Current Events in June 2019

In recent years, there has been a rise in calls to poison control centers for exposure to laundry detergent packets among older children and adults -- especially adults with dementia or disabilities, according to a new study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

From January 2012 through December 2017, poison control centers across the country received 72,947 calls related to liquid laundry detergent packet exposures. During 2017, these centers received an average of one call every 42 minutes.

The study authors noted that there has been a slight decrease (18 percent) in calls pertaining to young children under 6 ingesting laundry packet liquid following the adoption of a 2015 product safety standard. However, the increase in calls for older children and adults suggest laundry packet manufacturers could still do more to protect vulnerable demographics from accidental poisoning.

"The voluntary standard, public awareness campaigns, and product and packaging changes to-date are good first steps, but the numbers are still unacceptably high," lead author Gary Smith, MD, DrPH said in a statement. "We can do better."

Reducing risk of poisoning

In light of the fact that liquid laundry detergent packets are more toxic than detergent in powder or liquid form, the study authors suggest that detergent packet makers reformulate the product to make it less toxic. Additionally, they recommend creating a standard packaging that makes them childproof.

Parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of laundry packet poisoning among children younger than 6 years old and adults with a history of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or developmental disability by using traditional laundry detergent instead of packets.

“Many families don’t realize how toxic these highly concentrated laundry detergent packets are,” said study co-author Henry Spiller, MS, D.ABAT. “Use traditional laundry detergent when you have young children or vulnerable adults in your home. It isn’t worth the risk when there is a safer and effective alternative available.”

The study has been published online in the journal Pediatrics.

The opioid epidemic continues to rage across the U.S., with countless consumers falling victim to these potentially dangerous painkillers every day. While you might think that prescriptions from doctors are mostly to blame, a team of researchers found that families and friends also play a large role in how addiction to these substances begin.

Researchers from Penn State found that many consumers who eventually take harder drugs like heroin begin their addiction journey with recreational use of opioid medications.

“We found that most people initiated [later drug use] through a pattern of recreational use because of people around them,” said Ashton Verdery, an assistant professor at Penn State. “They got [opioids] from either siblings, friends or romantic partners."

Doctors not solely responsible

As part of their study, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 30 opioid users to see how their addiction to painkillers began. While some admitted that they eventually began “doctor shopping” in order to fill out prescriptions, over half said they started using because friends or family members supplied them with pills.

Verdery points out that current legislation focuses largely on regulating how medical professionals prescribe opioids as a means of cutting down on abuse cases. While this step is needed, he says that informing consumers about the dangers of opioids is also necessary.

“It's not just that people were prescribed painkillers from a doctor for a legitimate reason and, if we just crack down on the doctors who are prescribing in these borderline cases we can reduce the epidemic," he said. "Our results really don't speak to that framework. They speak more to the need of educating people how dangerous these pills are and warning them about getting the pills from friends and family, because that's the way a lot of people are getting addicted."

The full study has been published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases.

Quest Diagnostics, a major provider of medical testing services, is notifying customers that some of their important personal data may have been compromised in a recently discovered breach.

The data breach reportedly occurred at one of Quest’s vendors, American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA). AMCA reported to Quest that unauthorized users gained access to internal network systems, and nearly 12 million Quest patients may have been affected.

According to Quest, Social Security numbers, financial information, and medical information may have been exposed. Quest said that the data that was breached did not include laboratory test results.

“AMCA first notified Quest and Optum360 on May 14, 2019 of potential unauthorized activity on AMCA’s web payment page,” Quest said in a statement. “On May 31, 2019, AMCA notified Quest and Optum360 that the data on AMCA’s affected system included information regarding approximately 11.9 million Quest patients.”

Quest said its vendor has not yet provided it with detailed or complete information about the incident. Because of that, Quest said it has not been able to specifically determine which patients’ records have been compromised.

“Quest is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to the privacy and security of our patients’ personal information,” the company said. “Since learning of the AMCA data security incident, we have suspended sending collection requests to AMCA.”

First disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission

According to NBC News, the data breach was first disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. The breached system was for billing, so it contained patients’ financial records.

