One of the latest fads sweeping the nation may also be one of the most dangerous—trampoline parks. Safety officials say there are now hundreds of parks across the country, and that there are no federal standards or regulations governing any of them. The risk is more than one of serious injury, though. The parks, mostly indoors, usually have banks of trampolines side-by-side and often offer users no supervision, little instruction and little or no safety equipment. Safety advocates say the … [Read more...]
The Trek Bicycle Quick Lever Release Recall
Earlier this year, Trek Bicycle Corporation, out of Waterloo, Wisconsin, issued a safety recall notice for a number of its bicycles. The recall affects all bikes equipped with disc brakes and a front quick release lever, if that lever can be opened wider than 180 degrees. According to the safety recall notice prepared by Trek, if the quick release is left open or is not properly adjusted, the lever can catch in the front disc brake. If that happens, the front wheel may fall off or the brake can … [Read more...]
Child Safety Seat Recalls
Is Your Child's Safety Seat Safe? According to information posted by safercar.gov, a website of the United States Department of Transportation, over the last ten years dozens of child safety seats have been recalled. Though manufacturers of child safety seats typically put an "expiration" date on the product, for practical purposes many child restraint seats are used long after the stated date. How can you know if your child's seat is safe? There are a number of websites, including … [Read more...]
Miracle Weight Loss Products Pose Risk
Consumer Advocates Say "Miracle Weight Loss" Products are Generally Scams It's a multi-billion dollar industry, with celebrity endorsements across the board. The promise—you'll lose large amounts of weight in a short period of time with little or no effort. The reality—they most likely won't result in any significant permanent weight loss, but they can lead to long-term health problems. The FDA spends a lot of time, money and energy examining the multitude of "miracle" weight loss products, … [Read more...]
Some Tattoo Ink Kits May Lead to Infection
FDA Warns of Risks Associated with Some Tattoo Kits The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), responding to complaints filed by consumers using certain home tattoo kits, has determined that at least some of the kits sold by White and Blue Lion, Inc, have a bacterial contamination that could cause serious health problems. The FDA confirmed one documented case of a skin infection caused by the White and Lion product, and is investigation other reports. The product has since been … [Read more...]
FDA Asks Consumers to Report Problems
Food and Drug Administration Solicits Help from Consumers The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal watchdog for issues related to medicine, medical devices, pharmaceutical products and food, is asking consumers to be proactive in reporting concerns they have with these various products. The FDA's Medwatch program offers a simple form that allows individuals to disclose any problems or negative experiences, so that the FDA can take appropriate measures, from changing the warning label … [Read more...]