Food / Product Safety
Automobile guide revisions provoke uproar
by Christopher Jensen, New York Times
Proposed changes to the federal used-car buyers guide have stirred disagreements over whether the wording reduces protection for consumers. Read More ›
Update: New flame retardant standard public hearing
California regulators held a public hearing on March 26 to mark the end of a comment period for updating their 38-year old furniture flammability regulation, TB 117, that has been the focus of scientists, firefighters, health advocates and consumers worldwide. Read More ›
Fire-retardant chemicals in furniture challenged in California
by Jeremy White, Sacramento Bee
Jim Doucette served the Sacramento Fire Department for more than 30 years, and he understood the perils of the job when he accepted it. But there was one hazard he did not anticipate: the effects of burning toxic chemicals embedded in furniture.
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California pushes rule banning toxic flame retardants
by Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune
California officials vowed to move forward on a new fire safety rule that could eliminate the use of toxic flame retardants in household furniture and baby products sold nationwide. Read More ›
Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s ban GMO salmon
by Carolyn Lochhead, San Francisco Chronicle
Several U.S. grocery chains have agreed not to sell a genetically engineered salmon that is nearing approval from the FDA.
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Patchwork of bills cover flame retardants
by Stephanie Lee, San Francisco Chronicle
Policymakers, industry leaders and consumer advocates are battling over which chemicals should be allowed as they seek a balance between fire-safe products and a toxic-free environment. Read More ›
Cars sold with unfixed recalls?
by Jeff Rossen, Today Show
Buying a used car can be a great money saver, but in a hidden-camera investigation, Jeff Rossen with NBC discovered some dealers are selling cars that may have dangerous safety flaws. Read More ›
Finally, toxic flame retardants aren’t a mandate
Consumers will see little, if any, savings. But there will be less of one unnecessary and likely toxic chemical in the environment. That will be a welcome step forward. Read More ›
With FDA approval near, “Frankenfish” opposed by tribal, environmental groups
by Dan Bacher, California Progress Report
FDA’s analysis fails to consider the risks these fish could pose to our natural environment, said an Earthjustice attorney. If they mix with wild salmon, the ecological harm could be devastating. Read More ›
Toxic nap mats draw suit in Oakland
by Stephanie Lee, San Francisco Chronicle
An Oakland watchdog group said it is suing manufacturers and retailers, including Target and Amazon.com, for selling nap mats made with a toxic flame retardant that is a known carcinogen. Read More ›
California bill would ban teen drivers from using Smart car technology
by Torey Van Oot, Sacramento Bee
California minors are already banned from using their smartphones behind the wheel, even with a hands-free device. New legislation would expand those rules to include their use of new technology while driving. Read More ›
California unveils new flammability standard that avoids chemicals in furniture
by Brett Israel, Environmental Health News
The new draft is to improve fire safety while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. Smoldering objects, rather than open flames, are the biggest source of household fires. Read More ›
California proposing new flame retardant regulations
by Jason Dearen, Sacramento Bee
California proposed regulations on Friday that would set new flammability standards and allow furniture and some children’s product manufacturers to stop using chemical flame retardants. Read More ›