Pregnant mothers given antidepressants linked to children born with psychiatric illness

A new study reportedly shows that children whose mothers took antidepressants whilst pregnant with them may have an inflated risk of psychiatric illness.

The study, published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that 32,400 of the 905,000 children participants in a 16-year-long study were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Although statistically only 3% of the total study group, 32,400 is still a significant number that may have in theory been reduced if expectant mothers received more warning about the potential risks to their unborn child.
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Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay out over £300 million for “carcinogenic” talcum powder

Global healthcare company Johnson & Johnson have been ordered to pay around £319 million in damages to a woman after she developed ovarian cancer allegedly from using their talcum baby powder.

The jury came to the conclusion that the company failed to warn consumers of the alleged risks associated with ‘perennial talc exposure’ – specifically the apparent heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The lawsuit cited the International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of talcum powder as a possible carcinogenic substance in 2006.
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Amazon’s solar eclipse viewing glasses recalled as potentially counterfeit

“When you look directly at the sun, the intensity of the light and the focus of the light is so great on the retina that it can cook it,” warns President of the American Optometric Association.

Growing up, we’ve always been told not to look directly at the sun. Parents and teachers warn that its burning light could literally blind you. Looking at the sun can cause burns, and blister and crack the cells in your cornea. The consequences of looking directly at a solar eclipse can be far worse, and experts recommend that you must always use appropriate eyewear with special filters to protect your eyes.

But what if the eye protection doesn’t work?
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Medical device alert issued over damaged VITEK 2 test cards exposing risk to antibiotic degradation

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a medical device alert over VITEK ® 2 AST Test Cards after the discovery that when the cards are exposed to moisture, it can stop antibiotics from working.

Manufacturer BioMérieux published a Field Safety Notice to inform consumers of the issue at hand, and confirm the potential problems. The Notice explains that a defective test card may:

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Regulators expand investigations into Ford Explorer SUVs over concerns of carbon monoxide leaking

Regulators are investigating Ford Explorer SUVs that may be leaking harmful carbon monoxide from their exhaust systems.

The popular and reputable models are commonly used by U.S police forces, and earlier this year between March and July, six police officers were reportedly taken to hospital to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Five officers required treatment but were not kept overnight, and the first police officer who was admitted for carbon monoxide poisoning in March was reportedly placed on medical leave for around a month.
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Defective Takata airbag may reportedly be involved in traffic fatality

We’ve been covering the Takata airbag scandal for some time now, and news has emerged of another potential fatality that may be directly linked to the defective airbags.

A woman reportedly died from injuries sustained in a car collision in July this year, which involved a Honda Accord 2002 said to be fitted with the recalled Takata airbags. In the incident, another vehicle failed to yield right of way and collided with the victim, and although authorities have yet to confirm whether or not the cause of death is linked to an exploding Takata air bag inflater, it has not been ruled out.
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Britax recalls over 207,000 infant car seats due to a choking risk

Manufacturer of car seats and strollers, Britax, are reportedly recalling a number of their infant car seats as the chest clip between the safety straps may be a choking hazard.

Affected models of infant car seats include the B-Safe 25, BOB B-Safe 35; and the 35 Elite.

It’s thought that the recall is limited to models manufactured between 1^st November 2015 and 31^st May 2017, and it’s thought to be a pre-emptive one as no injuries have been reported so far.
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Endo International Plc to put aside more than £580 million to pay off mesh lawsuits

Global pharmaceutical company Endo International Plc are reportedly putting aside another £583 million to settle the remaining vaginal mesh lawsuits made against them. The staggering but deserved sum is to go towards settling some 22,000 lawsuits internationally, and Endo are to begin paying the amount in instalments at the end of this year and into 2019.

They have not admitted any liability.

The £583 million is in addition to the over £2 billion already agreed for 48,000 cases. Last year, Endo reportedly paid out over £800 million in mesh legal settlements.
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Consumers encouraged to take caution over cosmetics and toiletries

Cosmetic procedures and products are often assumed to be safe for use, but authorities are warning consumers to be aware of the potential dangers and risks that can be associated with them.

Whilst manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products comply with relevant legislation, it doesn’t mean they always do; nor does it mean every product is safe for use by every individual.

On top of that, some people may not be aware of the risks because they fail to research products more thoroughly. Complacency is a common pitfall when people fall victim to cosmetic product problems…
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Steel company fined £1 million over flammable toxic cloud that endangered employees

A number of employees at Tata Steel were reportedly exposed to a toxic gas that could have killed them or at least seriously maimed them if ignited. Two employees found themselves choking on the airborne chemicals and “suffered coughing and breathing difficulties”.

Both were admitted to hospital for treatment.

The Scunthorpe site in question is reportedly registered as a “top tier” Control of Major Accidents Hazards, as the site stored a lot of dangerously toxic and extremely flammable substances. With the serious risk of explosion and harm, Tata Steel were accused of failing to protect their workers.
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