Florida parking garage collapse kills 3, injures 8; one worker still listed as missing
Three people are dead following the collapse of a parking garage under construction at Miami-Dade College Wednesday. According to an NBC News report, the third fatality was reported early this morning when a construction worker, who had been pulled from the rubble of the garage alive, succumbed to his serious injuries at a local … [Read more...]
Mirena® putting women at risk of suffering serious side effects
Women who opt for Mirena® as a contraceptive method are putting themselves at risk of very serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects. Mirena® is an intrauterine contraceptive that's implanted in women and is designed to stay in the uterus for up to five years. Regularly, the Mirena® IUD releases the hormone levonorgestrel … [Read more...]
Injuries from “exploding toilets” prompt recall of Flushmate pressure flushing system
Federal consumer safety regulators have issued a recall on an assisted toilet flushing mechanism after several people sustained injuries when the units exploded during use. According to a recent Los Angeles Times report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission ordered the recall action on the … [Read more...]
Airport Backscatter X-Ray Scanners Continue to Raise Safety Questions
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is taking another look at the radiation levels emitted from some of its new airport full-body scanners after tests found some devices were emitting radiation that was 10 times higher than normal. Though it will be retesting about 247 backscatter X-ray scanners deployed at airports … [Read more...]
Was FCC Cell Phone Radiation Advice Altered at Behest of Industry?
Following pow-wows with members of the cell phone industry, including the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, Nokia, AT&T and Motorola, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) quietly changed a statement on cell phone radiation that appears on its website. Where it once recommended that consumers choose cell phones … [Read more...]
Japanese Nuclear Crises Sparks Worry over General Electric Nuclear Reactor Design
In the wake of the Japanese nuclear emergency spawned by last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami, questions are being raised about the design of the a General Electric nuclear reactor known as the Mark 1. Nuclear opponents have criticized the Mark 1 as inferior to other reactor designs, USA Today reported, saying that its … [Read more...]
DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit Filed by Connecticut Woman
The first Connecticut lawsuit against the maker of the recalled, defective DePuy ASR hip implant has been filed. Patricia Sorrentino-Galello underwent a second hip replacement just three years after her original surgery at Milford Hospital, the CT Post reports. Revision surgeries are painful and more complex than original surgeries … [Read more...]
PCBs in Massachusetts Harbor will be Capped and Buried, EPA Says
To deal with PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) and heavy metal contamination in Massachusetts' New Bedford Harbor, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to bury and cap toxic silt at the bottom of the harbor via the deployment of an underwater Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) cell. According to the agency, dredging … [Read more...]
FDA Shuts Down Maryland Sprout Processor
Ongoing unsanitary conditions prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to shut down a Maryland soybean sprout processor. Preparation, packing, and holding were all conducted in conditions violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Carroll County Times noted that the FDA found that unsanitary practices and … [Read more...]
10 Years Too Long for Removing PCBs from New York City Schools, EPA Says
Federal regulators have rejected New York City's timetable for removing PCBs, also known as polychlorinated biphenyls, from public schools there. Last month, New York City announced a $708 million, 10 year plan to remove PCB-tainted light ballasts from 772 school buildings in the city. According The New York Times, however, the U.S. … [Read more...]
Plavix – Aspirin Combo Linked to Higher Risk of Gastrointestinal bleeding
Taking low doses of aspirin along with the blood thinning drug Plavix could increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, according to a new study. According to a Reuters report, the authors of the study calculated that if 1,000 people not taking the Plavix-aspirin combo were to start such a regimen, an extra one to three of them … [Read more...]
At New York Group Homes, Abuse Goes Unchecked
New York State is the operator of 2,000 group homes, which means that the state is responsible to care and protect about 10,000 residents with what The New York Daily News described as “severe physical and mental disabilities.†According to The New York Times, the states is not doing its job, wrote the Daily News, and group home … [Read more...]
