Nassau County Crime Lab Closed Amid Scandal
The Nassau County Crime Lab on Long Island, New York was shut down last week as part of an investigation into how drug evidence was being tested. The move could result in prisoners seeking overturns on their convictions, pointed out Reuters. This is just one of other moves affecting the Nassau County Crime Lab that has some … [Read more...]
Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Study Reviewer Failed to Disclose Conflict
Did a consultant for Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent denture cream, help suppress an important study that showed a link between zinc-containing denture adhesives like Fixodent and severe nerve damage? The study, though completed in 2006, wasn't published in the journal "Neurology" until 2008. According to a recent ABC News … [Read more...]
Swine Flu Shots Lead to Spike in Irish Adverse Event Reports
In its annual report, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has revealed that the Swine Flu vaccination has been linked to an increase in adverse reaction reports, with an additional 900 adverse reaction reports this year, reported The Herald. According to the report, there were an "unprecedented" number of reported adverse reactions to … [Read more...]
Breast Implants Gave Me Lymphoma, Breast Cancer Survivor Says
A Florida woman believes the breast implants she received in the wake of a mastectomy caused her to develop another form of cancer. Sherry Kellogg, a 48-year-old breast cancer survivor from North Palm Beach was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in 2008. Kellogg told The Palm Beach Post that she first received … [Read more...]
Antipsychotic Drugs Pose Risks to Newborns, FDA Says
U.S. health regulators have ordered that cautions be added to the labels of ALL antipsychotic drugs regarding their risk of abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms or EPS) and withdrawal syndromes in newborns when used in pregnancy. The new cautions will apply to both older and new generation antipsychotics, including … [Read more...]
Plan to Gut CPSC Budget Criticized
Last week’s House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, designed to undo recent product safety regulations laid out in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) and slash funding for the critical Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is a step in the wrong direction, Public Citizen said. A hearing such … [Read more...]
BPA on ATM Receipts May Pose Risks
Bisphenol A (BPA), the ever-present polycarbonate plastic hardener has been implicated in a growing range of consumer products. We recently wrote that the Toxic Chemical was found in ordinary thermal paper receipts, further intensifying its ubiquity. Now, NBC Connecticut says that Connecticut lawmakers are looking to increase bans … [Read more...]
Simponi Pens Recalled by Johnson & Johnson for Manufacturing Defect
Johnson & Johnson is recalling Simponi injection pens in the U.S. and Germany. According to the company, a potential defect could result in an insufficient dose of the rheumatoid arthritis drug, and patients are being advised to use pre-filled syringes of Simponi as an alternative. The Simponi pen recall is just the latest in a … [Read more...]
Sno-Tek Snow Blowers Recalled for Laceration Hazard
Sno-Tek Snow Blowers are being recalled for laceration hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The agencies are advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products immediately and note that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. About 1,500 … [Read more...]
Cost of Allentown Natural Gas Explosion Being Tallied
The Allentown natural gas explosion has cost the Pennsylvania city at least $61,000 so far, according to a report from the Allentown Morning Call. Nearly half of that - $25,341 - was incurred by the fire department in fighting the massive fire sparked by the Allentown natural gas explosion. The Allentown natural gas explosion … [Read more...]
Men’s, Women’s Jackets Recalled for Flammability Standard Violations
About 6,700 New Live Men’s and Women’s Jackets 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 to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The recalled Men's and Women's … [Read more...]
New DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit Filed by California Man
Another alleged victim of the defective DePuy ASR hip implant has filed suit against DePuy Orthopaedics. According to this new DePuy ASR hip replacement lawsuit, the plaintiff was forced to undergo revision surgery a little over a year after receiving the defective implant. Since receiving his DePuy ASR hip implant, the plaintiff … [Read more...]
Food Dehydrator Recalled
About 3,500 LEM Food Dehydrators With Digital Timers have been recalled for fire hazard, 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 to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The recalled … [Read more...]
Pre-Lit Christmas Trees Recalled for Shock Hazard
About 1,333 Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Trees have been recalled due to shock hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The agency is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Product immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The recalled … [Read more...]
How Safe are Skechers Shape-Ups, Other Toning Shoes?
Skechers Shape-Ups and other so-called toning shoes have become hot items, with sales soon expected to exceed $1 billion. But according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), Skechers Shape-Ups and other toning shoes could be a risky choice for some people. Toning shoes are also sometimes referred to as … [Read more...]
