2009 June | www.reinerinjurylaw.com

Zicam Cold Remedies Linked to Loss of Smell

Posted under: Drugs and Medical Device Recalls — tslaughter @ 3:29 pm

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a <a href="http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm167065.htm">strong warning</a> to the American public on June 16, 2009 not to use certain Zicam Cold Remedies for any purpose. Over 130 reports of loss of the sense of smell, potentially permanent, have been received by the agency. The involved <a href="http://www.reinerinjurylaw.com/html/defective-drugs.html">defective products</a> are:

Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids size (already discontinued).

Any persons who have experienced a loss of smell is advised to seek advise from their doctor or other health care professional.

Our office has already heard reports of consumers in Northern California that have suffered loss of smell from this over-the counter cold remedy. Such a sensory loss could have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Such things as strong toxic chemicals, smoke or gas would no longer be detectible. Please check your medicine cabinets to see if you have purchased these products in the past. They should be thrown out immediately.

Comments Off

Posted under: Automobile Accidents — tslaughter @ 8:52 am

Ryan Sabalow of the Record Searchlight reported today that a deer warning system is being installed by CalTrans at a remote location of Highway 3 near Fort Jones for testing. The system is being placed in a location where approximately 60 deer a year are hit within a 5-mile stretch.

The system works with radar sensors that detect animal movements on or about the highway. If an animal (presumably even a pedestrian) is detected, lights are triggered at a warning sign to advise motorists of the potential hazard. Under these conditions, motorists would presumably slow down and increase vigilence.

This is a great idea and has apparently been employed in approximately 15 other locations throughout the United States. Those of us who regularly drive the rural mountain roads of “Far Northern California” know well where dear and other large mammals tend to cross the roads, and when. However, to be specifically advised of their presence ahead of time would clearly aid safety.

Hopefully this pilot project will work out well and other locations can be similarly outfitted. I am sure that other writers could advise Cal Trans of the specific highways and locations that could benefit from such a device. Perhaps the insurance industry could underwrite some of these installations, since they are the ones that could see a significant drop in property damage claims. That’s probably asking too much.

Comments (0)

Defective Youth ATV Recalled by Fushin USA

Posted under: ATV Accidents, Product Recall — tslaughter @ 9:05 am

On May 13, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Protection and Safety Commission released a recall notice concerning the Fushin FXSA 002-90cc youth ATV. These ATVs were deemed defective because of a lack of front brakes, the absence of a tire pressure gauge and the lack of appropriate padding over sharp edges on the handlebar assembly. The ATVs were sold through Fushin dealers or online from October 2005 through May 2006 at a price point between $250 and $350. Owners or users of these ATVs are advised to immediately stop using them due to the risk of serious potential injury, and call Fushin at 866.659.8600 for a free repair.

We have been posting increasing numbers of ATV recalls in the past several months. At first glance, these ATVs all appear to be well made, strong and “flashy.” They are marketed for youth usage. However, the manufacturers, almost always Chinese based, seem very short on foresight into the potential dangers of these vehicles and overlook fundamental safety features usually installed by brand name manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Yamaha, etc. Perhaps an international safety standard should be adopted to keep these defective ATVs off the market.

Comments Off

Fire Deaths Prompt Women Chenille Robe Recall Re-announcement

Posted under: Product Recall — tslaughter @ 10:47 am

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent second recall notice on Blair LLC Chenille Robes sold from 2003 through 2009. Six deaths have been reported when the robes caught on fire while the person was cooking. Three of the fatalities were women in their 80s. 162,000 of these robes were sold.

The robes bear the following identification numbers on the neckline label: 309311, 3093112, 3093113, 3093114, 3093115 and 3093116. It is a full length robe with seven matching buttons on the front, and two side pockets, all in plush chenille. The sewn label states: “100% Cotton, RN 81700, Made in Pakistan.”

The robes were sold throught the Blair Catalog and from their web site at a price point between $20 and $40.

If you or a loved one has one of these garments stop wearing it immediately. Blair can be contacted at 877.392.7095. They are offering a $50 gift card on Blair merchandise.

It is obviously important to follow the manufacturer’s advise and cease the use of this product. Many people buy these types of robes for gifts, so we must think back to see if maybe we gave one of these robes to a loved one. The news of these fatalities are particularly disturbing and with so many of these robes. Seldom do we consider such apparel as fire dangerous. We all need to check our closets.

Comments (0)

Blog

June 24, 2009

Zicam Cold Remedies Linked to Loss of Smell

June 23, 2009

June 18, 2009

Defective Youth ATV Recalled by Fushin USA

June 16, 2009

Fire Deaths Prompt Women Chenille Robe Recall Re-announcement