Consumer Reports Monthly Safety Alert - August 2013

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Safety Alert

August 2013 Share:

Blade breaks on Calphalon XL 9 Speed blender The Calphalon XL 9 Speed 1832449, $130, failed our test when a knife-sharp fragment broke off from the same place on the blade assembly on three separate models. The broken piece was small enough to hide in a smoothie, shake, and countless other foods and drinks. Read more

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FDA proposes 'action level' for arsenic in apple juice Taking an important first step toward reducing Americans' unnecessary exposure to arsenic in foods, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed an "action level" of 10 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in apple juice, which is the same level set for arsenic in drinking water in the U.S. Read more.

Dangers of inflatable pools Because they're inexpensive and easy to set up, portable or inflatable pools seem like a natural go-to. But children can easily drown in them. While they resemble kiddie pools, they hold a lot more water. Too much, our safety experts say. Plus the sides of the inflatable pools are soft and squishy, so kids can easily climb over and fall into the water. Read more.

Eyelash extensions can pose health risks The single synthetic fibers glued one by one to natural eyelashes are usually fixed in place by formaldehyde-based adhesives or other biologic glues. The adhesives can cause allergic reactions, as can the solvents used to remove them. In addition, cosmetic eyelash enhancers carry a risk of bacterial and fungal infection. Read more.

FDA bans use of BPA in infant formula packaging Thanks to recent action by the Food and Drug Administration, the use of the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, has been banned in infant formula packaging. Next step: Keep the chemical out of all food and beverage containers. Read more.

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