With data breaches becoming more common, it’s easy for consumers to become less concerned about them. That’s a big mistake, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a non-profit based in San Diego.

“Unfortunately, far too many consumers do not check up on these kinds of attacks until it is too late,” the group said on its blog. “Even then, many victims of data breaches do not follow up on the support that notification letters offer, including things like identity theft protection or credit monitoring.”

ITRC has partnered with Futurion to produce a free tool called Breach Clarity that helps users assess their personal threat from a breach. You can find more information here.

New car sales may have slowed in recent months, but the increase in their price hasn’t. The average new vehicle transaction price (ATP) rose 3.7 percent to $37,185 in May, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

One reason for the increase was a resurgence in sales of SUVs, which tend to cost more than sedans. The increase amounted to $1,320 more than May 2018, but it was $208 less than April’s ATP.

Tim Fleming, an analyst for KBB, says most  dealers sold fewer cars in May. However, dealers tended to get more for the purchases they did record. Fleming says that means there could be some better deals later in the year.

“The question for this year remains whether automakers will start to trade some of their pricing power for greater incentives and more sales,” Fleming said.

Some brands sold for more than others

Prices weren’t uniformly higher across the board, as some auto brands did better in May than others. Fiat Chrysler had another strong month, with its ATP posting a more than 6 percent increase, thanks to RAM and Jeep.

The price of a RAM truck was up nearly 5 percent on the strength of the RAM 1500 and the new RAM 2500. Consumers paid 5 percent more for a Jeep, with the Wrangler model posting the biggest increase at 7 percent.

The recently launched Gladiator pickup skewed greatly toward the Rubicon trim in May, with the average sale price well over $50,000.

Subaru continued to do well with an ATP 5 percent higher than May 2018. KBB says the new Ascent SUV accounted for much of that increase. At the same time, the newly redesigned Forester posted a 4 percent year-over-year increase.

Smaller gains for Honda and Nissan

On the other end of the spectrum, Honda and Nissan failed to move the needle very much. Nissan prices were almost flat, rising 0.1 percent. Honda’s ATP was up just 1.2 percent over 2018 and was nearly 1 percent lower than April.

General Motors models sold for 1.4 percent more than in 2018, while it also saw its prices drop compared to April, sliding 0.8 percent.

When it comes to vehicle types, luxury midsize SUV/crossovers saw the biggest price gain last month, rising 6.2 percent. The average cost of an electric vehicle, meanwhile, was down over 10 percent.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 10,160 model year 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.

The rear driveshaft may have an incomplete weld fusion between the tube and tube yoke, which may lead to weld cracking or the driveshaft fracturing.

A fractured rear driveshaft could detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, or it may result in a loss of drive power, both of which can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear driveshaft free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 15, 2019.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The Chrysler recall number is V48.

Excel Industries of Hesston, Kan., is recalling about 5,400 zero turn lawn mowers.

A wire tie underneath the seat could damage the fuel line, posing a fire hazard.

No incidents or injuries are reported.

This recall involves zero-turn mowers sold under the Hustler FasTrak, Hustler FasTrak SDX, BigDog Stout, and BigDog Stout MP brand names. Hustler mowers are yellow, and BigDog mowers are red.

The brand names are on a decal located in the front below the seat. Model name and serial numbers can be found on a tag located on the right side of the mower behind the seat.

The recalled mowers have serial numbers between 18058001 and 19028225.

The mowers, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at authorized BigDog or Hustler dealers nationwide from June 2018, through March 2019, for between $6,800 and $9,400.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers and contact a BigDog or Hustler authorized dealer to schedule a free repair. Excel is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Consumers may contact Excel toll-free at (844) 594-2448 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CTO Monday through Friday, or online at www.hustlerturf.com or www.bigdogmowers.com, depending on the brand of your mower, and click on “Product Recall Info” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Nissan North America is recalling 374 model year 2019 Altimas equipped with front wheel drive (FWD) and 2.5 liter engines.

The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged, possibly causing fuel to leak.

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

What to do

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly. If the lock ring is disengaged, dealers will tighten the ring to specification. If the lock ring is detached, dealers will replace the fuel pump. Both remedies will be completed free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 2019.

