every hour, of every day, approximately 3 children are getting injured – over 25,400 per year. Between 2000 and 2011, these tip-overs have resulted in at least 363 fatalities, with most of the innocent victims being less than 8 years old,” said Illinois representative Jan Schakowsky, who introduced the bill. “I’m proud that the House has passed the STURDY Act today, so that we can protect children from these preventable accidents and spare their families these painful situations, resulting simply from a piece of furniture.” The bill was praised by consumer groups.

Vaping Illnesses Increase to 530 Probable Cases, C.D.C. Says
September 19, 2019, New York Times
The number of vaping-related lung illnesses has risen to 530 probable cases, according to an update on Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a Missouri man became the eighth to die from the mysterious ailments. During a news briefing, Dr. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the C.D.C., said officials expect more deaths because some people are suffering from severe lung illnesses.

Industry groups urge Congress to check Trump’s power to tariff
September, 19, 2019, Advertising Specialty Institute
About two dozen industry lobbying groups led by the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) are calling on the United States Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s power to unilaterally impose import tariffs. The tariffs – and broader U.S./China trade war of which they’re an outgrowth – have had significant impacts on the domestic promotional products industry.

Google offshoot joins with Walgreens and FedEx to launch drone deliveries within a month
September 19, 2019, Los Angeles Times
One of the nation’s largest drugstore chains and a shipping service giant are joining forces with Alphabet Inc.’s Wing to begin a first-of-its-kind drone delivery service in October.Walgreens, FedEx Corp. and Wing, an offshoot of Google that was the first U.S. drone operator to receive partial certification as an airline, will begin the exploratory deliveries in the small town of Christiansburg, Va., the companies said in an announcement.

Case Study: How hoverboard makers neglected safety
September 19, 2019, EE Times
Compared to the recent catastrophic crashes of Boeing 737 Max airliners, the consumer hoverboards that “literally” caught fire in 2015 seem like small potatoes. The scale of damage caused by system failures in either case is vastly different. And yet, both times, the elements under scrutiny are safety design principles and the verification process that responsible parties were supposed to follow.

‘Defective’ Lime scooter left Indianapolis rider with traumatic brain injury, lawsuit says
September 20, 2019, Indianapolis Star
An Indianapolis woman who says she suffered life-threatening injuries this summer while riding a Lime scooter is suing the company for negligence, according to a federal lawsuit that describes the electric devices as potentially dangerous. Alleged flaws in at least one of Lime’s scooters posed dangers that Paula Speer wasn’t aware of when she used the device, causing her severe physical harm, the complaint filed Thursday said. The amount of damages being sought was not disclosed, but Speer’s attorney, Eric Pavlack, told IndyStar that his client seeks compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Opinion: Chinese investments in Africa: Four anti-corruption trends to watch
September 19, 2019, Wharton School of Business
A recent bribery scandal involving Chinese business people is different from other cases involving corrupt practices, says this opinion writer. This case represents an important trend. It relates to U.S. authorities’ enforcement of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). While historically FCPA enforcement cases involving China have focused on multinational companies based in China, this one is different. It is an example of FCPA enforcement actions involving Chinese companies doing business outside China and around the world. U.S. FCPA enforcement around the world is nothing new, but this trend represents increased and deliberate focus by U.S. authorities.

Safety is paramount
September 19, 2019, pv magazine
The technological advances that Li-ion batteries have gone through in the past decade are monumental. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have become the leading technologies due to improved energy density and lower cobalt requirements. While new battery technologies are crucial in enabling new end-market applications, concerns from the automotive and power industries over their safety have grown. Over the past five months, IHS Markit has noted more than six EV battery fires, mainly in China and the United States, with various technical failures identified.

The types of plastics families should avoid
September 18, 2019, The New York Times
In a 2019 study, for instance, researchers screened 34 common plastic products — including plastic wraps, bags, food containers, drink bottles and place mats — and found that 74 percent of them tested positive for potentially toxic chemicals. While this study didn’t investigate whether the plastics were harmful to humans, it did indicate the need for more research. Together, the 34 products were found to contain 1,411 different chemical features, and the researchers were only able to match 18 percent of them with known chemicals. In other words, we hardly know what’s in many plastics, let alone how they might affect human health.

Wrap up of federal and state chemical regulations
September 18, 2019, JDSupra
A summary of chemical regulations news items and announcements from various regulatory authorities including the Environment Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the European Commission.

 

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

In the News: September 16, 2019

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CPSC: Commissioner Bob Adler is selected as new Vice Chair, making him Acting Chair
September 15, 2019, Mintz, Levin
On September 13, it was confirmed that Commissioner Bob Adler was elected Vice-Chairman of the CPSC. Because there is no permanent CPSC Chairman at this time, Commissioner Adler will become the Acting Chairman of the agency until a permanent Chairman is confirmed. Commissioner Adler—a Democratic Commissioner—has served on the Commission since 2009. Commissioner Adler was chosen by majority vote of his fellow Commissioners. The election of a Democratic Acting Chairman is a surprising choice for a Republican majority Commission.

