consumer reports -

In a recent report, Consumer Reports takes a look at the threat posed by dishwashers that turn out to be defective or otherwise lead a fire to break out.  The article was prompted by a recent incident that claimed the life of an individual from New Jersey, and Consumer Reports hopes that citizens across the country will understand the hazards posed by even common appliances if those items prove to be defective.

Last year, the organization actually conducted an investigation of those appliances which typically prompt a fire in the home, and the results are startling, especially for dishwashers.  Although a number of devices were apparently looked at, dishwashers were one of the appliances that stood out.  The agency discovered that upwards of 1,000 blazes had their genesis to a problem, typically electrical in nature, with the dishwasher.  The information was obtained by studying National Fire Incident Reporting System data.

Many of the defects that have led to these fires have also led to ensuing recalls.  Many of the recalls are particularly wide-ranging, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has indicated that it’s going to be looking into why such defects seem to be increasingly commonplace.

In the meantime, you can encourage the safety of your own family by preparing for a fire.  Registering your dishwasher (or all other appliances) can ensure that you receive the proper notice when a recall is issued, but that doesn’t help if a defect presents before a notification is obtained.  Therefore, invest in such equipment as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

Consumer Reports has come out with a piece that runs down the myriad steps one can take to ensure they’re going to be prepared for an imminent hurricane.  And although such a disaster isn’t likely to befall Los Angeles and the greater part of California anytime soon, much of the advice would be applicable to anyone who finds themselves in the path of a terrible storm.

If you live near the coast, or even if you’re inland, taking out some kind of flood insurance isn’t a bad idea.  According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, one in five homeowners who have to file a flood insurance claim are positioned in low or moderate risk areas.  Taking out the proper insurance can ensure that your finances are at least somewhat protected if heavy rains take their toll.

There are certain items you should have on hand that offer protection in the event of a potential flooding situation.  You want to approach matters as if you’ll lose power and be affected by floodwaters for three days or more.  Thus, you should stock up on bottled or otherwise clean water and non-perishable food items (along with a can opener if need be).  Radios and flashlights are a great idea, as are tools that can be used to shut off water and gas if you have to do so.

You should also prepare for circumstances in which a person gets hurt or trapped.  A first aid kit can ensure you’re ready to deal with at least minor injuries, and a whistle can help out if for some reason you or a family member gets entrapped and needs assistance.

You’re also going to want to take the steps necessary to ensure you have access to a phone.  A cellphone won’t always cut it.  Cell towers could go down, and you might not be able to charge your phone if power is out for quite some time.  Consider investing in an extra battery for such a phone, but realize that having a landline on hand is vital.  A landline can ensure you’re able to communicate with outside parties and officials, as they typically still work even after the power goes out.  Also make sure you have a phone with a cord, as cordless models may not work without power.

Also prepare your car for travel in case you have to leave your home for any amount of time after the storm hits (not during the storm, as this can be dangerous).  Keep an ample supply of gas in the tank, have adequate pressure in the tires, and consider investing in new wiper blades at the start of summer.  Stock the glove compartment with a phone charger, and be ready to take your family to safety when your home is compromised.

Consumer Reports is directing citizens to a new study out of the United Kingdom which enforces the idea that babies are in greater danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome if they sleep in the same bed as their parents.

The research, which can be found in a publication called BMJ Open, took a look at nearly 1,500 cases of SIDS throughout the UK.  The study specifically analyzed those children who did not seem like they would be predisposed to the condition.  The parents in the cases studied generally abstained from drug usage, alcohol consumption, and smoking.  Researchers came to the conclusion that more than four out of five instances of SIDS could have been avoided if the newborn was placed in his or her own sleep environment.

This study aligns with recommendations previously offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1992.  At that time, the organization proclaimed the advisability of placing  a child in his or her own crib.  In the years since, those directives have gone even further.  The AAP asks that parents place their kids on their backs.  Stuffed animals and blankets should be removed from the crib, and if parents still want to keep an eye on their children, then it’s acceptable to keep the crib in the same room as the parent.

Parents can also ensure safety by making sure their cribs meet the standards of the CPSC.

We’ve gotten the government’s stance on how to make sure that you’re staying safe from skin cancer, and now Consumer Reports is offering their two cents on what sunscreen to use and how to apply it.

In an effort to determine what products are best for consumers, the organization tested a total of 18 of the most popular sunscreens on the market.  What they found was that the Walgreens Continuous Spray Sport SPF 50 and No-Ad with Aloe & Vitamin E SPF 45 offered protection sufficient to allow them to gain a crucial “Best Buy” designation.  However, that’s not to say that other products were exactly slouches.  Seven items held up very well against UVA rays, met Food and Drug Administration mandated broad spectrum label specifications, and after 80 minutes of water immersion were classified as excellent against UVB rays.

Two items did not meet the requirements of a wavelength test.  These items were the Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sting-Free SPF 50+ and the Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunblock Sport SPF 45.

Consumer Reports also goes further, offering tips to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.  They recommend that sunscreens should resist water and have an SPF of 30 or higher.  They also say that a person ought to use two or three tablespoons of sunscreen, and that spray products should not be used on children until after the FDA has had the chance to investigate risks associated with inhaling such a product.