Bed Bug Lawsuit Goes to Court
Another bed bug lawsuit is making headlines, this time in Maryland. Sam Alfrey, the plaintiff in a small claims case against the owner of the Travelers Hotel LLC brought a bottle of dead bed bugs to court in a lawsuit seeking $2,480 for the rent he has paid since moving in last September, as well as expenses for a five-day hospital … [Read more...]
Triad Group Shuts Down Line That Made Tainted Wipes
After several recalls, one nationwide; Bacillus cereus contamination; and links to a number of illnesses and one death, the Triad Group of Harland, Wisconsin is shutting down the line that manufactured tainted alcohol prep products, pads, wipes, and swabs. As we’ve previously written, use of Triad’s recalled, contaminated alcohol … [Read more...]
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Raises Risk of Stillbirth
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in America, is linked to some 443,000 fatalities and $100 billion in healthcare costs annually, and kills some 1,200 Americans every day. Now, says the BBC, University of Nottingham researchers revealed that pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke—at work or home—have a 23 … [Read more...]
Salmonella Prompts Vitalabs to Recall Whey Protein Isolate
Vitalabs, Inc. of Jonesboro, Georgia is initiating a large recall of its Whey-26 Protein Powder over concerns that the defective product is contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Salmonella pathogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Four specific lot numbers of Whey-26 Protein Powder have been … [Read more...]
Chocolate Milk Recalled After Alkaline Phosphatase Found in Samples
After Alkaline Phosphatase was found in a number of dairy products produced by the Oak Farms Dairy plant in Waco, Texas, the company initiated a recall of some chocolate milk products. The recall involves half-gallon plastic bottles of whole chocolate milk and half-pint paper cartons of whole chocolate milk and 1% chocolate milk, … [Read more...]
Guatemalan Syphilis Victims File Class Action Lawsuit against U.S. Government
Victims of Guatemalan syphilis experiments carried out by U.S. government scientists in the 1940s have filed suit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other government agencies seeking reparations for human rights abuses. Attorneys representing the Guatemalan syphilis experiment victims, including Parker … [Read more...]
Toxic Airplane Cabin Air Sickening Flight Crews, Flight Attendant Says
A flight attendant for U.S. Airways claims toxic airplane cabin air is making flight crews sick. The toxic airplane cabin air, which some say can lead to an illness known as Aerotoxic Syndrome, has been linked to problems with the bleed air systems used on most aircraft to recirculate cabin air during flight. Most commercial … [Read more...]
Johnson & Johnson Facilities at Center of Tylenol, Other Drug Recalls Face Greater FDA Scrutiny
A Johnson & Johnson drug plant in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania that made millions of bottles of recalled medicine, including Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin, will not be allowed to reopen until the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is assured that it meets quality standards. A proposed consent decree signed by the FDA and Johnson & … [Read more...]
Suzuki KingQuad ATVs Recalled for Fire Hazard
About 29,000 Suzuki KingQuad All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)s have been recalled for fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The defective ATVs were manufactured in the United States by the Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation. The defective products were distributed by American Suzuki Motor … [Read more...]
Wooden Fruit Puzzles Recalled for Choking Hazard
About 1,400 Kid O Products defective Wooden Fruit Puzzles have been recalled due to choking hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The knobs attached to the puzzle fruits can come loose, posing a choking hazard to young children. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported in response to … [Read more...]
Holiday Rattle Baby Slippers Sold at Walgreens Recalled for Choking Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced a product recall of about 57,000 Holiday Rattle Baby Slippers due to choking hazard. The defective slippers were manufactured in China; imported by Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and distributed and sold by Walgreen Co., of Deerfield, … [Read more...]
Recalled DePuy Hip Implant May Be Failing at Much Higher Rate than First Thought
How likely are premature failures of the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System? When DePuy Orthopedics issued recalls for the ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System last August, the company said data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales indicated that 1 out of every 8 … [Read more...]
Radiation for Brain Tumors may Impact Female Fertility
Higher radiation doses prescribed for cancers and brain tumors have long been linked to female infertility, but, now, says Reuters, an emerging study reveals that female fertility is affected at even moderate and lower radiation doses. It seems, explained Dr. Daniel Green, a cancer specialist at the St. Jude Children’s Research … [Read more...]
