News – Page 29

In the News: June 24, 2019

Posted on June 22, 2019 by

CPSC releases new mandatory standard to improve safety of high chairs
June 19, 2019, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved a new federal mandatory safety standard to make high chairs safer for both home and restaurant use. The new mandatory standard, which aims to prevent deaths and injuries to infants and toddlers, applies to any infant high chair manufactured or imported on or after June 19, 2019.

IKEA announced dressers, chests designed to prevent tip-overs
June 20, 2019, NBC Miami
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is weighing in on a new dresser design meant to prevent furniture tip-overs. IKEA has announced a new series of dressers and chest of drawers, called Glesvar, designed to prevent tip-overs. The furniture has three stability features. The newly designed series will be available in the U.S. in December. “As an agency we talk about designing out the hazard and perhaps these dressers will do just that,” Acting CPSC Chair Anne-Marie Buerkle said.

E-scooter injuries on the rise less than a week into Chicago’s program
June 20, 2019, ABC7 Chicago
It’s been less than a week since a scooter program launched in Chicago and doctors said they’ve seen an increase in scooter-related injuries. Chicago resident Mary Fraction rented scooters with her family in the West Loop. She hit a crack in the pavement and went flying off of the scooter, which landed her at a trip to the Midwest Orthopedics at Rush Thursday.

Another vaping danger: e-cigarette explodes in teen’s face
June 20, 2019, WebMD
A vape pen exploded in the face of 17-year-old Nevada boy, breaking his jaw and requiring multiple surgeries to repair the damage, according to a case report in the latest New England Journal of Medicine. The 2018 incident highlights a little-known danger of e-cigarettes — the devices can unexpectedly blow up, causing burns and severe facial damage.

Why authentic workplaces are more ethical
June, 2019, Harvard Business Review
People want to feel authentic at work. If an employee or candidate cares about the environment or access to education or being a caring parent, for example, they don’t want their professional responsibilities to interfere with these values or force them to compromise on them. This general concept has gained momentum of late because of the large number of Millennials in the workforce.

Inclined sleeper deaths rise to 50 as industry continues to sell the products
June 20, 2019, Consumer Reports
At least 50 babies are now known to have died in infant inclined sleep products such as the Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper, raising the death toll from the previous count of 37. Though Fisher-Price and Kids II have recalled their inclined sleepers, several other manufacturers continue to sell similar products that pose the same risks.

Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill lifting sidewalk restrictions on electric scooters
June 20, 2019, Fox13News
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Tuesday expanding individual cities’ authority to regulate electric scooters. Most notably, the bill lifts a restriction that limited the use of e-scooters to sidewalks. Effective immediately, riders in downtown Tampa can now ride e-scooters on streets and in bike lanes. Four separate companies have rolled out electronic scooters in recent weeks during the city’s pilot program — which launched in late May — prompting concerns from some over safety.

Consumer goods forum announces 4^th edition of the Sustainable Retail Summit
June 20, 2019, PRNewswire
The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) will be hosting its annual Sustainable Retail Summit (SRS) in Berlin, Germany on 24th-25th October. This year marks the 4th edition of the two-day event, bringing together consumer goods industry experts and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices on tackling some of the key challenges facing the industry today.

Child toxic exposure bill gets governor’s signature one year after veto
June 20, 2019, VTDigger
Gov. Phil Scott signed into law legislation strengthening the state’s system for regulating toxic chemicals in children’s products, a year after he vetoed a similar bill. The legislation expands the role that the state’s health commissioner plays in the regulatory process and the decision to ban a toxic chemical. It also clarifies data collection requirements and increases the frequency with which companies need to report product information to the state.

Tariffs threaten children developmental milestone
June 20, 2019, Yahoo Finance
Strider Balance Bike creator, Ryan McFarland, shared the chilling effect 25% tariffs would have on American children’s health in his testimony before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Commission. Mr. McFarland’s objection to including children’s products in the fourth round of tariffs on Chinese goods stems from his commitment to teaching every child in America how to ride a bike.

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: June 17, 2019

Posted on June 17, 2019 by

adk

More consumers are facing head injuries due to motorized scooters
June 12, 2019, Consumer Affairs
With more consumers finding themselves utilizing electric scooters, experts are noting a strong increase in head injuries. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Rutgers University, lax regulations regarding adults wearing helmets while on board an electric scooter have led to a dramatic increase in head and face injuries over the last 10 years.

UK: Whirlpool told to recall 500,000 tumble dryers over potential fire risk
June 12, 2019, Manchester Evening News
Owners of Whirlpool tumble dryers are urged to unplug them immediately amid mounting health and safety concerns. The government’s safety standards watchdog is set to order an “unprecedented” recall of Whirlpool’s products after receiving pressure from consumer group, Which? Millions of machines under its Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan and Proline brands have the fault that can cause them to set on fire, which has been blamed for around 750 fires over an 11-year period.Whirlpool has fixed the majority of machines, but 500,000 are said to still be at risk.

Panel: Internal networking helps create a culture of compliance
June 12, 2019, The Legal Intelligencer
Networking within a business and setting a tone from the top down is an efficient way to make sure there is a culture of compliance, a panel of in-house compliance officers said Wednesday at the Women Leaders in Compliance and Ethics event at The Union League of Philadelphia.

Fight against flame retardants moves to Washington
June 6, 2019, WCCO CBS Minnesota
A fight waged in Minnesota to better protect firefighters from dangerous chemicals moves to Washington this week.Gov. Tim Walz has signed into law a bill banning some flame-retardant chemicals common in household products. WCCO looked into what the changes here could mean for the next generation of firefighters across the country. Flame retardants in everything from carpet to furniture were once billed as a way to slow the spread of a fire. Further studies have shown they release toxins with alarming consequences.

