According to Consumer Reports’ Blog, the number of fires in campus housing has risen dramatically over the past few years—from 1,800 fires in 1998 to 3,000 fires in 2005.
Quality & Safety
California Moves To Ban Teen Driver Cellphone Use
By 8.31.07
A bill banning drivers under 18 from using cellphones passed the California Assembly today. It doesn’t even allow hands-free device use. The Highway Patrol asked for, and got, the offense classified as a secondary infraction, which means you can’t get pulled over simply for breaking this law.
Let's All Try To Avoid Shooting Ourselves With Nail Guns
By 8.30.07
Nail gun injuries are on the rise and its not professionals that are shooting themselves—it’s regular consumers just like you.
Over 10,000,000 Items Recalled For Lead Contamination In 2007
By 8.30.07
With the recall of some Thomas & Friends and Sponge Bob toys on August 22, the total number of products recalled due to lead contamination in 2007 reached 10,020,300, according to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. None of the items were manufactured in the US, so the recall responsibility and cost falls squarely on the shoulders of the US importers. We took at look back at 2007’s lead recalls to try to understand the scope of the problem.
By 8.30.07
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Toys “R” Us Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases (lead paint), B&F System Emergency Tool Kits (fire and shock), Berko Electric Toe-Space Heaters (fire), Aloha Housewares “Aloha Breeze” Portable Electric Heaters (fire), Life Is Good Zippity Hoodie and Sherpa Full Zip Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings (strangulation).
Bagged Spinich Recalled For Salmonella
By 8.30.07
Metz Fresh LLC has recalled bagged spinach sold in the continental US and Canada after one sample tested positive for salmonella. There have been no illnesses reported so far.
By 8.29.07
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Gerber Legendary Blades Pocket Knives (laceration), M&J Engineering Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks (drowning)
By 8.29.07
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Oregon Scientific Weather Radios (failure to receive national weather service alerts), Toddler and Youth Nylon Bucket Hats sold at Bass Pro Shops (strangulation), Bella Cucina Death by Chocolate cookies (undisclosed walnuts).
Meet The X-MET3000TXR+ Handheld Lead Detector
By 8.29.07
In response to growing concerns about toxic levels of lead in paint and metal on children’s toys, Oxford Instruments has developed a hand held electronic lead detector, a veritable rock boulder on the tracks of the Chinese Poison Train.
Loose Bolt Might Have Caused Last Week's China Airlines Super Explosion
By 8.28.07
Airlines worldwide are urged to check the nut and bolt assemblies on 737 series 600 through 900. Stateside, these planes are flown by Continental, Southwest, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines.
Researchers Hack Remote Keyless Car Entry Devices
By 8.28.07
Researchers have figured out a way to hack remote keyless car entry devices. The threat to the consumer is minimal, it takes several hours to crack the code, but it does give one pause, especially considering that if the Keeloq’s manufacturer added a few simple measures they could render the exploit nearly useless.
By 8.28.07
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Kids Watering Cans (lead), Caterpillar Steel-toed Logger Boots (not actually shock resistant).
If You Buy Expensive Electronics, Be Careful. You Might Be Being Followed…
By 8.27.07
Hey there, he’s a tip from our good friends up in Canada: If you’re buying expensive electronics don’t assume you’re not being followed to your next destination!
By 8.27.07
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China pledges to increase product quality standards in the wake of recent recalls, makes point of noting how 50% of its goods are made by foreign companies. [NYT]
Time Warner Repairman Jailed For Sexual Assault
By 8.26.07
If a creepy Time Warner repairman says he wants to ‘be with you’ while on a service call, you probably shouldn’t let him back in your house. After making the comment, Steven James Hernandez was dispatched back to the house to fix a problem outside; instead, he decided to bang on the 28 year-old woman’s door. From KENS 5:
Police said the banging at the door lasted at least 15 minutes, and the man at the door was Hernandez.
FDA Overhauls Sunscreen Ratings As Part Of Continuing War Against The Sun
By 8.26.07
A recently issued rule from the FDA would overhaul and expand the agency’s fight against the sun’s radiation. The proposed regulation would require sunscreen makers to test for effectiveness against UVA rays, which unlike UVB rays, do not burn the skin; UVA instead gives us an attractive bronze that can cause cancer.
Walmart To Test 20% More Toys
By 8.24.07
According to the Washington Post, Walmart will test 20% more toys in an effort to crack down on toy safety. Nu Wexler from Walmart Watch accused them of missing the point:
“Wal-Mart’s not addressing the larger problem of why Chinese toy suppliers are cutting corners with lead paint and melamine,” spokesman Nu Wexler said, referring to a harmful additive found in pet food made in China. “It’s because they’re under enormous pressure from buyers like Wal-Mart, and they’re sacrificing child safety to keep costs low.”
Walmart has hired three firms to help it ramp up the testing. Walmart says:
“We know this is an issue at the top of mind with our customers, and we know we can play a role to reassure them that we have great, safe toys in our stores,” said Laura Phillips, Wal-Mart’s merchandise manager overseeing toys.”
By 8.24.07
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Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers (fire), Calligaris ICE Bar Stools (falling).