Bologna Recalled in New York for Staph Contamination
About 2,997 pounds of bologna products are being recalled by Zweigle's Inc., of Rochester, New York, in a Class I recall over concerns of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced. A Class I recall is a health hazard situation … [Read more...]
PCB Contaminated Landfill in New York State Added to Superfund List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced the addition of the Dewey Loeffel Landfill in Rensselaer County, New York to its Superfund National Priorities List of the country’s most hazardous waste sites. The landfill is contaminated with toxic substances that include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the ground … [Read more...]
Vet, Doctor Halloween Costumes Recalled or Choking Hazard
About 1,800 Fun World Little Pet Vet and Dr. Littles Halloween Costumes with Toy Stethoscopes have been recalled due to choking hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The defective Halloween costumes were manufactured in China and imported by Fun World, Inc., a Division of Easter Unlimited, Inc. … [Read more...]
Stanley Securities Recalls Door Lock Sets for Entrapment Risk
About 63,100 6K and 7KC Series Door Locksets have been recalled by Stanley Security Solutions for entrapment risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced the product recall. The Stanley Security Door Lock Sets’ latches could fail, which could lead to entrapment in an emergency because the door cannot be … [Read more...]
Camp Lejeune Toxic Water May Have Caused Breast Cancer in Men
A man raised at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base has blamed his breast cancer on tainted water he drank while growing up there. According to a CNN report that aired in 2009, at least 20 men who were either lived at or where stationed at Camp Lejeune between the 1960s and 1980s have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that … [Read more...]
Johnson & Johnson’s Animas Unit Recalls Insulin Pump Cartridges
Following a year of unprecedented recalls, another unit of embattled drug giant, Johnson & Johnson, is issuing a medical device recall, this time, for 2.0 mL Animas Insulin Pump Cartridges. Some 2.0 mL insulin cartridges shipped between November 30, 2010 and January 4, 2011, can leak insulin. This defect can result in under-dosing … [Read more...]
Salmonella Prompts Recall of Jones Natural Chews Co. Pig Ears
Thousands of boxes of Jones Natural Chews Company Pig Ears are being recalled over potential contamination with the dangerous, and sometimes deadly, Salmonella bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Jones Natural Chews Co. is located in Rockford, Illinois. The recall was the result of a routine … [Read more...]
Another Tea Recall Issued for Salmonella
In response to a recent tea recall of thousands of pounds of Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea produced by Aromatics Inc., of Basin City, Washington, RemedyTeas just issued a recall of 20 pounds of tea, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Earlier this week, we wrote that Teavana Corporation issued a product recall of … [Read more...]
Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplaces Sold at Lowe’s Stores Recalled
Tens of thousands of Freestanding Steel Outdoor Fireplaces are being recalled in the United States and Canada, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The wood burning fireplace recall involves about 20,000 defective fireplaces in the U.S. and 400 in Canada. The recalled fireplaces … [Read more...]
Guatemala Syphilis Experiment Victims Prepare to File Class Action Lawsuit against U.S. Government
Two law firms, including the national firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, plan on filing a class action lawsuit against several U.S. health agencies on behalf of victims of Guatemala syphilis testing conducted by American doctors during the 1940's unless reparations are made this week. If filed, the Guatemalan syphilis testing … [Read more...]
Enbrel Lawsuit Claims Drug Caused Cancer
Alleging a diagnosis of cancer and accusing drugmakers of hiding Enbrel side effects, Wayne Stone Sr. is suing Immunex, Pfizer, Wyeth, and so-called “John Doe†distributors of the drug, reported Courthouse News. Amgen and Pfizer market Enbrel for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Stone Sr. claims Enbrel gave him lymphoma and … [Read more...]
NSAID Side Effects Could Include Erectile Dysfunction
NSAIDs—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs— previously been linked to increased stroke and heart attack risks, have now been connected with erectile dysfunction (ED) with regular use, says MedScape. The emerging study, a prospective cohort, appeared online last month and in the April print issue of the Journal of … [Read more...]
