New federal safety standard for infant bathtubs takes effect
October 6, 2017, Market Watch
A new federal mandatory safety standard aimed at helping to keep infants and toddlers from drowning while in infant bath tubs went into effect on October 2, 2017.  This means that it is now illegal to sell infant bath tubs in the United States that were manufactured on or after that date, if they do not meet the new regulation.  Parents and caregivers should purchase infant bath tubs that were manufactured on or after October 2, 2017.  These bath tubs must meet the new federal safety standard.

Flame retardants targeted for SF ban
October 12, 2017, SF Bay
San Francisco is a step closer in banning the sales of upholstery furniture and children’s products with flame retardant chemicals after a Board of Supervisors committee moved the legislation to the full board with a positive recommendation.The legislation would not just apply to brick and mortar stores selling furniture or children’s products, but it would also apply to online sales of those same products.

Farewell to product safety
October 11, 2017, Detroit Metro Times
CPSC Commissioner Robinson, who was a highly esteemed trial lawyer in Detroit for years, fears the age of consumer protection is about to come to an end. Her term ends this month, and she’ll be gone as soon as the U.S. Senate confirms her replacement. That will give Republicans a 3-2 majority on the commission. Robinson understands that’s how the game is played; presidents fill vacant positions with members of their own parties. She focuses on the portable generator as a case study in how one industry responds to the regulatory framework.

California chemical warning rules cause headaches for promo firms
October 10, 2017, Advertising Specialty Institute
New chemical warning regulations for consumer products in California are drawing criticism from promotional product companies that assert they present onerous challenges and make companies vulnerable to lawsuits. While the new rules don’t take effect until August 30, 2018, promotional product companies are already grappling with them as they create catalogs for next year and prepare for the coming changes, which some industry pros panned as potentially detrimental to sales and ineffective at achieving their aim of educating and protecting consumers.

State joins ‘Children’s Environmental Health Day’ for stronger protections from harmful chemicals
October 12, 2017, Vermontbiz.com
Environmental health organizations, medical professionals, business leaders, and members of the public gathered today at the Vermont State House to highlight the day, and to call for stronger protections for Vermont children from harmful chemicals. “Despite the many successes and advancements in the field of children’s environmental health over the past few decades, today’s children face an epidemic of illness and chronic diseases linked to environmental exposures and our changing climate,” said Carol Westinghouse, President, Informed Green Solutions.

The School Synthetic-Turf Wars
October 12, 2017, The Atlantic
Towns are weighing the practicality of artificial fields against the potential health risks for the kids who play on them. More than 8,000 artificial-turf surfaces are currently in use across America, from youth sports fields to professional stadiums, according to the Synthetic Turf Council. The fields are durable, rain-resistant, and low-maintenance. But in recent years, some researchers have raised concerns about the safety of these surfaces and their infills, which are typically made from scrap tires. The federal government has commissioned a study to address the questions surrounding artificial turf, but results could be years away.

New standards for toys will hurt majority of retailers, says industry body
October 12, 1017, The Hindu
The apex body of retailers in the country, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said the government’s new standards for toys will severely hurt a majority of retailers. They seek a 12-16 month period in order to transition to the standard. The new norms, notified in September, specify that all imported toys should be tested locally and should comply with the standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the RAI said in a statement, adding that the norms were issued without consulting stakeholders.

China’s sustainable fashion paradox
October 11, 2017. Business of Fashion
According to Green Initiatives, a non-profit focused on environmental education and solutions in China, 53 percent of the world’s textile production waste comes from China, an estimated 70,000 tons every day, with 2.5 billion tonnes of polluted waste water produced annually. To combat this, the Chinese government’s 13th five-year plan for economic and social development, released in 2016, set a target of 4.5 million tons for recycled textile production by 2020. “Since the US has seemed to step away from that (Paris Agreement on Climate Change), China is really stepping to the forefront, which makes it a very interesting place to be right now,” says Michael Beutler, a sustaina

New state regulations allow robot cars on streets with no one at the wheel or even in the car
October 11, 2017, Sacramento Bee
California officials took a major step Wednesday toward allowing companies to test autonomous cars without anyone at the wheel or even in the vehicle, releasing a set of regulations on how those tests can be conducted. The state plans to take public comments over the next two weeks on the new regulations, and officials said the permitting process could be in place early next year.

