Blog: Defective Products

Cadmium exposure is still a critical kids safety issue: Part I

Oct 22, 2012

In the autumn of 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) became aware that various children's toys and jewelry sold in the U.S. contained the toxic substance cadmium. However, despite the agency's vocalized commitment to keep these potentially unsafe products out of American stores, homes and schools, little has been done in the past two years to address the problem. According to results of an investigation conducted by the Associated Press, the CPSC has...

Children’s toys recalled for high lead levels

Oct 19, 2012

Imagine parents hearing their son ask time and time again for one particular toy for his birthday. He makes it clear that he only wants a Captain Cutlass Toy Pirate Pistol. So, the parents buy their son the toy pistol. Several years later, the parents are probably aghast when they learn that the toy their son played with for hours actually contains harmful amounts of lead. Many parents may have probably had such an experience...

Loads of laundry may pile-up after GE washer recalled

Oct 12, 2012

Laundry is necessary but often dreaded weekly chore than many in the Pittsburgh area would be happy with passing along to another person to do. Owners of a certain type of washing machine may want to hold off on throwing that load of whites into the washing machine as it could be hazardous to one's health. The message is of course not for everyone-only those who use GE ProfileTM Front Load Washers to complete the...

Air compressors sold throughout nation recalled

Oct 10, 2012

For construction workers air compressors have become an important piece of equipment. As construction sites have become more efficient, their use, along with attached nail guns, has taken the place of hammers in many tasks. As is the case with any product however, tools used in construction can be defective. Last month a recall of air compressors made by DeVilbiss Air Power Co. was announced. In total, 460,000 of the devices are included. They were...

Another toy creates child and pet risks

Sep 26, 2012

Another popular "safe" toy has generated concern and parent warnings for posing dangerous risks to both young children and household pets. Called "Water Balz," they appear to be brightly colored marbles. However, their status as a defective product comes from their super absorbency ability. This feature allows them to expand from marble-size to racquetball-size when immersed in water. Pediatricians throughout the nation including Pennsylvania are becoming very concerned should a child or pet swallow the...

Battery in toy cars could overheat posing burn hazard to children

Sep 21, 2012

Many young children love to imitate the actions of their parents and other adults. One of the favorites is pretending to drive a car. In response to this, toymakers have created smaller, child size versions of the mode of transportation which are available for purchase throughout the nation, including Pittsburgh. One retailer of these kid cars is Fingerhut, via catalogue or online. As is the case with real cars, these toy vehicles also suffer from...

Manufacturer of beard trimmer sued in death of teen

Sep 10, 2012

Regular readers of this blog are aware that each week there are many defective products that are thankfully recalled before they have the opportunity actually harm anyone. In the situations when someone is seriously hurt, or even killed while using a dangerous or defect product, family of that person may have legal recourse. This is through a products liability lawsuit. The family of a 16-year-old boy who died from injuries he suffered while using a...

Contaminated fruit recalled from four states

Sep 7, 2012

A four-state recall, including Pennsylvania, of prepackaged fruit involves 135 stores. The apparent culprit, Daniella Brand mangoes, were voluntarily recalled by the seller and packager. It was the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that found that these mangoes may be contaminated with salmonella, a potentially deadly bacteria strain. Fortunately, there are no reported illnesses yet from these recalled products. However, there are currently 103 salmonella infection cases under investigation by federal health officials. The affected products...

Black licorice voluntarily recalled after lead discovered

Aug 29, 2012

People in the Pittsburgh area who are planning on settling in to watch a movie with popcorn and black licorice may want to rethink their choice of snack. More specifically, they should be aware that black licorice made by Red Vines Black Licorice Twists sold in 1-pound bags has been voluntarily recalled. The recall is due to the licorice in some bags testing positive for lead at high levels. Many may not be aware of...

Isuzu and General Motors recalling 258,000 SUVs over fire hazard

Aug 22, 2012

Almost 260,000 sport utility vehicles are being recalled by General Motors and Isuzu due to a short-circuit issue in the door lock and power-window switches that need to be fixed because it can cause a fire to break out. Thus far 28 fires have been reported to GM and the company states it is not aware of any injuries to date that have been caused by the defective product. The recall covers the GMC Envoy,...