Mountain Dew Mouth Ruining Children’s Teeth
Poor children in Appalachia are being stricken with high levels of tooth decay, and even tooth loss, that some dentists have linked to Mountain Dew, PepsiCo.'s popular soft drink that is made with high levels of caffeine and sugar. Some are blaming the easy availability of Mountain Dew, and its addictive amounts of caffeine, for … [Read more...]
Cell Phone Health Risks Can Be Reduced
A just-released study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concludes that cell phones radiation does change brain activity.The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that 50-minutes of cell phone use was associated with increased brain glucose metabolism (a … [Read more...]
Use of Prevnar, ActHIB Vaccines Halted in Japan After Child Deaths
Four children have died in Japan after being vaccinated with Prevnar and ActHIB. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Japanese government has stopped use of these vaccines and, now, international health authorities are looking into potential side effects from the drug. Health officials in the United States are not concerned, … [Read more...]
Salmonella Risk Prompts Herbal Tea Recall
Teavana Corporation just issued a product recall of 2,659 lbs of Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea produced by Aromatics Inc., of Basin City, Washington, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The recalled product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, a dangerous, potentially fatal, foodborne pathogen. … [Read more...]
Users of Fixodent, Other Denture Creams Should be Wary of Zinc
Because Fixodent and other denture creams contain zinc, denture wearers are being advised to pay attention to the amount of zinc they consume. According to an article published in the March/April 2011 issue of "General Dentistry,†the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), excess intake of zinc … [Read more...]
Smith & Nephew Recalls IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes for Possible Bacterial Contaminati
Smith & Nephew's Advanced Wound Management division just announced a U.S. voluntary nationwide recall of selected lots of its IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes (product number 59421200) that were manufactured by The Triad Group. This recall follows a prior nationwide recall initiated by The Triad Group for alcohol prep products, pads, wipes, … [Read more...]
E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Hazelnuts in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin
After nut products were linked to seven cases of foodborne illness in Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, California, issued a recall of bulk and consumer-packaged in-shell, hazelnut and mixed nut products containing hazelnuts over concerns the products may be contaminated with Escherichia coli … [Read more...]
Children’s Jewelry may Contain Dangerous Levels of Cadmium
Cadmium, considered an even more dangerous toxic metal than lead, is a known carcinogen and can interfere with brain development in very young children; longer-term effects of cadmium might not always be immediately evident. The federal government has long been concerned about toxic metals which could be ingested by children who … [Read more...]
DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit Filed by Seven Forced to Undergo Revision Surgery
A DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuit was recently filed by seven Rochester, New York residents who say they were forced to undergo revision surgery after their ASR hip failed prematurely. The DePuy ASR hip implant was recalled in August, but the Rochester lawsuit claims DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, knew the implant … [Read more...]
Cook Inc. Recalls Central Venous Catheter Trays for Leak Issue
Single, Double, Triple, and Five-Lumen Central Venous Catheter Trays and Single and Double Lumen PICC Peripheral Inserted Central Venous Catheter Trays are being recalled, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Cook, Inc., located at 750 Daniels Way 
Bloomington, Indiana 47404-9120, is conducting the Venous … [Read more...]
Wooden Toys, Rattles Recalled for Choking Hazard
In two separate recalls, wooden toys and rattles are being recalled for choking hazard, both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) announced. Parents® Busy Time Activity Centersâ„¢ About 400 Parents® Busy Time Activity Centersâ„¢, which were manufactured in China by Manhattan Group LLC, of … [Read more...]
Topamax Increases Risk for Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate When Used During Pregnancy
Topamax (topiramate) has been associated with the development of oral clefts - cleft lip and/or cleft palate - in babies born to women who took the drug during early pregnancy. Today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said that Topamax, previously classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug, will now be placed in Pregnancy … [Read more...]