Regulation and accountability more effective than ban on firecrackers
October 13, 2017, WION
Celebrating the American independence day with firecrackers is a time-old custom in the US. The writer witnessed student organizations, individuals, municipal corporations, military, all celebrating from the Pacific coast to New England, from the lake of Michigan to the hills of Tennessee. Contrast this with what the author experienced in the Delhi-NCR, where a huge civic protest against lenient environmental norms during festivals forced the hand of the government. The Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR.

Will federal safety panel ban toxic flame-retardants in household products?
September 20, 2017, Chicago Tribune
The Consumer Product Safety Commission plans to vote on a petition that would ban chemically related flame-retardants, known as organohalogens, from children’s products, furniture, mattresses and household electronics. Many of the compounds have been linked to cancer, neurological deficits, developmental problems and impaired fertility. A growing body of research suggests they can irreparably harm fetuses and young children by mimicking hormones during early stages of life.

CPSC Commissioner Kaye Statement on Organohalogen Fire Retardants Petition
September 20, 2017, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Kaye explains his position on a 3 to 2 vote in support of a petition regarding the use of additive, non‐polymeric organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) in certain consumer products and to direct staff to convene a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) … to assess and issue a report on the risks to consumers’ health and safety from the use of OFRs, as a class of chemicals, in the certain products affecting vulnerable populations including infants, children, and senior. He explains: “I voted to grant the petition and convene a CHAP because the overwhelming evidence received by the Commission to date indicates that OFRs are toxic and the exposure to them through certain consumer products may pose serious health risks to humans, especially pregnant women, young children and socioeconomically vulnerable populations.”

Latest Pool Safely Stats: At Least 163 Children Fatally Drowned in Pools and Spas This Summer
September 18, 2017, Markets Insider
From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2017, at least 163 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned in swimming pools or spas, according to media reports compiled by the USA Swimming Foundation, a Pool Safely campaign partner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of the 163 reports, 112 of the victims — nearly 70 percent — were children younger than age five. Florida led all states with the highest fatality counts: 25.

CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle Statement on Baby Safety Month
September 18, 2017, cpsc.gov
Acting Chairman Buerkle urges all parents, new and experienced, to think about safety first when it comes to infant’s sleep environment. Babies spend most of their time sleeping. She offers a few simple rules that will keep babies sleeping safely, including: never place pillows or thick quilts in a baby’s sleep environment, always put you’re a baby on his or her back to sleep and make sure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

$1.2M in Fake Hoverboards Seized in California
September 20, 2017, Promo Marketing
Even before their CPSC rebuke 19 months ago, hoverboards had posed many problems for police personnel, and this year has proven especially disturbing due to a house blaze that claimed the lives of two Pennsylvania children and news that hackers have added the gizmos to their lists of compromised objects. But a recent bust netted about $1.2 million through the confiscation of between 2,500 and 3,000 imposter products. The numbers can give anyone pause, but what should trouble people more is that falsified labels from Underwriters Laboratories appeared on the shady hoverboards.

E-bikes the focus of BPSA’s first ever annual report
September 21, 2017, SGB
The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) released its first-ever Annual Report and, not surprisingly, grappling with safety and legal issues around e-bikes was a major discussion point. The report noted that on pavement, the BPSA/PeopleForBikes e-bike initiative helped bring about new laws clearing up the legality of e-bikes in Colorado, Illinois and Arkansas. Similar laws had already been passed in California, Tennessee and Utah. The focus on electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) remains on building a user base of riders who can speak as a common voice for improved access for eMTBs and working with officials at all levels to advocate for “common sense e-bike policies” in line with the current user base and technology.