Trump delays increase in tariffs on Chinese goods by two weeks ‘as a gesture of good will’
September 11, 2019, The Washington Post
President Trump said on Twitter that he would delay by two weeks the next increase in tariffs on Chinese goods as a “gesture of good will” to advance trade talks that have made little progress for months. The president acted several hours after a conciliatory Chinese move to grant 16 U.S. products a one-year exemption from Beijing’s retaliatory tariffs.

Interior Secretary Bernhardt orders e-bike access on federally-owned land
September 2, 2019, Digital Trends
Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt signed an order that allows ebike access on federal land. Effective immediately, ebike riders can travel anywhere conventional bicycles are allowed on federally managed public lands. The purpose of the order is “to increase recreational opportunities for all Americans, especially those with physical limitations, and to encourage the enjoyment of lands and waters managed by the Department of the Interior.”

Here’s what to watch out for if you have an infant walker
September 11, 2019, WTMJ-TV Milwaukee
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recognizes September as National Baby Safety Awareness month, making now a good time for parents to take stock of toys or products they have in the home that might be unsafe. Researchers say for one, infant walkers are still sending two-thousand babies a year to the emergency department, despite federal safety standards and years of warnings. It’s exciting for parents to watch their babies up on their feet, but infant walkers with wheels are toys that emergency room doctors and pediatricians have come to hate.

Scooter companies crack down on underage riders after 9 year old Omaha boy is injured
September 11, 2019, Omaha World Herald
Scooter companies serving Omaha scrambled Wednesday to make it harder for people under age 18 to rent an electric scooter. Spin and Lime agreed to require people renting scooters to verify their age using a driver’s license, as they do in some other cities.The changes, which will be in place for both companies by Thursday, came after a 9-year-old boy was seriously injured this week on a Spin scooter on Florence Boulevard.

Amazon allows some toys to go on sale before asking for proof of safety compliance
September 11, 2019, CNBC
Amazon says toy sellers have to be safety compliant if they want to sell on its marketplace. But some sellers are not asked to submit safety documents until weeks after they start selling, leaving Amazon’s marketplace open to potentially unsafe products, CNBC has learned. Amazon reached out to a group of new toy sellers in recent weeks, asking them to submit the “required safety documentation” for toys that were already available for sale, according to an email seen by CNBC.

ASTM highlights women’s role in standard making
September 10, 2019, Materials Today
ASTM International has launched a new video highlighting the growing role of women in developing technical standards. The video has been developed by the organization’s president, Katharine Morgan. ASTM says that it has also named six new board members for 2020, five of whom are women. The nominees include:
Francine Bovard, a senior technical specialist with Arconic, a company which engineers and manufactures lightweight metals;
Bonnie McWade-Furtado, an associate research and development scientist at Cabot Corp, a specialty chemical and performance materials company;
Carol Pollack-Nelson, PhD, owner of Independent Safety Consulting LLC, which specializes in consumer product safety.

A sixth person died from vaping-related lung disease. Here’s what you need to know
September 12, 2019, CNN
A sixth person in the United States has died from lung disease related to vaping, Kansas health officials said Tuesday. The woman was older than 50 and had a history of health problems. She became seriously ill shortly after she started using e-cigarettes and her symptoms progressed rapidly. It’s not clear what type of vaping products she used, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said. The death marks the first in the state, but raises even more concern about the safety and regulation of e-cigarettes.

Oregon agency supports flavored e-cigarette ban, businesses prepare
September 13, 2019, KOBI5.com
The Trump administration’s proposed federal ban on flavored e-cigarettes has received the support of Oregon’s state health agency. The Oregon Health Authority weighed in on the health concerns surrounding vaping and e-cigarettes and announced on Thursday it supports the ban. Some retail businesses in the Rogue Valley focused on selling flavored e-cigarettes are now preparing for the worst. “90 percent of our products are all flavored products,” said Derek Van Horn, owner of Stone Cold Vapors in Medford.

Letter: Today’s marine safety steps don’t address battery fires
September 11, 2019, The Mercury News
Re: “How could a fire incinerate a 75-foot dive boat so fast?” (Eastbaytimes.com, Sept. 3):
The Conception fire may be due to a collision between outdated safety standards and new technology. I have dived aboard both the Conception and Vision. They had fire extinguishers, fire hoses and engine-room fire suppression. Cooking was electric; the galley was thought low risk for fire. Lithium ion batteries and chargers have made the galley high risk.

 

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