IKEA Recalls Coffee/Tea Makers
A large recall of IKEA FörstÃ¥ Coffee/Tea Makers has been implemented because of burn and laceration hazards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) just announced. About 94,000 FörstÃ¥ Coffee/Tea Makers have been recalled in the United States and another 34,000 have been recalled in Canada. The … [Read more...]
Davol XenMatrix Surgical Graft Named in Class I Recall
Davol Inc.'s recall of its XenMatrix Surgical Graft, which we reported in January, has been deemed a Class I recall by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it's most serious recall classification. XenMatrix, made from pig tissue, is used in hernia and abdominal wall repair. According to the recall notice, Davol, a unit of C.R. … [Read more...]
Tanning Beds, Drug Skin Reactions Can be a Deadly Combo
While known for its dangers concerning skin cancer, tanning beds are now being linked to a completely different type of danger. Research conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Dermatology has found that tanning bed exposure, specifically when consumers self-diagnose and use the radiation to treat skin … [Read more...]
Proton Pump Inhibitors May Lower Magnesium Levels, FDA Warns
Proton pump inhibitors can lower magnesium levels if the popular heartburn drugs are used over a long period of time, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has warned. Low serum magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can result in serious health problems including muscle spasm, irregular heartbeat and convulsions. Because of this … [Read more...]
BioRay Dietary Supplements Not Proven Safe or Effective
With no medical or pharmacy degrees and no compelling scientific data, BioRay’s owners—Timothy and Stephanie Ray—tout their dietary supplements as being able to help with sexual problems, allergies, speech delays, weight issues, even liver and autism problems; virtually any health malady, said The LA Times. Not only does … [Read more...]
FDA Acts against Unapproved Cold, Cough and Allergy Drugs, Orders Hundreds Removed from Market
More than 500 unapproved prescription cough, cold and allergy medicines – including familiar names like include Lodrane, Cardec, Organidin and Pediahist - have been ordered off the market by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). None of the unapproved prescription cough, cold and allergy drugs have ever been evaluated by the … [Read more...]
Keyless Ignition Accidents, Deaths Raising Concerns
Keyless ignition technology malfunctions being linked to a number of accidents, some fatal. According to WMGT, despite these reports of keyless ignition malfunctions, the technology is on the rise. Three deaths in three different events are pointing to issues with keyless ignition, two in Florida and one in New York, as well as … [Read more...]
Questionable Breast Implant Lymphoma Info Removed from Groups’ Websites
Two plastic surgery groups have removed information that downplayed the risks of a rare type of lymphoma linked to breast implants, following a discussion with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The group Public Citizen had complained to the FDA about the way the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American … [Read more...]
Rear Guards on Tractor-Trailers Pose Fatal Danger
New crash tests and analysis conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal that tractor-trailers underride guards can fail in even low-speed crashes and can lead to fatalities. The Institute is petitioning the federal government to mandate stronger underride guards, constructed to stay in place during a crash and is … [Read more...]
Heart Device Studies Fail to Include Enough Women
A new study has found that the vast majority of heart devices, including heart valves, pacemakers, defibrillators and stents, approved for use in the U.S. were not adequately tested in women. This is a problem because differences between men and women in size and bleeding tendencies can impact how these heart devices perform, … [Read more...]
Nursing Homes Hiring Criminals, Government Report Says
Low federal standards; inconsistent state regulations; and a general lack of strong, standardized processes have created lapses in the types of employees hired by nursing home facilities, a problem about which we have long been writing. For instance, the majority of nursing homes—90 percent—hired staff with criminal convictions, … [Read more...]
Slow Cookers Recalled by Burlington Coat Factory
Slow cookers are being recalled, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over the potential for fire hazard. The recalled slow cookers were manufactured in China; sold by the Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, New Jersey; and imported and distributed by Lehrhoff ABL, of Carlstadt, New Jersey. About 7,460 slow … [Read more...]
PCBs in Caulk Pose Significant – and Expensive – Problem
The threat from PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in light ballasts found in schools built prior to 1979 been making news the past several months, with New York City just announcing a 10-year plan to remove PCB-tainted ballasts from schools there. But according to a report from the American Recyler, PCBs in caulk - found around … [Read more...]