Owners may contact Nissan customer service at (800) 867-7669.

Johnsonville of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., is recalling approximately 95,393 pounds of ready-to-eat jalapeño cheddar smoked sausage.

The product may be contaminated with extraneous material – specifically hard green plastic.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions.

The following item, produced and packaged on March 12 – 13, 2019, is being recalled:

• 14-oz. film, vacuum packages containing “Johnsonville JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR Smoked Sausage” with a “Best By 06/09/2019” date on the back of the package.

The recalled product, bearing establishment number “EST. 34224” inside the USDA mark of inspection, was shipped nationwide and internationally.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product should not consume it, but discard or return it to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact consumer relations by phone or text at (888) 556-2728 or by email at KBishir@johnsonville.com.

Toyo Tire Holdings Of Americas is recalling 2,169 Proxes A27 tires, size P185/60R16 86H, produced from September 21 – 25, 2018 with (DOT dates codes 3718 and 3818).

Prototype rubber compound was mixed with production compound, which may result in sections of the tire tread detaching.

Sections of tread detaching can cause the tire to lose pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Toyo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires free of charge.

The recall was expected to begin in May 2019.

Owners may contact Toyo customer service at 1-800-442-8696.

If you’re a Windows 10 user, all eyes forward.

The anticipated upgrade for Microsoft’s operating system has been released, and one of its components is already generating rebuke from software reviewers.

Built with promises of “improving the Windows 10 update experience with control, quality, and transparency,” it’s apparently anything but.

“It's a classic anxiety dream,” writes Ed Bott at ZDNet. ”You're in math class. You didn't study for the test. You watch as the professor scratches out what appear to be hieroglyphics on the chalkboard, and you have absolutely no idea how all those symbols and variables fit together. And then she calls on you.”

“That's how I felt last week as I tried to make sense of what's going on with Microsoft's rules for deferring updates in Windows 10.”

The key issue

While Microsoft’s Mike Fortin announced that Microsoft put the kibosh on the much-hated forced trigger, its ballyhoo turned out to be nothing more than lip service.

Bott thinks the biggest wrinkle will come when consumers actually install the update and discover that processes differ depending on what version of Windows is on the user’s machine -- Home, Pro, or Enterprise for Education.

• Home version: Rather than the ability to automatically defer any updates, all that’s allowable is the option to manually pause updates for a maximum of 35 days. If the user wants that pause to stay in place for subsequent updates, they’ll have to repeat this step each and every time an update is released.
  
  What’s worse is that Microsoft has “end-of-service dates” built in to Windows 10 versions. When that date comes, the next round of updates will be installed automatically, no matter if you’ve set them to manual or not.

• Pro version: Paying the extra $60 for the upgrade comes with some bells and whistles that are better suited for a networked business, but it also allows the business’ IT administrator to defer policies for both feature and quality updates.

• Enterprise or Education. This equates to essentially the same updating tools as the Pro version. Bott found the major difference relevant to service and support is the (up to) 36-month service period versus the 18-month servicing support period for Home and Pro editions.

Wait-and-see might be the best way to go

Waiting three years for an update was already a stress point for Windows 10 users, but putting consumers through a bunch of misaligned hoops may be asking too much.

If you’re a Windows 10 user, short of pulling your hair out, maybe you should press your own pause button and sit tight until Microsoft figures a way out of this mess.

However, if you’re brave enough to roll the dice and see if the Windows update is something you can live with, the installation instructions are available on Microsoft’s website.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced over the weekend that more than 300 Boeing 737 planes may have faulty wing parts.

The agency’s investigation revealed that up to 148 parts manufactured by Boeing suppliers may be “susceptible to premature failure or cracks resulting from the improper manufacturing process.”

“Although a complete failure of a leading-edge slat track would not result in the loss of the aircraft, a risk remains that a failed part could lead to aircraft damage in flight,” the FAA continued.

Boeing said it has contacted airlines that own the 737 affected jets, and the FAA has advised them to immediately inspect the aircraft to ensure their airworthiness. Boeing and the FAA, who worked together on the investigation that led to the discovery, said the slats on certain jets could develop premature cracks as a result of being manufactured improperly by a Boeing supplier.