For State officials, there’s nothing funny about deadly threat of toy guns
June 10, 2019, NJ Spotlight
East Orange officials, the Essex County sheriff, and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez delivered a simple message about the realistic appearance of fake guns. “According to The Washington Post’s Police Shooting Database, 153 people have died at the hands of police while holding air, BB, and other imitation and toy guns since 2015,” Menendez said. Among them was Trenton resident Jason Williams in a fatal police-involved shooting when he threatened suicide with a real looking BB gun.Years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Commission called on the industry to only make fakes that look like fakes, distinguishable by bright colors or an orange tip — a tip that gets removed or painted over.

Why don’t recalls happen faster?
June 11, 2019, Consumer Reports
If deaths are linked to a potentially hazardous product and the government knows about it, you’d think that information would always be made public. And you’d be wrong. Consumer Reports reveals surprising restrictions in the very law governing the agency that is supposed to protect us from dangerous products.

Key New York bills reduce toxic chemicals
June 12, 2019, NRDC
The New York legislature has passed a key bill concerning toxic chemicals in children’s products that is now before the Governor. The Legislature also passed a bill phasing out the use of the brain-harming pesticide chlorpyrifos. That too is before the Governor.The Legislature is further considering two bills that could help protect New Yorkers from toxic and forever “Teflon” chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS) in firefighting foam and food packaging. A bill to require disclosure of ingredients in personal care products is also before the Legislature. Finally, a bill to ban the unnecessary use of toxic flame retardant chemicals in various household products has been introduced.

Plastics Recyclers Europe releases guidance on quality sorting of plastic packaging
June 12, 2019, Materials Handling World
Plastic packaging represents the biggest share of the European plastic demand,[1] and consequently, of the waste that is generated and collected for recycling in Europe. However, today only 42%[2] of plastic packaging waste is recycled in Europe, highlighting the need for more sustainable and effective waste management practices.

Washington State introduces comprehensive toxic substances and pollution law
June 10, 2019, Virtual Strategy
The US State of Washington has signed into law a comprehensive toxic substances and pollution control law that will identify, restrict and ban certain hazardous substances from being used in consumer products and packaging. Once enacted, it will be one of the most restrictive hazardous substances laws in the US.

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: June 10, 2019

Posted on June 9, 2019 by

adk

New CPSC report finds fatal child drownings are on the rise
June 6, 2019, cpsc.gov
A new report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights the need for continued vigilance in combatting drowning, which continues to be a public health crisis and remains the leading cause of unintentional death among children 1–4. There were, on average, an estimated 6,600 pool-or-spa related, hospital emergency department treated, nonfatal drowning injuries each year for 2016 through 2018, and 363 pool-or-spa related fatal child drownings reported per year for 2014 through 2016, involving children younger than 15. Fatal incident rates spiked in 2016 with 389 reported fatalities involving children younger than 15, 74 percent of which involved children younger than 5.

CPSC and Consumer Product Information: Why do accuracy and fairness matter?
June 6, 2019, National Law Review (Schiff and Hardin LLP)
We have recently written about the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) mistaken disclosure of sensitive information and the CPSC’s current data-protection processes and their limits. In the weeks and months ahead, we anticipate a determined challenge to those limited but vital protections. Here, we make the case for why CPSC stakeholders who appreciate their value should prepare to defend them.

ICPHSO Regional conference: Gateway to Product Safety
June 9, 2019, icophso.org
The “Gateway to Product Safety,” regional workshop will be held July 11, 2019 at Saint Louis University and focus on best practices and innovations in product safety and compliance. The most recent critical issues in product safety will be served up in panel presentations, including the recent mistaken disclosure of confidential information from the CPSC, the Boeing 737 Max 8 safety controversy that has become a global issue, and other contemporary issues. Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, distributor, consumer, regulator, NGO or service provider, this training workshop is one you won’t want to miss.

Boom in electric scooters leads to more injuries, fatalities
June 6, 2019, WPSD Local 6
Andrew Hardy was crossing the street on an electric scooter in downtown Los Angeles when a car struck him at 50 miles per hour and flung him 15 feet in the air before he smacked his head on the pavement and fell unconscious. The 26-year-old snapped two bones in each leg, broke a thighbone, shattered a kneecap, punctured a lung and fractured three vertebrae in his neck, in addition to sustaining a head injury. He was not wearing a helmet. Doctors told Hardy he’d likely be paralyzed for life. Five months later, he has learned to walk again. But he says he’ll never ride another scooter.

FDA & CPSC: Frequently asked questions on soap
May 31, 2019, RSS Feed
FDA often receives questions from soap makers about how their products are regulated. Here is information to help small-scale soap producers understand the laws and regulations they need to know about. Here are some responses, including when the CPSC has regulatory authority over soaps.

Prop 65 Update: California says coffee does not pose significant cancer risk
June 3, 2019, SF Gate
California officially gave its blessing to coffee recently, declaring the beverage does not pose a “significant” cancer risk. The rule, proposed a year ago by regulators, means coffee won’t have to carry ominous warnings that the beverage may be bad for you. The state took the rare move after a Los Angeles judge found Starbucks Corp. and other companies failed to show that benefits from drinking coffee outweighed risks from a byproduct of the roasting process.