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Follows Teen’s Use of Eye Drops
A 19-year-old girl in the United Kingdom required weeks of intensive care treatment and is looking at months of follow-up treatment following a dangerous drug reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome after using Optrex eye drops. According to the Voice Online, Marian Adejokun’s body was covered in blisters very soon after using … [Read more...]
Users of Plavix, Valium, Other Meds Could Suffer Reactions if they Carry CYP2C19 Gene Variant
Does a gene variant explain a U.S. lawmaker's odd behavior? According to Rep. David Wu, an Oregon Democrat, a variant in the CYP2C19 gene, which plays a role in metabolizing some drugs, like Plavix and Valium was the reason he seemingly went AWOL around Election Day in 2008. We've written about the CYP2C19 gene variant before. … [Read more...]
Beaded Door Curtains Sold at Target Recalled for Strangulation Risk
Some 79,000 Circo Beaded Door Curtains have been recalled for strangulation risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The recalled product was manufactured in China by FAB/Starpoint LLC, of New York, New York, and was sold by Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minneapolis. … [Read more...]
Baby Jogger Jump Seats Recalled for Fall Hazard
A recall has been implemented by Baby Jogger LLC, of Richmond, Virginia, for Baby Jogger Jump Seats, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. About 1,545 Baby Jogger Jump Seats have been recalled in the United States; 450 have been recalled in Canada. The recalled products were … [Read more...]
Sugary Drinks, Soda Linked to High Blood Pressure
Sugary drinks, including sweetened sodas and fruit drinks, have been linked to high blood pressure, according to a new study. The research suggests reducing sugar and salt intake to reduce cardiac risks, said Reuters, noting that hypertension—high blood pressure—is a significant risk factor for cardiac disease. The study results … [Read more...]
Multaq Patients Should Undergo Liver Function Tests
European regulators recently warned that Multaq (donedarone) could put patients at risk for severe liver injuries. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is now recommending that doctors perform liver function tests before treating atrial fibrillation patients with Multaq. The European recommendation comes just over a month since the … [Read more...]
Abacavir Safety Review Shows No Heart Attack Link, Conflicts with Some Earlier Studies
U.S. health regulators said today said that a safety review did not find a connection between abacavir and an increased risk of heat attacks. Abacavir—sold under brand names Ziagen, Trizivir, and Epzicom – is used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. In the past, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has received … [Read more...]
Big Tobacco Files Suit Over FDA Menthol Cigarette Panel
In the ongoing war with Big Tobacco, a lawsuit has been filed against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by two leading players from industry: Lorillard Inc and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. The cigarette makers allege that “conflicts of interest and bias†existed on an advisory panel that may recommend menthol cigarettes be … [Read more...]
More Deaths Associated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, FDA Says
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just issued another warning about Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems. This warning is an update to two earlier device safety notices, said MedPageToday. The FDA is not changing its labeling on these devices at this time. The agency first announced its concerns about NPWT … [Read more...]
Dried Fish Recalled by Brooklyn Firm for Potential Botulism
W H & Group LLC. just issued a recall of Dried Fish after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors discovered Clostridium botulinum spores, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The botulism contamination was discovered during a routine inspection and follow-up analysis of the Dried … [Read more...]
Stainless Steel Brandy Flasks Recalled for Lead Risk
E&J Brandy just announced a voluntary recall of a number of its stainless steel brandy flasks after laboratory tests revealed that brandy stored in these flasks, under specific conditions, could indicate elevated lead levels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just wrote. Lead is a toxic heavy metal linked to a broad range … [Read more...]
Perfringens Outbreak in Illinois Linked to Poor Temperature Control
Earlier this month, about 30 people were sickened in Evanston, Illinois with perfringens food poisoning after attending a parent-teacher conference at the Haven Middle School. According to Barfblog, the school’s and caterer’s—Merle’s BBQ Restaurant—practices were reviewed and food from the event was sampled. “Based on … [Read more...]