Breast Implant Cancer Risk May be Downplayed by Plastic Surgeons, Group Says
The link between breast implants and a rare form of lymphoma may be being downplayed by some plastic surgeons, according to a leading consumer advocacy group. According to a letter from Public Citizen to the head of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), "presidents of the two leading plastic surgery organizations, the American … [Read more...]
ADHD Drugs Linked To Parkinson’s Disease in New Study
We have long reported on various substances being linked to Parkinson’s disease. Now, WTMA reports that the progressive, degenerative central nervous system disorder that affects motor skills and speech has been linked to certain amphetamines. A study conducted by Kaiser Permanente Northern California, found that some medications … [Read more...]
Warfarin Recall Issued, Tablets may be Mislabled
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., of Maple Grove, Minnesota is issuing a Drug Recall for one lot—Lot # 284081—of Jantoven® Warfarin Sodium, USP, 3mg Tablets. This is an anticoagulant with an expiration date of September 2012, NDC # 0832-1214-00. Upsher-Smith Laboratories initiated the recall after a single bottle labeled as … [Read more...]
Terbutaline Treatment for Preterm Labor Is Risky, FDA Warns
The asthma drug terbutaline should not be used to prevent or treat preterm labor, according to an alert issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday. Not only is this off-label use of terbutaline ineffective, the FDA said, women treated with the tablets form of the drug, or those who undergo prolonged treatment with … [Read more...]
IKEA Cribs Recalled for Entrapment, Suffocation Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced a Product Recall of Sniglar Cribs, distributed by IKEA Home Furnishings of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. About 20,000 IKEA Cribs were recalled in the United States; another 6,000 were recalled in Canada The four bolts provided with some Sniglar … [Read more...]
Children’s Chairs Recalled for Fall Hazard
Kristi G Company, of Atlanta, Georgia and SwimWays Corporation, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, just issued a Product Recall for 5,200 Kristi G Go & Grow Chairs because the chair can tip over, posing a fall hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. SwimWays Corp. has received eight reports of the … [Read more...]
Perfect Pullup Bars Recalled After Injury Reports
Perfect Fitness, of Mill Valley, California, just issued a product recall for about 7,000 Perfect Fitness Perfect Pullup Bars following injury reports, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the defective product immediately and notes that it is illegal to … [Read more...]
Raw Milk Dangers Highlighted by CDC
More and more consumers are eating organically, minimizing consumption of processed foods, purchasing foods from food cooperatives and farmers markets, and even growing their own foods, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. While consuming foods with less processing tends to present a healthier choice, raw … [Read more...]
Johnson & Johnson Unit Recalls Dermabond Wound Product, Securestrap Hernia Product
The Wall Street Journal just reported that Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit has issued a recall of 700,000 vials of its Dermabond Wound Product, a liquid wound-sealing product, following reports of discoloration and delayed setting times. The drug maker also recalled a new hernia-treatment product—its Securestrap Hernia … [Read more...]
Bassinets Recalled by Burlington Basket Company for Fall Hazard
A large product recall of about 500,000 Bassinets has been implemented by the Burlington Basket Company of Burlington, Iowa, due to fall hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the recalled Burlington Basket Company Bassinets immediately and notes that … [Read more...]
Avandia Ban Announced in New Zealand
Avandia is being pulled from the market in yet another country, this time in New Zealand. Sales of the controversial diabetes drug, which has been linked to side effects such as heart attacks and strokes, has been severely restricted in the U.S., but it remains on the market here. The New Zealand Ministry of Health is withdrawing … [Read more...]
Disney Recalls Watches After Reports of Skin Irritation
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts just issued a product recall of 1,200 Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell, and Lighting McQueen Brand Children’s Light-Up Watches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the recalled Disney Children’s Light-Up Watches and notes that it … [Read more...]
Lubricating Jelly Named in Latest Triad Group Recall
Triad Group is recalling lubricating jelly products sold under the brand names Allegiance, Select Medical Products, Novaplus, Triad, Triad Plus, IMCO, McKesson Medi-Pak Performance, and Henry Schein because of possible sterility issues. Triad Group is the same manufacturer that recently recalled alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs, and … [Read more...]
Heaters Sold at Dollar General Recalled for Fire Hazard
Atico International USA just issued a product recall of about 92,000 of its TrueLiving Heater Fans and Portable Quartz Radiant Heaters due fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the recalled Defective Products immediately unless otherwise instructed … [Read more...]
