Category: Defective Products
Study finds lead contamination widespread in household water
It isn’t just Flint, Michigan. While lead water pipes have been outlawed in homes, many still get water from systems with lead transmission lines. The lead from those lines can leach into the water delivered to the home. Your home. The contaminated water is then used for drinking, cooking and other uses. It is used
Government issues warning: Don’t use nursing pillows for sleep
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has just issued a stark warning regarding nursing pillows, lounging pads and similar products. They pose a suffocation hazard for babies. While it is OK to use these products when the baby is awake, children have died from being left near the products when sleeping. The agency says it
After a storm or disaster, be careful using portable generators
A portable generator can be a life-saver after a big storm, but it’s crucial to use it correctly. The problem is generally carbon monoxide. This colorless, odorless gas can easily build up in enclosed spaces, and exposure to a high enough level can be fatal in minutes. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that portable generators
When a dangerous or defective product gets sold on Amazon, who is liable?
Under products liability law, anyone involved in the sale or distribution of a dangerous or defective product may be considered strictly liable for any harm that product causes. “Strict liability” basically means that the injured person need not prove the company was negligent. It is enough that they sold or distributed a faulty product that
Is ammonium nitrate safe to store?
Before a large amount of ammonium nitrate fertilizer exploded recently in Beirut, Lebanon, many people were unaware of how dangerous the compound can be. The fertilizer is an odorless, crystalline material that is also used as an industrial explosive. You may be familiar with the 2013 Texas fertilizer plant explosion that killed 15 people. That
Judge raises concerns about Bayer’s Roundup settlement scheme
Thousands of people have sued Bayer, which bought Monsanto, over the product Roundup. Most plaintiffs claim that routine use of Roundup, which contains the weed killer glyphosate, caused them to develop cancer. After several adverse verdicts, Bayer attempted to settle a class of future claims — close to 100,000 — in an interesting way. Bayer
How safe is vaping for young adults?
When e-cigarettes first came onto the scene, they were advertised as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. That does not necessarily mean that vaping is altogether safe. In fact, there are harmful substances in e-cigarettes that you may not know about. CDC: Nicotine is not safe for kids, teens or young adults Unlike regular cigarettes,
Fireworks: Balancing danger and fun
Fireworks are a long-standing tradition to celebrate the Fourth of July across the country, whether families attend professional firework displays or buy firecrackers and sparklers to celebrate at home. While the COVID-19 pandemic will change how Americans celebrate this year, Tennessee families must be mindful of how dangerous fireworks can be. Fireworks are more dangerous
NHTSA recalls more Takata airbags but leaves many in place
After reviewing the risks of Takata airbags installed in 56 million vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled only a minority of the potentially dangerous airbags. Safety watchdogs are concerned that NHTSA lacks a clear vision for keeping drivers safe. The issue of Takata airbags has been ongoing since at least 2013, when
Tips for safe grilling this summer
As summertime draws near, many Tennessee families look forward to enjoying the summer heat outside and grilling – even in this time of social distancing from friends and neighbors. Even if you are just grilling for the family this Memorial Day weekend and throughout this summer, it is critical to ensure you take measures to