Full-Body X-Rays of Infants at Brooklyn Hospital Prompts Investigation
A Brooklyn, New York hospital is under scrutiny for performing full-body X-rays of infants up until 2007. According to The New York Times, such X-rays, known as "babygrams" occurred at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center. The use of such X-rays on infants was discredited long ago because the radiation … [Read more...]
Natural Gas Pipeline Explosions Raise Oversight Concerns
Natural gas pipeline explosions—particularly one in Allentown and another in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this year, alone—are raising concerns about the nation’s pipeline safety oversight, wrote The Morning Call. The two Pennsylvania natural gas pipeline explosions resulted in fatalities. Now, experts are wondering if the … [Read more...]
Radiation from Cell Phones, Wireless Technology, Puts Children at Risk, Group Says
ElectromagneticHealth.org recently published a letter to parents detailing the health consequences of wireless radiation exposure for children. The letter provides comprehensive information on several studies that have pointed to increased health risks from cell phones and other wireless technologies. Among the research cited by … [Read more...]
Listeria Prompts Recall of Broccoli Products
Taylor Farms Pacific just announced a voluntary recall of an array of products containing broccoli over concerns about contamination with the Listeria bacteria, said The Associated Press (AP). A random test by agricultural department officials confirmed the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The broccoli, said the AP, can be found in … [Read more...]
DePuy Hip Implant Class Action Filed in Australia
Another DePuy ASR Hip Replacement lawsuit, this time, a class action, has been initiated in Australia, reports The Herald Sun. Eight parties have been registered in the action; the case will be heard in the Federal Court in Sydney, Australia. The lawsuit involves two types of DePuy devices that were manufactured in Great Britain by … [Read more...]
Accu-Check Flexlink Plus Infusion Sets Recalled
The Accu-Chek® FlexLink Plus infusion set is being recalled by Roche Insulin Delivery Systems because the cannula can become bent or kinked when inserting the device, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If this happens, patients may receive too little insulin, leading to elevation of blood glucose levels, and … [Read more...]
Golden Tea Lights Recalled by Pier 1 Imports
A large product recall of Golden Tea Lights sold with Ornament Tea Light Holders has been initiated by Pier 1 Imports®, of Fort Worth, Texas, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The flame from the Defective Product can burn with a high flame, posing a fire hazard. To date, Pier … [Read more...]
Remote Control Systems for Entertainment Electronics Recalled for Fire Hazard
About 4,160 Remote Control Systems for Entertainment Electronics have been recalled by the manufacturer, Niles Audio Corp., of Miami, Florida, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), just announced. If the battery falls from the remote control during handling, it can rupture and smoke or ignite, posing a fire hazard. To … [Read more...]
Agency Faces Questions over Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in Orthodox Jewish Community
Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services, a social service agency based in Brooklyn, New York that services the Orthodox Jewish community, is facing questions about its adherence to laws that require the reporting of child sexual abuse. According to The Jewish Week, it appears that Ohel did not report the case of the mother who … [Read more...]
PCBs Linked to IVF Failures
A new study finds that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in concentrations typically found in the blood of people living in the U.S. could make successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) more difficult to achieve. The study was published this week in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP). According to a statement from … [Read more...]
Avastin Breast Cancer Decision Will Be Appealed in June
The maker of Avastin will attempt this summer to convince the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that it made a mistake when it decided to revoke the pricey drug's approval as a treatment for advanced breast cancer. Roche’s Genentech division will try to convince the FDA to change its mind on Avastin during a two-day hearing … [Read more...]
Benzene Lawsuit Claims Shell Oil, BP to Blame for Woman’s Leukemia Death
A benzene lawsuit alleges an Illinois woman developed leukemia and died as a result of exposure to the toxic chemical. The lawsuit, filed by the family of Debra Ochs, names Shell Oil Company and BP Products North America Inc. as defendants. According to the Ochs family lawsuit, which was filed last month in Madison County Circuit … [Read more...]
