COMMISSIONERS HEAR FROM STAFF ON UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE Questions by commissioners at a December 6 CPSC staff briefing on upholstered flammability focused on fabrics that cannot easily be made smolder resistant and the potential effects of state laws for reduced ignition propensity (RIP) cigarettes on the benefits of the agency’s proposed rule.
CPSC, NFPA AND USFA WARN OF HEATING FIRE SEASON CPSC, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration December 4 jointly urged consumers to protect against home heating fires, warning, “heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires, and nearly half of all home fires occur in December, January or February.”
EU MOVES FORWARD ON RIP CIGARETTE PROPOSAL The European Commission has made and member states have endorse a proposal to require cigarettes sold in the EU to be reduced ignition propensity (RIP).
CONSUMERISTS URGE IMPROVEMENTS TO EU PRODUCT SAFETY The EU consumer organization BEUC said that EU nations need to better apply product safety laws, especially for market surveillance and communication between the EU and national authorities.
GROUPS ALLEGEDLY FIND TOXICS IN PRODUCTS Two studies by consumer groups allegedly have found asbestos, lead and other dangerous substances in consumer products, including toys.