Many different news sources have notified the last investigation launched by the Consumer Reports staffers regarding grape and apple juices purchased in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.

According to the statement released by the agency, the levels of both lead and arsenic found in samples of both juices are higher than government permitted limits. There were 88 different samples that the Consumer Reports staffers set aside for testing. Results showed that 25 percent of all the samples had levels of lead that unfortunately were higher than 5 ppb limit for any bottled water allowed by the FDA and 10 percent presented levels of arsenic that surpassed the federal drinking-water standards.

The inorganic arsenic apprehended with the tests happens to be classified as a human carcinogen. Additional reports show that an analysis from the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggesting such juices were tested and found to be some of the main sources of the arsenic found in the diets of survey contributors.

According to testimonials from several physicians, the chronic exposure to lead and arsenic may cause serious and even life-threatening health issues to consumers. The Consumer Reports agency urges the FDA to set clear standards for the presence of lead and arsenic in fruit juices in the U.S. so high levels of possibly hazardous substances can be kept away from consumers.

Any Los Angeles wrongful death attorney understands that regulations should be austere for food and beverages companies. As a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles I hope that the FDA will investigate this matter thoroughly.

The consumer reports news source has announced a new food product recall during the thanksgiving weekend.

Ocean Spray Company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agency are recalling the Craisins Dried Cranberries due to the possible existence of hair-like metal fragments in some Craisins’ lots.

The FDA has announced that up to this point, there hasn’t been any report of illnesses related to the presence of metal in the Ocean Spray Craisins products but that the alleged unlikeness of any consumer being injured because of this item shouldn’t keep the public from being informed.

According to the news article, the 5, 10 and 48 once bags of the Craisins Dried Cranberry manufactured by Ocean Spray are being recalled. The detailed lot numbers of all items that may contain metal fiber are listed in the recall announcement article.

Consumers should be adverted that Craisins packages with the letter ‘M’ stamped on the Best By date are the items that need to be taken back to the place of purchase.

As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I realize that even if a certain issue with a product will not pose a serious risk to consumers and their loved ones, it is imperative that the company behind the contaminated or defected product will take responsibility for their mistakes.

Personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles urge readers to stay alert. Come back regularly to this blog so you’re always well informed about food and other products recall.

According to the early reports from the Consumer Reports website, GM has issued a recall of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon pickup trucks. According to the many news articles covering the news, the recall is due to an issue with the electronics behind the seat belts in both models.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that both truck lines may have issues regarding the the seat belts and the electronic sign that warns the driver if the item is fastened correctly. According to the agency, in the event of a collision, the belt may allegedly come undone due to its faulty electronics.

The company along with the NHTSA stated that electrical connections might have been poorly installed in the factories. The problem was only found in the driver’s seatbelt, the passenger’s seat belt allegedly works perfectly well.

GM will start notifying all owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon this month so all faulty items will be replaced free of charge.

As a Los Angeles car accident lawyer I know many seriously life-threatening accidents can be prevented if drivers and passengers keep their seat belts on. It’s a great priority for California personal injury lawyers to make sure drivers understand the importance of the seat belt use and how it can save their lives.

According to various news reports, one of the arm of Consumer Reports, Consumers Union is looking into urging the Congress to make the law governing all approval of medical devices more forceful.

The Food and Drug Administration’s role to review most of the approval of medical apparatus was an important theme discussed this week by the Senate Committee. A letter from the Consumers Union stated that the Congress should make federal regulation sterner when it comes to all medical devices although some Senate members do not agree with the agency’s point of view.

The letter claims that all devices should be subject to a rigorous review by the FDA, especially when it comes to life-sustaining medical devices. Tracking system should be developed, according to the Consumers Union, so that doctors and patients can be dutifully notified when issues related to safety surface. The ‘Safe Patient Project’ urges the government to understand that patients may be at great risk when the oversight of all medical devices fails.

As a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney, I hope that the Senate and the Consumers Union can come to a conclusion regarding this issue so no more patients will be put under unnecessary risks.

Personal injury lawyers are unfortunately very familiar with cases related to medical negligence, if something similar happens to you or a loved one, do not hesitate to call right away.

According to many news outlets, this is the time of the year when collisions with deer happen unfortunately more often. This type of cash can be dangerous not only to the animal, but mostly to the driver, passengers and everyone else going down the road when the accident happens.

Whenever there’s a collision between a car and a deer, the impact is so devastating most people don’t believe their eyes. The damages caused to a vehicle may cost an average of $3,171 according to ConsumerReports.org and other sources.

Because of the great danger an animal-vehicle collision may cause to drivers, property and wildlife, all motorists should be especially careful this time of the year. All should take some precautions like watching for deer whenever you’re driving around dawn and slowing down between 6 and 9p.m., which are the most active hours for wildlife around the roads. Be always aware of wooded areas and deer-crossing signs, whenever driving at night and if traffic allows it, use your high beams for a better visibility.

In the case of encountering an animal on the road ahead, try to brake instead of swerving since trying to go around the animal may confuse it and might put other vehicles at risk.

As a Los Angeles car accident lawyer I hope that all drivers will be extremely careful when driving during this season. Personal injury lawyers are always apt to answer to all doubts related to your personal injury case whenever you were involved in an accident that was caused by someone else.