This Yale grad’s startup makes following consumer product recalls easy
September 14, 2017, Forbes
According to the Center for Injury Research and Policy, 80% of recalled children’s products are still in use, a statistic that ought to provoke anxiety in even the most relaxed parent. A new consumer service called Bonnie a startup founded by Yale graduate and entrepreneur Chris LoPresti and his brother Matt LoPresti, is poised to provide an easy and smart solution.

50 predictions: Product Liability, Safety & Recall
September 19, 2017, Lexology (DAC Beachcroft)
Many manufactured goods require CE marking, which shows that a product is safe and complies with EU legislation. As CE marking is integral to trade, the UK will continue to recognize CE marks and apply them, at least in the short term, whether products are being sold across the EU or only within the UK. Following Brexit, the UK is likely to ensure product safety standards meet or exceed those operating in the EU to avoid causing confusion and damaging the UK’s competitiveness. However, the UK may lose the benefit of access to initiatives such as RAPEX, the rapid alert system for consumer goods, and manufacturers may need to appoint an authorized representative from within the EU to serve as their local representative. The exit should have no effect on the UK’s participation in European standards bodies, including CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, as CEN is a European body, not a EU body.

EU to launch cyber-security safety labels
September 20, 2017, Gadgets360
The European Union unveiled plans Tuesday to step up its response to cyber-attacks, including a new intelligence-sharing agency, cyber war games and product safety labels. The proposals by the European Commission, the executive arm of the 28-nation bloc, come amid growing concerns over election hacking by foreign states, ransomware attacks and other cybercrime like identity theft and bank fraud.

EU-Canada trade agreement enters into force
September 20, 2017, European Commission
Welcoming this milestone in the EU’s trade policy, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said: “This agreement encapsulates what we want our trade policy to be – an instrument for growth that benefits European companies and citizens, but also a tool to project our values, harness globalization and shape global trade rules. This trade deal has been subject to an in-depth parliamentary scrutiny which reflects the increased interest of citizens in trade policy. The intense exchanges on CETA throughout this process are testimony to the democratic nature of European decision-making and I expect Member States to conduct an inclusive and thorough discussion in the context of the ongoing national ratification processes of the agreement. Now it’s time for our companies and citizens to make the most out of this opportunity and for everyone to see how our trade policy can produce tangible benefits for everyone”.

These Updated Safety Requirements For Baby Bouncers Are Necessary For All Parents To Know
September 18, 2017, Romper
If you’re in the market for a new infant bouncer seat, you’ll notice that they all will now come with fall hazard warning labels placed on the front of the seat near the location of the baby’s head and shoulders. According to Sandhills Express, this new mandatory standard, approved by the CPSC, is intended to “prevent deaths and injuries” to the infants that are being placed in the seats.
The serious risk that the CPSC is looking to combat with these new hazard labels is the large number of falls associated with infant bouncer seats. Consumer Affairs reported that between Jan. 1, 2006 and July 6, 2016, there were 347 incidents involving bouncer seats reported to CPSC — including 12 fatalities and 54 injuries.

CPSC warns public on fidget spinner risks
August 10, 2017, cpsc.gov
As the Consumer Product Safety Commission investigates some reported incidents associated with the popular product, Chairman-designate Ann Marie Buerkle warns fidget spinner users or potential buyers to take precautions. She advises that parents or caregivers keep them from small children as the plastic and metal spinners can break and release small pieces that can be a choking hazard. She advised that older children should not put fidget spinners in their mouths. The agency has established a fidget spinner information center in light of the growing number of incidents being reported.

Feds might force table-saw makers to adopt radically safer technology
August 10, 2017 Arstechnica.com
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering whether to make physicist Stephen Gass’ technology a mandatory standard in the table-saw industry. Technology that Gass invented in 1999 gives his blade a slight electric charge, so that his saw is able to detect contact with a human hand and stop spinning in a few milliseconds. In 2015, 4,700 people lost a finger due to table-saw accidents. The CPSC Commissioners approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in April to consider a mandatory standard for the table saw industry.

