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Sen. Schumer asks FDA to release data on common sunscreen ingredient linked to skin cancer

Front Load Washers Recalled Due to Fire and Shock Hazard

June 11, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that GE Appliances & Lighting, of Louisville, KY, is voluntarily recalling about 181,000 Front Load Washing Machines because an electrical defect can cause the appliance to burst into flames or shock users.

According to the release, a wire in the washer can break and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is in operation, posing a fire and shock hazard to consumers. The company is aware of seven cases in which flames escaped the appliance, causing smoke damage.

GE front load washing machine models affected by this recall include those models manufactured between December 2006 and February 2010 without auxiliary heating. Consumers may have purchased the washers at retail stores nationwide between December 2006 and May 2010 for about $700.

Consumers should look for the following model and serial numbers on the bottom right side and on the bottom door frame of the washers: Model number starting with WBVH5 and Serial number beginning with AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM, LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR, VS, ZL, ZM, ZR, ZS.

If a consumer determines that their front load washer is part of this recall, they should immediately stop using the appliance, unplug it from the electrical outlet and contact GE at (888) 345-4124 for a free repair.

At no cost to the consumer, a GE service technician will take off the front panel of the washer and place an insulating plastic shield on the metal plug on the side of the washtub. This shield will prevent any shock or fire hazard in the case of broken wires.

GE advises consumers that they are not to use the recalled washers until GE completes the repair.

“Our goal is to respond to a consumer with a qualified clothes washer within five working days (including Saturday),” the GE website says. “We may not be able to meet that goal in the first few days of the recall, but we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.”

Chrysler Recalling Nearly 600,000 Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler Vehicles

Anonymous Tip to CA Congresswoman Leads to Recall of 12 Million Shrek Glasses by McDonald’s

McDonald’s Corp. is recalling 12 million Shrek themed glasses because testing after an anonymous tip found the heavy metal cadmium in the designs on the glass.

The glasses being recalled are “Shrek Forever After 3D” collectable 16 ounce drinking glasses that came in four designs, Shrek, Fiona, Puss n’ Boots, and Donkey. Manufactured for McDonald’s by ARC International, of Millville, NJ, the fast food giant sold the glasses at its restaurants nationwide from May 2010 into June 2010 for about $2.

California Congresswoman Jackie Speier received an anonymous tip that high levels of cadmium were detected in “Shrek” glasses being sold by McDonald’s. Speier contacted Inez Tenenbaum, chairwoman of the Consumer Product Safety commission (CPSC), who agreed to expedite testing of the glasses. Speier’s office also confirmed with other sources that cadmium was found in glasses distributed in California, Ohio and Massachusetts.

Cadmium is a heavy metal used in consumer products such as batteries, pigments and coatings/platings. It is a known carcinogen and shown to cause developmental problems in small children. Long-term exposure can cause bone softening and kidney failure.

After encouragement by the CPSC, McDonald’s agreed to voluntarily recall the 12 million “Shrek” glasses currently in stock at their restaurants and those already sold. Consumers should stop using the glasses immediately and return them to their local McDonald’s restaurant for a refund.

“Thanks to this anonymous tip received by my office, the proper agencies were alerted, necessary action was taken by McDonald’s, and the long-term health of millions of children is no longer at risk,” Speier said in a statement.

According to McDonald’s, the company tested the glassware with an independent third-party laboratory accredited by the CPSC who found that the products were in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements at the time of manufacture and distribution

“In light of the CPSC’s evolving assessment of standards for cadmium in consumer products, McDonald’s determined in an abundance of caution that a voluntary recall of the Shrek Forever After™ glassware is appropriate,” McDonald’s said.

The recall information on the McDonald’s website repeatedly states that, “The CPSC has said the glassware is not toxic.” However, nowhere in the CPSC release did the agency state this.

“Our children’s health should not depend on the consciences of anonymous sources. Although McDonald’s did the right thing by recalling these products, we need stronger testing standards to ensure that all children’s products are proven safe before they hit the shelves," said Speier. “Cadmium is a toxic substance that is extremely dangerous to the developmental health of children.”

1.7 Million Dishwashers in the U.S. are Fire Hazards and Recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

announced that Maytag Corp. is recalling about 1.7 million dishwashers in the United States because they pose a serious fire hazard.Maytag Corp. manufactured the recalled dishwashers at both the Newton, IA and Benton Harbor, MI plants. Consumers may have purchased these appliances in black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels at department and appliance stores nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010 for between $250 and $900. Homebuilders and contractors also bought these units so homeowners should also check the dishwasher in their home.Amana®, Jenn-Air®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley®. Consumers should look for one of these brand names on the front of the dishwasher and locate the model and serial numbers printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening.www.repair.maytag.com for recall instructions and not attempt to return the unit the retailer or place of purchase.