Paris puts a spoke in the wheels of electric scooters
June 6, 2019, The Guardian
Paris is cracking down on electric scooters after an anarchic year in which startups flooded the city’s streets with their vehicles. The French capital has 12 free-floating scooter operators, more than the entire US, according to a study released on Thursday, and about 20,000 of the two-wheeled vehicles.

Broken toy that sickened beloved dog raises questions about regulations for pet protection
June 6, 2019, ABC-TV
Gina Mazzotti’s dog Bella is a lot bigger than Gina.
“She’s a six-year-old American Mastiff,” Mazzotti said. “She’s 170 pounds, so it doesn’t get much bigger than that. And like a lot of dogs, Bella loves to chew – really chew. So Mazzotti keeps a stash of toys made for big dogs. Mazzotti says one day, she opened the mint-flavored nylon bone made by PetQwerks of Irvine, Calif. The dog broke off a piece, swallowed it, and 2 weeks later began getting very sick.

There’s no summer break from lead safety
June 7, 2019, Shoshone News Press
With all of the local schools officially out for summer, Panhandle Health District (PHD) wants to make sure that kids don’t find their way into any potentially toxic situations. While blood-lead levels have hit their historic lows, there are still places where toxic heavy metal particulate matter remains, and any exposure to lead is unsafe. “Children suffer effects from lead exposure at much lower levels,” PHD program manager Andy Helkey said. “Because lead exposure often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. There is no safe lead threshold for the adverse effects of lead on infant or child neurodevelopment that has been identified.”

Ethical business is big and it’s targeting tech’s Patagonia jacket crew
June 5, 2019, The Evening Standard
In California’s Silicon Valley a tiny elite group — numbering just a few dozen partners among the top venture capital funds — not only look alike; they dress identically too. And what do these captains of tech industry wear? To a man, they come to work dressed in slacks, collared shirts and — most important of all — a thin jacket made by the outdoor clothing business Patagonia. That was before the apparel company stopped selling their products to the titans.

Maine Legislature passes bill aiming to ban PFAS chemicals
June 4, 2019, Greenwich Time
The Maine Legislature recently passed a bill aimed at prohibiting the sale of food packaging with certain potentially toxic chemicals. The Senate sent the bill to Gov. Janet Mills, who has pushed to explore contamination risks from per- and polyfluoroalykyl substances, known as PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to place legal limits on the chemicals that have long been used in consumer products, but hasn’t yet done so.

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

In the News: June 3, 2019

Posted on June 2, 2019 by

adk

CPSC: Decisional Meeting: Fiscal 2019 mid-year review (Video)
May 22, 2019, cpsc.gov
Acting chair Ann-Marie Buerkle convenes the mid-year FY 2019 proposal review and consideration of amendments. Each Commissioner has their own ideas about projects that should be considered going forward, and shares some of these ideas in this decisional meeting that is open to the public.

Huawei’s CEO talks Trump, Apple, and whether his company can still survive
May 27, 2019, Forbes
At the end of a hellish week for Huawei, founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei was part defiant and part humble in an interview with Bloomberg that was released. Ren went further than before in admitting that U.S. sanctions against his company have bitten hard, with core parts of his company’s supply chain withdrawing support for new products and devices.

Safety in the Storm: CPSC Life-Saving Tips on Surviving the 2019 Hurricane Season
May 31, cpsc.gov
June 1 marks the start of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to remind everyone to be informed, be prepared and be safe.

How Mexico tariffs could hurt $600 billion in cross-border trade and the U.S. Economy
May 31, 2019, Market Watch
The U.S. economy could suffer a wrenching blow, business leaders and economists say, if President Trump follows through on his threat to slap tariffs on all imports from Mexico in a dispute over immigration controls. The president said he would apply a 5% tariff on $350 billion in imports from Mexico unless the country reduces the flow of immigrants seeking to enter the United States.

Joint Statement Of Commissioners Feldman and Baiocco on the CPSC’S Fiscal Year 2020 Performance Budget Request
March 13, 2019, cpsc.gov
The Commission’s Republican members say that the proposed budget leaves in place a significant gap with respect to agency expertise on new and emerging technologies and data science. To address these challenges, they jointly introduced a budget-neutral amendment to include two full time equivalents in the form of a Chief Technologist and a Chief Data Officer.

Dissenting opinion of Commissioners Adler and Kaye on motion to add a project on children’s furniture tip over to FY 2020 Performance Budget Request to Congress
March 20, 2019 cpsc.gov
The Commission’s Democratic members proposed an amendment to the FY 2020 Budget Request to Congress that would have added the drafting of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) for Children’s Clothing Storage Units (CSU). They express their disappointment that the Commission, by a vote of 3-2, opposed their amendment and explain their reasons for proposing the amendment.

CPSC: Commissioner Elliot Kaye on Health Canada’s Window Covering Regulations
May 1, 2019, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Kaye notes that after an extensive risk assessment and rigorous public consultation, the Government of Canada published updated Corded Window Coverings Regulations to address the risk of strangulation from corded window coverings. These updated regulations address the strangulation hazard from all types of corded window covering products, including custom products, and go beyond the voluntary standards applied in the United States, earning the Commissioner’s praise.

Chemicals in Consumer Goods Are Seen Escaping Safety Checks
May 21, 2019, Claims Journal
European consumers could be at risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals in products like clothes and cosmetics because safety rules aren’t being properly enforced, according to a German environmental lobby.Potentially harmful chemicals including dibutyl phthalate found in toys and methyl acetate used in footwear are widely sold to manufacturers of household goods without having been properly vetted, BUND said in a study just published.