NY Companies banned from selling toys, Feds cite lead, other dangers
August 4, 2017, NBC 4-New York
Federals prosecutors have banned several New York City-based companies from importing and selling toys and children’s products deemed dangerous. The products imported via the Ports of Newark/New York and Los Angeles/Long Beach had lead, phthalates and small parts posing a choking hazard for young children, the Department of Justice says,

Cape FD: Hoverboard’s lithium battery to blame for fire that shut down mall
August 7, 2017, Southeast Missourian
A hoverboard fire at a mall in Southeast Missouri was caused by a lithium battery inside the hoverboard overheating and catching fire, according to a Cape Girardeau Fire Department report. The incident caused $4,000 of light smoke damage to West Park Mall, according to the report. It also caused the mall to shut down during one of the year’s busiest shopping days — the Saturday during the back-to-school state sales tax holiday weekend.

Product Safety Professionals presenting Prop 65 webinar by national expert
August 9, 2017, Society of Product Safety Professionals
The Society of Product Safety Professionals, in cooperation with Saint Louis University’s Emerson Leadership Institute, convenes a free webinar on August 29 at 12 Noon EDT: “Proposition 65: Old Challenges, New Developments, and Compliance Strategies for Product Manufacturers, Distributors and Retailers.”   In 1986, California enacted Proposition 65 requiring warnings about potential exposures to chemicals in products. Reviewing the history of the regulation, and anticipated changes that will go into effect in 2018, regulatory attorney Peter Hsiao will share insights into compliance strategies. Hsiao is partner and head of the Environmental and Energy Group in Los Angeles for Morrison & Foerster, LLP, one of California’s oldest and largest law firms and nationally recognized experts in Proposition 65.

The Dangers of consumer products to Israelis children
August 7, 2017, Jerusalem Post
Israelis were exposed to an information initiative on product safety, highlight by CPSC Commissioner Marietta Robinson recent visit to that country. She provides context and background to Jerusalem Post readers on the U.S. approach to product safety as the world and consumers’ lives fill up with more and more consumer products, and the risk of being hurt by those that are badly designed, poorly made or carelessly used rises.

Vermont: Chemical oversight panel to be formed
August 9, 2017, Times Argus
Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order Tuesday to create the Vermont Interagency Committee on Chemical Management, which will review chemical regulations and policies in Vermont. The committee created by executive order will look to ensure compliance with laws regulating chemical use in the state and try to reduce risks posed to Vermonters from the use or storage of unsafe chemicals. The committee “will incorporate the expertise of state agencies and outside experts who will participate in the citizen advisory panel,” according to Scott’s office.

 Court strikes down Montgomery County’s ban on lawn pesticides
August 3, 2017, Washington Post
A Montgomery Circuit Court judge on Thursday overturned the county’s ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides on lawns, dealing a major setback to environmental advocates who argued that chemicals in the products are unsafe. The judge claimed the ban would conflict with federal and Maryland state regulations that allow the use of the pesticides. The case was just one example of Maryland counties’ “insatiable appetite to tamper with existing state laws,” Judge Terrence McGann said.

Fair ride safety top of mind after deadly accident in Ohio
August 3, 2017, wsmv.com (NBC)
Ride safety is top of mind after a ride at the Ohio State Fair malfunctioned in July, killing an 18-year-old who had just enlisted in the Marines. Seven people were injured. The ride that came apart was known as the Fireball. It has since been banned in Tennessee and several other states. Tennessee law requires rides to be inspected once a year, but  inspections done in other states count,  even though rides are often torn down, moved, and set up over and over again without being re-inspected by a third party.

Local family campaigns for pool safety following close call
August 3, 2017, Sun Community News
A New York family’s summer swimming routine turned nightmarish when a 6-year-old child’s hair got sucked into an underwater intake unit in their backyard pool. The family later learned that the scenario could have been avoided due to recent changes in regulatory safeguards. A federal law passed in 2008 requires suction covers to be brought into compliance with new regulations. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is named after Graeme Baker, a 7-year-old girl who drowned in June 2002 when the suction from a spa drain trapped her underwater.