Cribs and Playpens Injure Thousands Every Year, Study Says
Crib and playpen accidents hurt nearly 10,000 children a year, according to a new study from Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Even worse, the study found that more than 100 deaths related to cribs and playpens were seen in U.S. emergency departments each year. The study found the majority of … [Read more...]
Medtronic SynchroMed Infusion Pumps Linked to 8 Deaths, Recall Issued
Medtronic Inc. has issued a Class I recall for the SynchroMed II Programmable Pump, SynchroMed EL Infusion System and Refill Kits. These defective medical devices have been linked to 8 deaths. The SynchroMed II Programmable Pump and the SynchroMed EL Infusion System are used in patients undergoing therapy that requires the constant … [Read more...]
Skechers Shape-Ups Broke Hips, Lawsuit Claims
Skechers Shape-Ups, the ubiquitous toning shoes that started a trend in toners that promise to shape buttocks, thighs, and calves without going to the gym, are making headlines again for Skechers Shape-Ups injuries. WCPO wrote about a woman who wore her Skechers Shape-Ups at work—she was a restaurant server—for just five months … [Read more...]
Allentown Natural Gas Explosion Raises Pipeline Worries
The Allentown Natural Gas Explosion that killed five people is bringing attention to the safety issue with natural gas pipelines. For instance, are materials such as cast iron safe environments through which natural gas should travel? As we’ve previously reported, the pipe involved in the Allentown Natural Gas Explosion was … [Read more...]
Holiday-Themed Newborn Mittens Recalled Over Choking Hazard
Newborn Keepsake Mittens are being recalled today by Nurses Choice Corp. because they pose a choking hazard. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning that consumers should immediately stop using the defective newborn mittens and contact Nurses Choice for a free replacement. The newborn mitten recall involves around … [Read more...]
MRSA, Other Skin Infections Plague Athletes
We have previously written about the issue of MRSA and athletes. Now, says Bloomberg Businessweek, one dermatologist is warning that team players could be sharing some contagious skin infections, including the dangerous MRSA. "Outbreaks of ringworm, herpes, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have occurred at the … [Read more...]
Cigarettes May Be Linked To Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Cigarette smoking, long linked to a growing array of adverse health effects, could increase risks for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), popularly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. WebMD wrote that a new study adds to existing evidence about the smoking-ALS link, noting that prior study results have either been conflicting or … [Read more...]
Two Pesticides Linked To Parkinson’s Disease
The risk for Parkinson's Disease has been linked to two more toxic substances: Rotenone and Paraquat. The link was made in recent research in which people who used either pesticide developed Parkinson's Disease some 2.5 times more than nonusers, said Science Daily. The research, said Science Daily, was a collaboration between the … [Read more...]
BPA Ban Debated In Oregon
The state of Oregon is joining a number of other states and entities in implementing a BPA ban in baby bottles, sippy cups, baby formula cans, and reusable sports beverage containers. Unlike other moves, Oregon is seeking an additional rule: That manufacturers include that items contain BPA - bisphenol A - have that indicated on … [Read more...]
Allentown Natural Gas Explosion Probe Focused on Pipeline Crack
The gas pipeline suspected of causing the fatal Allentown natural gas explosion will be unearthed today. Over the weekend, UGI Utilities Inc. said a crack in a section of the 12-inch cast-iron gas main could have caused last week's blast in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which killed five people and destroyed or damaged dozens of … [Read more...]
Energy Drinks Pose Risks To Kids
A new report warns that popular energy drinks are being overused and not adequately studied. What’s more, the ubiquitous beverages can be dangerous to children and teenagers; children should not drink them, reported The Associated Press (AP). According to the AP, the drinks’ caffeine and other energy ingredients can lead to … [Read more...]
Baby Monitor Batteries Recalled
Above 58,000 Rechargeable Batteries sold with certain Slim and Secure Video Monitors are being recalled following five reports of ruptured batteries, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the recalled product immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell … [Read more...]
Allentown Natural Gas Explosion Claims Five Lives
Five people are confirmed dead following Wednesday night’s horrific natural gas explosion in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Investigators are now trying to determine the cause behind the Allentown blast, which destroyed 8 homes and damaged 47 other properties. Those killed in the Allentown natural gas explosion included a 4-month-old … [Read more...]
Video Baby Monitors Recalled Following Two Infant Deaths
Millions of video baby monitors made by Summer Infant Inc. are being recalled today because cords on the monitors pose a strangulation risk to infants if they are placed too close to cribs. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the recalled infant monitors have been linked to the deaths of two … [Read more...]