Wisconsin legislators look to address toxic chemicals
May 30, 3029, Public News Service
Firefighting foam often contains chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can be found in a wide range of products, from nonstick cookware to fast-food wrappers.
However, recent studies suggest that exposure to PFAS can inhibit female fertility, lower birth weights, and increase the risk of hypertension in pregnant women. Research also shows the chemicals can linger in the environment long after their initial use.

Electric scooter safety issues as more people ride in Washington, DC
May 30, 2019, US News & World Report
It’s becoming easier to get around the nation’s capital with more electric scooters and bikes on the streets, but one expert says her hospital is also experiencing a rise in scooter-related injuries, possibly because people don’t know how to safely operate them. In December, Washington, D.C.’s Department of Transportation announced plans to expand the number of “equitable transportation options” in 2019 by permitting 10 electric bicycle and scooter companies to operate in the District.

Nashville scooter debate: Who is actually responsible for enforcing the rules?
May 29, 2019, Tennessean
At a community meeting focused on electric scooters in July 2018, residents zeroed in on what they saw as the biggest challenge surrounding the two-wheeled devices: How would scooter rules be enforced? How many officers would be dedicated to scooter enforcement? Now, following the recent death of a scooter rider, the subject is back in the spotlight.

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: May 20, 2019

Posted on May 18, 2019 by

adk

Lime launches ‘major safety campaign’ after first scooter death
May 16, 2019, Brisbane Times
Lime will unveil a “major Brisbane safety campaign” a week after the first death in Australia involving one of their scooters. Last week, a 50-year-old man fell off a scooter down the stairs near the Wheel of Brisbane, hit his head and was found in cardiac arrest. He died in hospital a day after the accident.

LED light can damage eyes, health authority warns
May 16, 2019, ENCA
The “blue light” in LED lighting can damage the eye’s retina and disturb natural sleep rhythms, France’s government-run health watchdog said .New findings confirm earlier concerns that “exposure to an intense and powerful [LED] light is ‘photo-toxic’ and can lead to irreversible loss of retinal cells and diminished sharpness of vision,” the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) warned in a statement.

Albany residents debate safety of 5G
May 16, 2019, WNYT
If you travel through the Buckingham Lake neighborhood in Albany, you may have noticed some new cell towers. As the Times Union first reported, the towers have ignited a debate over whether or not they could pose health risks. SUNY Albany Professor David Carpenter said by 2020 we can expect to see small cell towers every five to six blocks in cities across United States. He claims there’s strong evidence that radiation from 3G and 4G technologies increases the risk for cancer or disease. He said 5G technology hasn’t been studied yet.

How to avoid silly mistakes with smart toys
May 17, 2019, Irish Times
Smart toys such as Furby Connect and My Friend Cayla have been making headlines over the past few years but for all the wrong reasons. UK consumer information organisation Which? warned of security vulnerabilities in the Furby Connect toy and Germany’s telecoms watchdog urged parents to destroy their Cayla talking doll, branding it an illegal surveillance device. Does this mean it is best to avoid ‘smart’ or internet-connected toys altogether or are we throwing the talking baby doll out with the bath water?

Organohalogen Flame Retardants Used in Consumer Products Can Be Assessed for hazards in Subclasses, Says New Report, but not a single class
May 15, 2019, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine offers guidance to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on how to conduct a hazard assessment of nonpolymeric, additive organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs), which are used in some consumer products. OFRs cannot be treated as a single class for hazard assessment, the report says, but they can be divided into subclasses based on chemical structure, physical and chemical properties, and predicted biologic activity.

Survey finds most Americans are concerned about the safety of food and other consumer products, yet few research product claims
May 16, 2019, EIN Presswire
NSF International, an independent public health and safety organization, released a new study showing 61% of Americans are concerned about the products they put in, on and around their bodies. However, 34% say they rarely or never research product claims. Almost half (46%) of Americans say they have purchased a product despite being unsure of the validity of product claims.

Germany to vote on law allowing e-scooters on road
May16, 2019, The Guardian
Germany’s upper house of parliament is due to vote on whether to allow electric scooters on to the country’s roads, following a feverish debate spanning everything from road safety to air quality.The transport minister is behind the plan, but he has faced a barrage of protests from lobby groups, representing both car drivers and bike riders, who have warned of chaos and accidents i

Customers suffer severe burns from clothes steamer
May16, 2019, ABC
My Little Steamer is advertised as America’s favorite non-iron. The advertisements make no mention of multiple lawsuits filed around the country claiming the product is dangerous and defective.

Drew Part II: Inflatable bounce house safety
May 16, 2019, Birmingham Times
A writer explains: Even though many children sustain injuries during summer months while using bounce houses, there are no national safety standards. So, if you hire a company to set up your bounce house and it is insured and uses trained staff to set up and supervise its usage, the liability still rests with you. So, make sure you supervise it being set up and help with supervision, also.

The business of the future is ethical, sustainable, and employee owned
May 16, 2019, Fast Company
A new report from the Democracy Collaborative, a nonprofit that advocates for employee ownership structures, explains how the clothing company exemplifies a mission-led, employee-owned company: One in which employees, through their ownership stake, help drive the brand’s ethical commitment to environmental sustainability, social equity, or ideally, both.

In the News: May 13, 2019

Posted on May 13, 2019 by

adk

What is the future of the inclined sleeper?
May 7, 2019, Consumer Reports
Following the deaths of at least 37 babies, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says infant inclined sleep products present such a danger that the current standards and warning labels governing them may need to change. The CPSC, which regulates the products, says it plans to “reevaluate” the entire product category. At the same time, consumer advocates are pushing to eliminate the category from the market.