Feds Want Light Cigarette Confession, Other Admissions From Tobacco Industry
The Justice Department just announced that it is seeking some public, honest disclosure from Big Tobacco, including admission that the industry lied about so-called light cigarettes and the addictiveness of nicotine. The Justice Department also noted that smoking Cigarettes leads to an array of medical issues and kills some 1,200 … [Read more...]
Jogging Strollers Recalled For Strangulation Risk
A large product recall of B.O.B.® Single and Double Strollers has been initiated due to strangulation risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The agencies advise consumers to stop using the Recalled Products immediately unless otherwise instructed and notes that it is illegal … [Read more...]
Le Creuset Recalls Glass Lids for Laceration Hazard
About 1,800 Le Creuset Glass Lids have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The Le Creuset Glass Lids, which were manufactured in … [Read more...]
Extenze Tablets Recalled for Undeclared Ingredient
Biotab Nutraceuticals, Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall of two lots of Extenze Nutritional Supplement Tablets, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Some packages bearing lot numbers 0709241 and 0509075 are counterfeit products containing undeclared drug ingredients that can pose a serious risk to health. … [Read more...]
2+ Million Toyota Vehicles Recalled for Pedal Entrapment Issues
Just a little over a year after Toyota recalled millions of vehicles for unintended acceleration issues, history is repeating itself. Toyota announced today that it is recalling 2.17 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. for flaws that could jam gas pedals, leading to instances of unintended acceleration. Worldwide, 14 … [Read more...]
FDA Approves Expanded Use of Lap-Band With Little Review
With much fanfare, the popular Lap-Band device for weight loss was recently approved for expanded use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), despite a lack of safety data. The LA Times also points out that it appears as if the agency did not take into consideration the device maker’s illegal marketing tactics for its … [Read more...]
Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to Thigh Fractures, Yet Again
Bone loss drugs in the class of bisphosphonates have, again, been linked to bone fractures of the femur (thigh bone). Web MD said that a recent, large review of over 200,000 post-menopausal women found that those taking bisphosphonates—drugs sold under the names Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D, Actonel, Actonel with Calcium, Boniva, … [Read more...]
Benzene Cancer Verdict Upheld in California
A California appeals court refused to overturn an $8 million verdict levied against an Exxon Mobile Corp. subsidiary in a benzene cancer lawsuit. According to Law360.com, the plaintiff claimed to have developed kidney cancer from benzene exposure that occurred on a tanker operated by Exxon's SeaRiver Maritime Inc. The original … [Read more...]
PCBs Found in Another New York School, as City Readies Deal with EPA
In addition to a growing number of New York City schools found to have PCB Contamination, P.S. 45 in Bushwick, Brooklyn turned up with the highest level of PCBs, to date. WPIX wrote that the most recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing revealed PCBs at a massive 660 parts per million (ppm), the highest level the EPA as … [Read more...]
Peanut Salmonella Outbreak in the Spotlight Again
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont is seeking information from the Obama administration about an investigation into the Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) Salmonella debacle in which peanut products distributed across the country sickened thousands, impacted most of the states and Canada, and resulted in a number of deaths. At last count, … [Read more...]
Bicycles Recalled by Two Firms
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced two separate product recalls for bicycles for fall, loss of control, and injury hazards. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. Novara Fusion Bicycles About … [Read more...]
Resistance Bands Recalled for Injury Risk
About 29,700 Resistance Stretch Tubing Bands have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to should stop using the defective products immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a recalled product. The recalled Resistance Stretch … [Read more...]
Using a Cell Phone Changes Brain Activity, Study Finds
A new cell phone study finds the popular devices can in fact cause changes to brain activity. The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, is one of the first, and the most prominent, to offer scientific evidence that cell phones affect brain metabolism. What is not yet understood is exactly how the brain … [Read more...]
Zadroga Act Legal Forum Scheduled for March 20, 2011
The Feal Good Foundation has announced that it will conduct “The James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Law Victim’s Compensation Fund Legal Forum" next month. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is one of six law firms the Feal Good Foundation has invited to participate in the Zadroga Act Forum. “The James Zadroga 9/11 Health & … [Read more...]