Fatal Texas Plant Explosion under Investigation
One man was killed as a result of Tuesday's explosion and fire at the Enterprise Products oil and gas facility near Mont Belvieu, Texas. The cause of the Enterprise Products plant explosion is still under investigation. Houston-based Enterprise is one of the country’s largest shippers and processors of natural gas, and owns … [Read more...]
LED Night Lights Recalled For Fire, Burn Hazard
A large recall of about 261,000 defective LED Night Lights has been implemented, the U.C. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Recalled LED Night Lights and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. The defective … [Read more...]
Diet Soda May Up Heart Risks, Study Finds
Diet Sodas, long believed to be safer to physical health than their sugary counterparts, are making headlines for their possible connection to heart and vascular problems. According to MSNBC, an emerging study suggests diet soda health risks can impact heart and brain health. The study, just presented at the American Stroke … [Read more...]
Skechers Shape-Ups, Other Toning Shoes Unproven, May Be Dangerous
Toning shoes, like Skechers Shape-Ups, whose popularity has grown exponentially, might not be all they’re touted to be. The new footwear promises to tone muscles and improve posture, said USA Today; makers advertise shapelier buttocks, legs, and abs without the expense and bother of a workout. Toning shoes, constructed with … [Read more...]
Two Firms Recall Space Heaters
Two separate product recalls have been issued for Portable Space Heaters been announced due to fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just wrote. The CPSC advises that consumers stop using the Defective Space Heaters and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a recalled consumer … [Read more...]
Gluco-Ease Plus Supplements Caused Liver Damage, Lawsuit Claims
A product liability lawsuit claims Gluco-Ease Plus, a supplement purported to help users maintain healthy blood sugar levels, nearly killed a 55-year-old diabetic man. Isaac Shaw's lawsuit alleges that the main ingredient in the supplement, Uva Ursi leaf, also called bearberry, caused him to suffer cholestatic hepatitis and … [Read more...]
Generation 2 Worldwide “Safetycraft” Drop-Side Cribs Not Safe, CPSC Warns
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers that "SafetyCraft" brand full-size and portable drop-side cribs manufactured or distributed by Generation 2 Worldwide of Dothan, Alabama, contain defective drop-side crib hardware that appears to be identical to Generation 2 Worldwide ChildESIGNS brand drop-side … [Read more...]
Sunbeam Recalls Convertible Irons Sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond
A product recall of about 5,700 Convertible Clothes Irons has been implemented, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The defective irons, which were manufactured in China, were distributed by Sunbeam Products Inc., Boca Raton, Florida. … [Read more...]
Briggs & Stratton Recalls Motors Used on Sears, Husqvarna, Bad Boy Riding Mowers
About 50 Briggs & Stratton Model 40 V-Twin Engines have been recalled by Briggs & Stratton due to injury Hazard. The defective motors are used on Sears, Husqvarna, Bad Boy Riding Mowers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The Recalled Riding Mower Motors were manufactured in the United States by Briggs … [Read more...]
Crib Bumpers Face CPSC Scrutiny
Dr. Bradley Thach, professor of pediatrics at Washington University has long been discussing the dangers of crib bumpers, said Saint Louis today. Three years ago, Dr. Thatch published an article about the potentially defective product saying that crib bumpers had the "potential to upend nurseries across the nation, and perhaps save … [Read more...]
Sassy Refreshing Rings Infant Teethers/Rattles Recalled
About 37,000 Refreshing Rings Infant Teethers/Rattles have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Recalled Teethers/Rattles immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell recalled products. The recalled toys were … [Read more...]
Lead-Tainted Candy Recall Expanded
Circle City Marketing and Distributing, which is doing business as (DBA) Candy Dynamics, Indianapolis, Indiana, just issued a candy recall over lead poisoning concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Circle City Marketing and Distributing is recalling all of is Toxic Waste® brand Nuclear Sludge® … [Read more...]
Paintball Gun/Markers Recalled
About 1,400 BT SA-17 Paintball Gun/Markers have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using this recalled product and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell an item subject to a product recall. The defective product was … [Read more...]
MRSA Study Finds Screening Saves Money
Screening patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) produces cost savings for the entire hospital, according to a study using a statistical simulation model and that appears in next month’s issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the … [Read more...]
Cachet Swivel Chairs Recalled for Fall Hazard
A large recall of about 165,000 Steelcase Cachet Swivel Chairs has been implemented, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The agencies advise that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. The recalled Steelcase Cachet Swivel Chairs were … [Read more...]