Dollar Tree pushes for safer chemicals usage with Chemical Footprint Project
May 8, 2019, Cleanlink.com
Dollar Tree Store, Inc., an American chain of discount variety stores that operates 14,835 stores throughout the United States, recently joined the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP). CFP creates a common reporting framework that assesses a company’s risk and their ability to capture market value from safer chemical use. Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and Trinity Health are Signatories to CFP and members of the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN).

Etsy, seller sued after heartbreaking death of a child
May 7, 2019, Ecommerce Bytes
A mom is suing Etsy and a seller after her son was accidentally strangled to death in 2016 when wearing a teething necklace that a friend had purchased on Etsy. CBS covered the heartbreaking story after Etsy appeared in court to object to the case – the judge overruled the “demurrer.” The news reporter published Etsy’s Terms of Use where it states that the company makes no warranties about the quality, safety, or legality of the items that are produced and listed by independent sellers.

German transport minister to ban e-scooters from sidewalks
May 8, 2019, Xinhuanet
German Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) has said he will not permit electric scooters to be ridden on sidewalks, the German news agency (dpa) reported. In a concession to widespread safety concerns about the use of virtually silent e-scooters on sidewalks, and to ensure e-scooter legislation is not delayed, Scheuer told dpa that he was now “removing” the use of e-scooters on sidewalks from the bill.

Australian house fire sparks call for stricter rule for lithium-ion batteries
May 8, 2019, Stuff.co.nz
Australian consumer advocates have called for stronger safety regulations for lithium-ion batteries after a Sydney house fire was thought to be caused by an e-bike battery. The risk of fires from faulty lithium-ion batteries is increasing because they are used in an increasing number of consumer electronics, from mobile phones and laptops to home battery systems and electric cars.

Local mom successfully expands innovative products that help parents
May 7, 2019, Chester County
Laura Toto is a very busy woman these days.Her company, Diaper Diva Designs, has been working on developing Naked No More, a garment specifically designed for toddlers or older children with special needs who find a way to undress when they are taking a nap. In November of 2018, Toto launched the Naked No More one-piece garment on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon), and the first 1,000-piece run is now nearly sold out.

In effort to protect children, California could set the nation’s strictest limits on cadmium and lead in jewelry
May 6, 2019, California Health Report
California could impose the nation’s strictest limits on the amount of lead and cadmium allowed in jewelry under a bill designed to protect women and children from exposure to toxic metals. The Safe Jewelry Act, which cleared the Senate Environmental Quality Committee last week, updates the state’s existing lead-containing jewelry law passed in 2006. It sets vastly lower lead limits for jewelry marketed to adults and older teens—much lower than the current amount allowed under state and federal law.

Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse publishes data base
April, 2019, IC2
IC2-member states have developed and published lists of priority chemicals to fulfill the requirements of their chemical policy legislation. To provide support and assistance to these efforts and those of states in the process of developing similar lists, the IC2 has developed an online, searchable database that allows users to:
>Search for chemicals on one or more of the state lists
>Identify source lists
>Identify hazards and toxicity characteristics associated with the chemicals
>Find useful information resources

Lawmakers restart flame retardant bill debate
May 8, 2019, Gloucester Times
Four months after a bill restricting chemical flame retardants died on Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk, its proponents are again making their health-related case to lawmakers as industry representatives continue to voice concerns. At the very end of the last two-year legislative session, on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, lawmakers worked to send Baker a bill that would prohibit the manufacture or sale of children’s products, household furniture and bedding that contain 11 chemical flame retardants. Despite a push by the 12,000-member Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Baker pocket vetoed the bill and said he would have returned it with an amendment had time not run out.

Why is data ethics important to data analysts
May 8, 2019, Dynamic Business
With data management and analysis becoming such an integral part of a business’ success, it’s easy to solely focus on the exciting aspects of the vast data that can be attained. Despite the potential of data analytics as a field, it’s important that data scientists and analysts understand the ethical implications of using that information. Ethical use of the data is just as important as the data itself, and it’s integral for businesses to understand what data ethics is, and how it should be adhered to.

In the News: May 6, 2019

Posted on May 5, 2019 by

adk

Criminal indictment a reminder of CPSC’s enforcement capabilities
May 1, 2019, New York Law Journal
On March 29, 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that for the first time it had indicted two corporate executives for failing to furnish information under the Consumer Product Safety Act. This prosecution is a reminder to companies of the range of Consumer Product Safety Commission tools available to enforce its consumer product safety laws, including criminal penalties against directors, officers and agents.

Britax sends defective fix to customers in stroller deal to avoid safety recall
May 3, 2019, Washington Post
Britax Child Safety sent defective replacement parts for its BOB jogging stroller to nearly 200 customers in recent weeks, according to the company, raising new questions about a settlement with U.S. regulators that allowed the company to avoid a safety recall.

Recalls explained: How it works, what to do, and how local businesses keep track
May 2, 2019, WPSD-NBC
From the toys you buy for your kids, to the food you eat, to the cars you drive, one of the most important things to consider is — are they safe? Keeping up with recalls is one way to ensure you are using safe products. Like individual consumers, local businesses also keep track of recalls. The executive director of iKids Childhood Enrichment Center near Benton, Kentucky, said their licensing requirements mandate that they are in communication with the CPSC. “And in that communication, we sign up for emails, so when there is a recall of any nature, we get an email,” said the official.

