Tag: investigations
EpiPen failures not to be ignored
Recent data surrounding reported EpiPen failures should not be ignored. Data reviewed has found that, in the last few years, there has been hundreds of reports of EpiePen failures that have led to a number of hospitalisations, and potentially some deaths.
One issue reported after a failed delivery from an EpiPen was the needle sticking out of the device at an angle, preventing delivery of lifesaving adrenaline that can stop an allergic reaction from killing someone.
Given the importance of lifesaving devices, these reported EpiPen failures cannot be ignored.
We now know Apple are slowing down batteries to “prolong lifespan” and “prevent sudden shutdown” – but, is this acceptable?
When Apple admitted that their updated software is slowing down older models, many were outraged. The frequency of new models being released is far too much for some; especially when the cost of a new model can easily set you back a lot of money and equate to more than £100 a month.
For a phone!
So, is Apple’s explanation that they introduced the feature for the iPhone 6 and later models to protect problems occurring with batteries acceptable?
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80% of baby formula reportedly contains arsenic!
Scientific studies into baby food have allegedly found that a shockingly high-level of baby formulas tested contained arsenic.
To be precise, some 80%!
Arsenic poisoning is extremely serious as it can attack the blood cells and can be fatal. For a baby or an infant, the thought of them ingesting arsenic is literally horrifying. Not-for-profit organisation The Clean Label Project believes that the labelling of food and products should be completely transparent, and it was this organisation that reportedly tested a variety of baby foods, formulas, drinks and snacks for toddlers to see just what they contained.
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Hypoallergenic moisturisers may contain toxic chemicals
A recent scientific study found that a number of moisturisers marketed as “hypoallergenic” may not actually be so hypoallergenic in reality.
A medical journal reportedly discovered that some products labelled as “fragrance free” or “hypoallergenic”, which should therefore be suitable for people suffering from sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, may still carry toxic chemicals that irritate the skin.
This surely goes against the whole idea of such products in the first place.
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U.S. Metro ventilation records may have been falsified
Lawsuits are expected to be brought against the U.S. Metro system over reportedly “deadly smoke” choking dozens back in 2015 at L’Enfant Plaza.
An internal review found that four important maintenance records for the transport ventilation systems may have been tampered with; a discovery prompting investigations into the department’s documentation practices.
An internal report confirmed that the office of Quality Assurance, Internal Compliance and Oversight (QICO) “identified several instances of maintenance record modification.”
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Regulators say Tesla Autopilot to take partial blame for fatal 2016 crash
Investigators have suggested that Tesla’s auto-driving system is to take some of the blame for a fatal 2016 crash. They have recommended that the ‘Tesla Autopilot’ system be declared as a contributing factor in the tragic incident because it allowed the driver to go for long periods of time without looking at the road or taking control with the steering.
This news may serve as a stumbling block with the U.K. set to allow for autonomous vehicles to be on the roads in the next few years. Are they safe? What are the dangers? Who is liable if things go wrong? These are questions that need answering before such technology is allowed on our very busy roads.
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Kobe Steel admits to falsifying data over its product standards, affecting 500 firms
Japan’s third largest steel maker, Kobe, has revealed that they falsified information about the standards and safety of their steel products.
Kobe supplies steel to major companies across the globe, such as manufacturers of cars, aircrafts, trains and even space rockets.
The scandal has prompted major corporations to double-check their products. Some of Kobe Steel’s consumers and users include: Central Japan Railway; Hitachi (its trains are used in Britain); Mazda Motor Corp; Subaru Corp; Toyota Motor Corp; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; Honda; General Motors; Daimler; Airbus
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Regulatory advice on Kratom drug after 36 deaths
Regulators have issued an advisory warning on 14th November to stop people taking Kratom after 36 deaths have been possibly associated with the drug.
Already banned in several countries, the “pick-me-up” natural drug is created from picked Kratom leaves from jungles all over South East Asia. It was originally used by farm labourers to help them get through working on the fields.
Kratom’s active ingredient is Mitragynine – a chemical that has adverse effects such as nausea; loss of appetite; constipation; dry mouth; trouble sleeping; and brain fatigue. Kratom itself can produce side effects of seizures, itching, increased sensitivity to pain, sweating, liver damage and addiction.
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Investigation into Fiat Chrysler over rollaway crashes
Regulators have been conducting an investigation into Fiat Chrysler after receiving complaints of some of their vehicles reportedly rolling away when the driver exited the car.
Some one million Fiat Chrysler Ram 15000 pickup trucks and Dodge Durango vehicles are affected by what is believed to be a defective rotary shifter. In a bit to add a new dimension to cars (and to free space for more/larger cup holders and storage areas), Fiat Chrysler moved away from traditional mechanical gear-shifts in favour of smaller electronic versions.
However, some customers have reportedly found it difficult to use the new feature, with many suspected to not even be aware of how to use it as intended.
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Five deaths reportedly involving gastric weight-loss balloons
Regulators report that at least five people have died not long after receiving a gastric balloon fitted into their stomachs to help them lose weight. While authorities have not confirmed that the weight-loss balloons are the final cause of death, all five died within a month of having the Intragastric Balloon System inserted, and three of the patients died between one and three days after the procedure took place.
Given the trend, regulators will need to carefully examine what has happened and whether the cause of death is the devices being used. If it is, action needs to be taken without delay to avoid any further loss of life.
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