“One batch of slat tracks with specific lot numbers produced by a supplier was found to have a potential nonconformance,” Boeing said in a statement. “If operators find the parts in question, they are to replace them with new ones before returning the airplane to service.”

Boeing said it has not been informed of any “in-service issues related to this batch of slat tracks.”

Improperly manufactured parts

Boeing and the FAA are each dealing with the aftermath of two recent 737 Max crashes, which killed 346 people and prompted authorities to ground the jets in mid-March.

The recently discovered manufacturing defect isn’t related to a flight control system on the 737 Max that has been linked to two fatal crashes. Still, Boeing says it’s “committed to supporting our customers in every way possible as they identify and replace these potentially non-conforming tracks.”

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said last week that the company knows it will need to re-earn the public’s trust.

“We know ... that the public’s confidence has been hurt by these accidents and that we have work to do to earn and re-earn the trust of the flying public and we will do that,” Muilenburg said, according to CNBC. “We are taking all actions necessary to make sure that accidents like those two ... never happened again.”

They are major forces in our lives. They control the information we receive and hold billions of megabytes of data about us.

Now, the massive power and influence of Big Tech may be coming under regulatory scrutiny. The Justice Department’s antitrust regulators are said to be taking a long look at one of the biggest of the Big Tech players -- Alphabet, parent company of Google.

The Wall Street Journal quotes sources familiar with the matter as saying lawyers in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division have been quietly exploring whether Google is such a commanding presence in the marketplace that it violates antitrust laws.

Government agencies never comment publicly on whether they are investigating anything. Alphabet is not responding to media requests for comment.

Privacy concerns

Any potential antitrust investigation would come amidst a background of growing concerns about consumer privacy and the monetization of consumer data by large Silicon Valley-based firms. Google, along with Facebook, has faced questions from policymakers and both companies have pledged to enact policies to enhance privacy.

A decade ago the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an antitrust investigation into Google but closed it in 2013 after Google agreed to some voluntary changes.

The European Union (EU) has taken a harder line against the search giant. A year ago it charged Google with illegal, anticompetitive behavior. Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s competition commissioner, told CBS her research shows Google manipulates its algorithms to promote its own products and services, while virtually ignoring any competitor.

"It's very difficult to find the rivals," Vestager told 60 Minutes. "Because on average, you'd find them only on page four in your search results."

Google denied the EU charge and issued a statement and said its goal is to provide the best possible search results for consumers.

"We understand that those sites whose ranking falls will be unhappy and may complain publicly,” a spokesman said at the time.

Pressure building

Over the years, the EU’s antitrust watchdog has fined Google for alleged antitrust violations in operating its internet shopping service and marketing its smartphone software.

Bloomberg opinion writer Shira Ovide suggests Google should be “very afraid” of the new atmosphere in Washington, where the Trump administration has been openly critical of big tech companies, particularly Amazon, whose CEO Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.

“Washington is much different than it was in 2013, and sentiment in the capitol and beyond has soured as U.S. technology superstars have grown even larger and more dominant,” Ovide writes. “An investigation of Google is likely to be politically popular on both the left and the right."

Many consumers consider June to be the true beginning of the summer season, but it also marks the beginning of hurricane season.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a comprehensive guide to ensure that everyone is ready to tackle these seasonal storms, with tips on disaster preparation and financial steps to take if the worst comes to pass.

Being prepared

On its page, the FTC says that it’s important for consumers to make a disaster plan to protect their homes from severe weather. At the top of its list, the agency says homeowners should make sure they have up-to-date insurance to cover a range of potential issues, such as damage caused by fires, floods, and tornadoes.

When severe weather does strike, having a practiced plan for you and your family is paramount to surviving a disaster. The agency suggests establishing an out-of-town contact for you and any family members so that you can coordinate with someone who may have been spared from the impact of a storm.

Financial preparation also comes part and parcel with disaster preparation. Having a full inventory of all your household belongings -- including expensive pieces of technology, important files and paperwork, and even more mundane possessions like clothing -- can help in the aftermath.