Electric scooters could soon be kicked off Texas sidewalks, if state Senate gets its way
May 1, 2019, Texas Tribune
The upper chamber passed a bill that would add several restrictions on the popular, but controversial, machines. The measure would require scooter renters to be at least 16 years old and it would prohibit more than one person from riding at a time. I also restricts where scooters can operate.

Editor: Why It’s So Easy to Sell Dangerous (and Illegal) Car Seats for Kids on Amazon
April, 2019, Inc.
On Amazon.com, which accounts for about half of the e-commerce sales in the U.S., Mifold operates as a vendor, meaning it wholesales its products to Amazon, which then retails them to consumers. Like other wholesalers selling regulated children’s products, Mifold is required to produce documentation to show it complies with regulations like FMVSS No. 213. Invariably, however, the wannabe Mifold makers reach Amazon’s massive customer base through a different route: its third-party marketplace.

News Analysis: Colgate Palmolive and the challenges of brand safety vs. brand purpose
April 30 2019, CMO
Toothpaste doesn’t immediately spring to mind when thinking of purpose-driven brands that aren’t afraid to take a stand. Yet Colgate-Palmolive Australia’s recent decision to withdraw its advertising from Sky News could be just that. So has Colgate-Palmolive Australia announced itself as the newest recruit to the ranks of brands like Patagonia, Dove, and lately Nike, who want to stand for something? Or is it more a case of protecting brand safety in a fractured media market?

New York: Child Safe Products Act passes in both houses
April 30, 2019, Spectrum News
The Child Safe Products Act has passed in both houses of the New York state legislature. It’s a law requiring manufacturers to disclose information on harmful chemicals possibly in children’s toys. Before the law passed, advocates and industry push their opposing interests in the Child Safe Products Act.

Engagement: What science says about meeting agenda may surprise you
April 30, 2019, Linked In
A college professor uses science to look at how meetings are structured, and the impact this has on what people are communicating and how engaged they are in the matter at hand. One conclusion is that project updates do not hold the same level of engagement as in posing questions about taking action…and assigning responsibility.

How smart connected products are transforming business
May 3, 2019, Mondaq
Connected products are now ubiquitous, and their use is projected to dramatically increase in the foreseeable future. An estimated 8.4 billion connected “things” were used in 2017, the vast majority of which were consumer products and applications.1 The prevalence of these connected products is projected to double between now and 2020.

Senators are urging CPSC action in addressing the dangers of beach umbrellas
May 2, 2019, Congress of the United States
In a letter to CPSC Acting Chairman Ann-Marie Buerkle, four senators cite constituent concerns over incidents that demonstrated the hazards and how heavy winds can turn beach umbrellas into threats of injuries and even death. According to CPSC data, over 31,000 people were treated in hospitals for injuries sustained from beach umbrellas between 2008-2017. The Senators want to know what the CPSC plans on doing about addressing the risks associated with the product.

Carbon monoxide kills 2 more in HUD public housing building
May 3, 2019, NBC News
No alarms sounded in the federally subsidized apartment when the firefighters entered and found the residents had died, a report noted. Carbon monoxide detectors are the only reliable way to detect the colorless, odorless gas, but they are not required in the 4.6 million affordable housing units overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In the News: April 30,2019

Posted on April 27, 2019 by

adk

Kids II rocking sleepers recalled following 5 infant deaths
April 26, 2019, MyNews13
Kids II has recalled nearly 700,000 of all models of rocking sleepers due to infant fatalities after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach while unrestrained, or under other circumstances. The recall was announced at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website on April 26, 2019. Consumers can contact Kids II for a refund.

Study: More young kids going to ER after swallowing batteries, coins, and toys
April 25, 209, The Epoch Times
More and more young children are being admitted into emergency rooms across America because they have swallowed batteries, toys, coins, and other items, according to a new study. One researcher, Dr. Danielle Orsagh-Yentis, the lead author and a gastrointestinal physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, said that an increasing number of products have button-sized batteries such as TV remotes, digital thermometers, and remote-controlled toys, according to The Associated Press.

How I Took the Wild Road From Stunts to Safety and Built a Business on What I Learned
April 23, 2019, Entrepreneur
Lying in the road, bloodied and hurt after a motorcycle accident, the founder and CEO of Silent Beacon applied his experience to something people needed.

The false choice between business and ethics
Spring, 2019, Sloan MIT Review
Should there be an imperative — moral or otherwise — to consider what’s fair when making a business transaction? Consider this situation — let’s call it Case A. You’re at a yard sale and pick up a violin. The tag says $50. Let’s imagine you actually know quite a bit about violins, and you know that this particular violin, if it were auctioned, could yield close to $1 million. Should you tell the current owners they’re making a terrible mistake by pricing it at $50? Or should you simply buy the violin and profit from a lucrative resale?

New York: State legislature to act on toxic toys
April 25, 2019, WNYT NBC News
New week, the state Legislature is expected to vote on a measure that could prohibit toys, clothing, and furniture manufactured for children, that contains dangerous chemicals. Nine chemicals are mentioned in the legislation as being dangerous, while 103 fall under the “chemicals of concern” category. Allso on the chopping block of kids’ toys, blue bicycles because of the cobalt in the paint, or perhaps remote control cars due to benzene in the tires.

Ford says that U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into a matter relating to its emissions certification
April 26, 2019, CNBC
The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Ford Motor’s emissions certification process.Ford says it cannot predict the outcome of the investigation and “cannot provide assurance that it will not have a material adverse effect on us.” The matter is not related to the use of defeat devices. Ford says it plans to cooperate fully with all government agencies.

