Consumer Safety

May 22, 2017

What is an Asbestos Fire Blanket and How Can it be Dangerous?

Asbestos has historically been used in a variety of consumer, residential and industrial products, often because of the mineral’s heat resistance. As we have discussed in these posts, asbestos fibers that are contained within solid materials are always dangerous because the microscopic fibers are released into the air when the material is handled, broken, cut, crushed, [...]
April 4, 2017

Air Quality Awareness Week 2017: The Danger of Airborne Asbestos

Today we continue our focus on air quality with a look at the silent danger of airborne asbestos. As previously posted, this week is Air Quality Awareness Week across the country. Asbestos and Air Quality Many people know that asbestos is dangerous, but many do not understand that the vehicle through which asbestos enters the [...]
April 5, 2016

3 Household Items with Flame Retardant Chemicals

In 1975, Governor Jerry Brown signed the “Technical Bulletin 117” (TB117) into law, which required furniture manufacturers to use flame-retardant chemicals within upholstered furniture sold in California. The practice, which was meant to protect consumers from potential fires, was actually poisoning those who brought the products into their homes. Flame retardants are known to cause [...]
March 3, 2016

Michaels Craft Supplies Recalled Due to Mold Exposure

One of the last things you might have thought you were getting from your local craft store is exposure to toxic mold. Recently Michaels Stores recalled two holiday craft items due to mold being present. Both items were sold on store shelves from October through November 2015. Ashland Poinsetta Stems and Bushes One of the [...]
December 10, 2015

Consumers’ Rights Upheld in Organic Labeling Decision

Consumers know that going organic can be expensive, and are usually willing to pay the price to opt for the healthier option. But what happens when you are charged organic prices for conventional products? Recently, a California herb grower intentionally marketed their conventionally-grown herbs as “organic,” tricking consumers and keeping the profits. Consumers felt deceived [...]
December 8, 2015

E-Cigarette Explosions Injure Users

While they are marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes are proving to be more dangerous than users initially thought. Aside from nicotine addiction, users now face the devices’ batteries exploding during use. One such explosion happened to a California man this past October. The incident left him with a burned mouth and hand, [...]
December 1, 2014

Asbestos Fibers in Fake Snow

Asbestos Fibers in Fake Snowby Brayton Purcell LLP | Dec 1, 2014 | Consumer Safety | From the mid-1930’s to the 1950’s fake snow contained dangerous chrysotile asbestos fibers. Where was this fake snow used? In Homes: Cotton batting resembling blankets of snow was used to decorate homes until firefighters suggested switching to asbestos. Since [...]
March 4, 2014

Partner Post: Junior Beds from Ikea Recalled

by Brayton Purcell LLPMar 4, 2014Consumer SafetyIkea Issues Recall for KRITTER and SNIGLAR Junior BedsWritten by James P. Nevin A recall has been issued for IKEA junior beds which may cause laceration. The beds were previously recalled in August 2013, followed by the recall of around 3,500 in January 2014.The recalled IKEA junior beds include the KRITTER [...]
December 5, 2013

Partner Post: Arsenic Found in Chicken Meat

by Brayton Purcell LLP | Dec 5, 2013 | Consumer Safety | FDA Condones Use of Arsenic in Chicken MeatWritten by James P. Nevin Chicken and pork, the healthier white meat alternatives to a burger, right? Wrong. The FDA research recently released shows arsenic in conventional chicken meat. This is not a new phenomenon, the FDA [...]
November 28, 2013

Partner Post: Dr. Wheeler and Black Lung Diagnoses

by Brayton Purcell LLP | Nov 28, 2013 | Consumer Safety | Doctor Works Against Patients for Profit James P. Nevin  When Dr. Paul Wheeler, of Johns Hopkins Hospital, gave his opinion the court listened. Until lately. Research has proved there is an unmistakable pattern in Wheeler’s readings. There have been more than 1,500 cases decided [...]