Spotting disaster-related scams

Speaking of finances, the FTC says that consumers should beware of disaster-related scams after a severe weather incident. The loved ones of those impacted by a storm may be targeted by imposters looking to con them out of money, and even consumers looking to donate to relief efforts are fair game to scammers.

In the video shown below, the FTC goes over the red flags that consumers should look out for to avoid these malicious attacks.

Consumers who hear about a potential scam or see one circulating online are asked to report the incident to the FTC.

Amazon has officially extended its free one-day shipping offer to Prime members “coast to coast.” The company says more than ten million products are eligible for next-day delivery, and no minimum purchase is required.

"The most popular one-day items range from books, beauty and baby wipes to devices, dish detergent and doggie bags," Amazon said in a press release, adding that it "will keep adding more selection and expanding our delivery areas to ensure Prime members get their products faster than ever."

The e-commerce giant first announced its goal of making one-day shipping the default plan for Prime customers in April. At the time, it didn’t provide a time frame for the launch of the plan. It did say, however, that it planned to invest $800 million to shorten the delivery window.

Amazon CFO Brian Olsavsky said during an earnings call that the company feels it’s doing “something very important for the customer” by speeding up default delivery times for Prime customers, who pay $119 a year for a membership.

Impact on warehouse workers

Not long after Amazon announced its next-day shipping plan, the head of a major labor union issued a statement expressing concern that speeding up shipping may not be feasible for fulfillment center workers who already process several hundred orders per hour during long shifts.

“With two-day Prime shipping, Amazon fulfillment workers currently face speeds of 200-300 orders per hour in 12-hour shifts. They struggle already to maintain that pace,” Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

“If Amazon plans to effectively double the speed, it must also address existing workforce needs and ensure its workers are safe. Increasing fulfillment speeds means they need to hire more workers, under more sustainable speeds that don’t put workers' lives in jeopardy,” he said.

Amazon refuted the claims, calling them “misguided and self-serving.” The company said its 20 years of business experience has helped it build “a positive, safe environment in our facilities.”

“This enables Amazon to deliver orders faster and more efficiently — not by working harder but by working smarter based on decades of process improvement and innovation,” Dave Clark, senior vice president of Amazon Worldwide Operations, said in the statement.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a settlement with a global marketer that it says violated consumer protection laws by charging people who signed up for a “free trial offer.”

The settlement resolves the FTC’s complaint and bars the defendants from that kind of illegal conduct in the future. It also requires them to turn over more than $9 million in assets.

According to the FTC complaint, filed a year ago, the defendants ran deceptive ads for “risk-free” trial offers for only the cost of shipping and handling. But the agency said consumers complained that they were then charged the full price for the trial product and were enrolled in expensive, ongoing subscription plans without their knowledge or consent.

This was a common complaint in the early 2000s, when many companies offered consumers something for free. But by accepting the free offer, consumers agreed to be enrolled in a subscription program that charged a monthly fee. That agreement was in the fine print and rarely read by consumers.

Negative option sales

Often the fine print would say consumers agreed to a purchase unless they specifically told the company they did not want the product or service, a practice known as negative-option sales. While the practice is less common now, the FTC says some marketers still use it -- sometimes in violation of the law.

“Products touted as ‘risk free’ shouldn’t come loaded with hidden costs and obligations,” said Andrew Smith, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue to bring actions against this kind of deceptive and unfair marketing, and will seek to return money to victimized consumers.”

The FTC charges the defendants of using the scheme for about five years to sell products that included skin creams, electronic cigarettes, and dietary supplements. The ads on third-party websites, blog posts, and surveys promised a free trial of these products for just a minimal charge for shipping and handling.

But that minimal charge, usually around $4.95, gave the marketers access to consumers’ credit card information. Consumers who accepted the free trial complained to the FTC that they were  charged as much as $98.71 for the trial, and then charged for a monthly plan without their consent.

The FTC also claims the defendants used deceptive and confusing order confirmation pages to trick consumers into ordering additional products.

When the agency took action against the company, it charged it with violating the FTC Act, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).

For consumers, the lesson is very clear: be extremely cautious when accepting any free offer. In nearly every case it will come with very long strings attached.