Is the clock ticking on kids smartwatches?
April 26, 2019, Kidscreen
Kids smartwatches don’t have the best reputation. The German telecommunications regulator, Federal Network Agency, banned the sale of smartwatches aimed at children and urged parents to destroy the devices, describing them as spying tools. Stateside, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters in April 2018 to China’s Gator Group and Sweden’s Tinitell, two companies making kid-targeted smartwatches. The FTC warned them against collecting personal information and violating COPPA. Tinitell no longer makes its watch, and stopped offering support for the tech in September.

The evolution of retail and customer expectations
April 25, 2019, Retail Dive
As the evolution of retail and the way consumers purchase goods continues to change, meeting the challenge to effectively serve both consumers and retailers is a strategic challenge for both shippers and carriers. Understanding the ever-changing ecommerce landscape that includes new shopping preferences, fast delivery options, and fluctuating fulfillment infrastructure is critical. Crafting an integrated supply chain strategy that helps retailers deliver on their promise and keep prices competitive is at the heart of this challenge.

Barbie helps Mattel sales despite impact of recall of infant sleeper recall
April 25, 2019, Forbes
Barbie has become one of the best performing brands for Mattel, Inc., which has been struggling to reverse its fortunes. During the first quarter of this year, gross sales of the Barbie brand grew by 7% overall.Their first quarter report includes that impact of the recall of its infant sleeper.

Colorado family files lawsuit after instant pot safety features fail, scalding daughter
April 26, 2019, Fox13 Now
A Colorado family is suing a major company after they say their Instant Pot left one of their daughters with third-degree burns. Mary Cooper said she was a big fan of the Instant Pot, a brand of an electric pressure cooker when she ordered it online. In use “it exploded. Completely exploded,” said the owner, whose then nine years old daughter, was covered in scalding soup, her face burned by a burst of steam.

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: April 22, 2019

Posted on April 21, 2019 by

adk

Acting Chairman Buerkle: On YouTube to announce Fisher Price recall of 4.7 million sleepers
April 12, 2019, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission leader takes to social media audience to help promote the agency’s action in recalling 4.7 million of Fisher-Prices popular infant sleeper.

United States : U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. Remarks at CPSC Oversight Hearing
April 18, 2019, TradingCharts.com
Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following remarks at a Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on: Protecting Americans From Dangerous Products: Is the Consumer Product Safety Commission Fulfilling its Mission: “Few people have heard of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), but it serves a critical role in protecting consumers from dangerous products. It is the agency that makes sure your coffee maker does not burn down your house, your baby does not die from a defective crib, your power drill does not electrocute you, your hot water heater does not poison you, and your child’s toy is not made of lead. In order to be fully effective, CPSC needs to be a proactive agency, not a reactive one. Unfortunately, I’m concerned that CPSC has become an inactive agency.

How companies should test and certify their products
April, 2019, cpsc.gov
Federal law requires manufacturers and importers to test many consumer products for compliance with consumer product safety requirements. Based on passing test results, the manufacturer or importer must certify the consumer product as compliant with the applicable consumer product safety requirements in a written or electronic certificate. Certificates are required to accompany the applicable product or shipment of products covered by the certificate, and a copy must be provided to retailers, distributors and, upon request, to the government.

New Zealand importer fined $20,000 over safety of rubber duck and other toys for young children
April 16, 2019, New Zealand Herald
A toy importer has been fined $20,000 on toy-safety related charges that included rubber ducks and squeezy animals.The Commerce Commission said Haiwing International Ltd had pleaded guilty to two representative charges that from January 2015 to July 2017 it sold 59 units of an unsafe rubber duck set and 80 units of an unsafe set of squeezy animal toys. Three other companies would soon be sentenced on toy-safety related charges, the commission said.

Senator decries “poisons” as unregulated chemicals in cosmetics draw scrutiny
April 15, 2019, CBS
The choices are endless: products promise bold-colored lips, eyes that pop, softer skin or shinier hair. But it’s what is in many of those products that may be less appealing – thousands of chemicals, including lead, phthalates and formaldehyde, chemicals experts say are putting consumers health at risk. According to the Environmental Working Group, women put an average of 168 chemicals on their face and body before they even walk out of the door; men put on an average of 85 chemicals. Studies show some of those chemicals have been linked to health problems, including cancer and infertility. A new bill in Congress aims to protect people from potentially dangerous chemicals found in everyday beauty products.

Pittsburgh area Mom who has son with special needs created safety sleeper bed out of necessity
April 16, 2019, WESA Radio
A Gibsonia-based manufacturer produces a type of bed that keeps kids from wandering at night. The Safety Sleeper looks a lot like a tent that fits over a mattress, only instead of waterproof polyester, it’s constructed with medical-grade fabric. And unlike a tent, it can only be opened from the outside.

Mattel recalls Fisher-Price seat in United States, but not in Canada — why?
April 16, 2019, Global News
After the deaths of more than 30 children using them in the last decade, Mattel decided last week to recall its popular Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. The company sold nearly five million units of the infant seat since 2009. But despite the action in the U.S., Mattel, which manufacturers Fisher-Price products, has not stopped the sale of a similar product sold in Canada, or ordered a recall here.

Popular baby product recalled over serious safety concerns
April 17, 2019, Sunshine Coast Daily
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recalled cots from Adairs over fears children could injure themselves. Parents who’ve already purchased the Cooper Timber Cot have been urged to “immediately stop using the cot” due to its failure to comply with mandatory safety standards. “There is a risk that a child may be injured because they may fall out of the cot or because some edges may not be rounded enough,” the ACCC shared in a statement.