The recall includes dishwashers branded by Maytag®,

Recalled models have a serial number STARTING with NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49, NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08, NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19, or ENDING with JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN, JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX, NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR.

CPSC and the manufacturer advise consumers to stop using the recalled dishwashers immediately and disconnect the electric supply to the unit by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it. They must contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at

Consumers whose dishwashers are included in this recall can choose between a free in-home repair, and a rebate on the purchase of a new Maytag brand stainless steel tub dishwasher. The rebate is $150 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979; or $250 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809 or MDB7709.

Whirlpool acquired Maytag in 2006.

Twelve reports of fires and dishwasher damage, including one fire that caused extensive kitchen damage, resulted from an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recalled By Hoover

Hoover Inc., in cooperation with the CPSC, announced a voluntary recall of select Hoover WindTunnel vacuum cleaners due to a defect involving the power cord, which poses a fire and shock hazard.

To this date, the company has received three reports of minor burns to furniture and carpet and one report of a minor burn to a consumer’s hand.

The recall involves more than 108,000 Hoover WindTunnel Series Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners with the cord rewind feature. Below is a list of affected model numbers.

The recalled vacuums were sold at department stores, mass merchandisers and independent vacuum cleaners nationwide and online from August 2009 through May 2010.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled vacuums and to contact Hoover for a free repair.

Consumer Information: Call Hoover toll-free at (888) 891-2054, or visit their Web site at www.hoover.com/tseriesrewindrecall.

Hoover has provided a video for those that may need assistance in identifying affected vacuums. Or you can view several photos on their Web site.

Tea Glasses Recalled Due To Lead Risk

Cost Plus Inc., voluntarily recalled Moroccan tea glasses, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), because they contain high levels of lead in the exterior coloring. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

To this date no injuries have been reported to the company in connection with this recall.

The recalled tea glasses were sold in 7-ounce and 11.25-ounce sizes in blue, green and red. They were sold at Cost Plus/World Market stores nationwide. The CPSC News Release includes photos of the recalled items for reference.

Consumers should stop using the recalled glasses and return them to any Cost Plus/World Market store for a refund.

Call Cost Plus toll-free at (877) 967-5362 or visit their Web site at www.worldmarket.com for more information.

Walmart Finally Pulls Miley Cyrus Jewelry, Knew it Contained Cadmium and Sold it Anyway, says AP

Walmart Inc. knew in February that a line of Miley Cyrus branded jewelry contained high levels of Cadmium and knowingly continued to sell the products in its stores, says an article by the Associated Press.

Perhaps known best for her role as “Hannah Montana,” Cyrus’ jewelry line includes bracelets and necklaces made exclusively for Walmart stores and debuted in December. Early results in February of initial jewelry testing requested by the AP showed that the products contained cadmium, but Walmart said it would be too difficult to test products already on the shelves and that the jewelry is not for children anyway.

Cadmium is a heavy metal used in consumer products such as batteries, pigments and coatings/platings. It is a known carcinogen and shown to cause developmental problems in small children. Long-term exposure can cause bone softening and kidney failure. Children wearing jewelry containing cadmium absorb the toxin through the skin and by placing the jewelry in their mouth.

Walmart changed their mind and decided to remove the jewelry from store shelves after the AP article release.

“The Miley Cyrus & Max Azria line is not for children. It is sold in our ladies apparel section and it was designed for and marketed to older audiences. However, it is possible that a few younger consumers may seek it out in stores,” Walmart said in a statement. “Miley Cyrus & Max Azria jewelry is not intended for children, but as part of our unwavering commitment to protecting the safety of children, we are removing all of the jewelry from sale while we investigate its compliance with our children’s jewelry standard. Miley Cyrus, Max Azria and Walmart stand together in the belief that the safety of our customers is absolutely a top priority.”

In January 2010, an AP article that investigated high levels of cadmium in children’s jewelry prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue the first cadmium related recall in U.S. history, recalling about 55,000 of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog necklaces, sold exclusively at Walmart.

In response, Walmart adopted a new policy regarding children’s jewelry after the recall, requiring suppliers to test and provide verification that children’s jewelry manufactured after April 9, 2010 meets a certain standard and contains little cadmium.

New Federal Standards For Infant Bath Seats

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 5-0 to set tougher rules for child bath accessories, namely infant bath seats.

The federal standard for baby bath seats is the first mandatory standard issued by the agency as required under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for a range of infant and toddler durable products.

The rule will change the way infant bath seats are designed to require stricter standards to prevent the bath seat from tipping over.

Various infant bath seats are blamed for 174 deaths since 1983 and 300 non-fatal incidents.

According to the agency, no bath seat currently on the market complies with the new mandatory standard. The new rule will go into effect in six months.

Young children can quickly drown, even in small amounts of water. Never leave a child unattended, for any amount of time. Babies and toddlers should never be left in a bathtub under the care of another young child.

For more information, refer to the CPSC News Release.