A global approach to IoT cybersecurity
March 13, 2019, JD Supra
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has published a new standard for cybersecurity in relation to consumer IoT products. The standard builds on the UK’s Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security, published in October last year. The Code of Practice was developed by the UK Government following publication of a draft code as part of the Secure by Design report published by the Government in March 2018 and after consultation with industry, consumer associations, and academics.

From promise to delivery: European Commission’s vision, consumer protection for the future
April 17, 2019, European Parliament
In a public statement the European Parliament explained its governing vision for the next decade. It reads in part: “The European Parliament confirmed today the agreement on stronger and better enforced consumer protection rules. The main improvements will be more transparency for consumers when buying online, effective penalties and clear rules to tackle the issue of dual quality of products in the EU. The European Commission proposed the new rules in April last year as part of the New Deal for Consumers. First Vice-President Timmermans said: “With this New Deal consumers will be better protected by more transparency and sanctions for traders who go rogue. Consumers will know what they’re buying, and whom they’re buying it from. This is what a fairer Single Market means.”

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

In the News: April 15, 2019

Posted on April 13, 2019 by

adk

Fisher-Price Recalls Rock ‘N Play Baby Sleeper Tied To Infant Deaths
April 12, 2019 (updated), NPR
Fisher-Price has issued an immediate recall of all models of its Rock ‘n Play baby sleeper, according to a news release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fisher-Price, which has sold approximately 4.7 million of these sleepers, is advising that consumers stop using the product immediately and contact the company for a refund or voucher.

Four more deaths linked to infant sleepers like Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleepers
April 11, 2019, Consumer Reports
Four additional deaths are linked to infant inclined sleepers, according to Consumer Reports’ ongoing investigation of these kinds of products. The sleepers—the Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper and the Bright Starts Playtime to Bedtime Sleeper—are made by the children’s product company Kids II. A spokesperson for Kids II confirmed to CR that the company is aware of four deaths associated with those products. The Bright Starts product was discontinued in 2016, but the Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper is still available.

White House moves to tighten control over Federal regulators
April 11, 2019, Politico
The White House on Thursday moved to curb the power of federal regulators by directing them to submit nonbinding guidance documents to the budget office for review, a step that could slow down the enactment of any rule with a potentially large impact on the economy.
A memo from acting Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought would vastly broaden Congress’s ability to reject such guidance, subjecting the documents to the same scrutiny as regulations that carry the force of law.

DOJ Trumpets “First-Ever” Criminal Indictment for Failure to Report Product Safety Issues
April 12, 2019, JD Supra
On March 29, 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it had initiated the first-ever criminal prosecution of individual business executives for alleged failure to timely disclose product safety issues to federal regulators. This prosecution decision underscores the critical importance of appropriate disclosure as part of a company’s response to safety failures in light of the government’s continuing efforts to hold individuals responsible for alleged corporate misconduct.

Study: Rate of children swallowing foreign objects skyrockets from 1995-2015
April 12, 2019, AAP News & Journals
The rate of young children swallowing foreign objects has nearly doubled over the past two decades. Coins are the most common object children swallowed, according to “Foreign Body Ingestions of Young Children Treated in US Emergency Departments: 1995-2015,” (Orsagh-Yentis D, et al. Pediatrics. April 12, 2019,) Researchers looked at ingestion trends using data from the National Electronic InjurySurveillance System from 1995-2015. Their analysis included nearly 30,000 cases of children under 6 years treated at emergency departments (EDs) for foreign body ingestions (FBIs), which they used to estimate national figures.

The Phantom Menace: Office Depot settles with FTC over fake virus scam
April 12, 2019, National Law Review (Mintz)
Office Depot and its tech support provider, Support.com, proved to be anything but “supportive” after allegedly providing false malware scan results and conning customers into paying for repairs and technical services that, in many cases, they did not need. The companies will pay a combined $35 million settlement to the FTC, with Office Depot paying $25 million, and Support.com the additional $10 million, to settle allegations of unfair or deceptive acts or practices in violation of the FTC Act. All $35 million will go toward refunding customers tricked by the scheme.

New guidance documents issued for toy pools and musical instruments by EU
April 12, 2019, OpenPR
The European Commission (EC) has issued revised versions of its toy guidance documents for pools and musical instruments. Both documents, inter alia, provide clarification on what constitutes a toy version of the product. The revised version of the guidance document for toy musical instruments clarifies the grey area between a toy and an actual musical instrument. It also provides information

The International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) Develops Programs Aimed at Promoting Optimal Safety
April 12, 2019, SFGate
The IATP continues to actively develop programs aimed at promoting the optimal safety and well-being of jumpers who visit our member parks, and in an ongoing effort the following initiatives will be launched, including a third-Party Inspection that will require all member parks to first pass a third-party inspection to join, or maintain IATP membership. This will put measures in place to monitor that parks are adhering to industry standards.

What to know about new California connected devises law
March 28, 2019, JD Supra
On the heels of the game-changing California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, California is once again leading the way and setting the standard for cybersecurity and data security with the enactment of the nation’s first law for the “Security of Connected Devices,” which expressly governs cybersecurity requirements that must be adhered to by manufacturers of “smart” devices, otherwise commonly known as the “internet of things.”

FDA warns against using teething jewelry
April 12, 2019, Click2houston
But according to a recent warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), parents should avoid giving their infants teething bracelets, necklaces or other jewelry marketed for relieving tooth pain. The warning was issued after the organization received multiple reports of serious injury and even death due to strangulation and choking incidents as a result of the jewelry.