Meridia Weight Loss Drug Pulled from U.S. Market

Abbott Laboratories announced today that the pharmaceutical company is voluntarily withdrawing the weight loss drug Meridia (sibutramine) from the U.S. market at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The drug withdrawal was in response to an FDA request after the agency recommended against the continued use of Meridia (sibutramine) due to cardiovascular risks.

“Abbott believes sibutramine has a positive risk/benefit profile in the approved patient population, but will comply with the FDA’s request,” Abbott said in a release.

The FDA requested the market withdrawal after reviewing data from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (SCOUT). In November of 2009, Abbott notified the FDA of preliminary SCOUT results showing that patients taking sibutramine were at increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The trial demonstrated a 16 percent increase in the risk of serious heart events, including non-fatal heart attack, non-fatal stroke, the need to be resuscitated once the heart stopped, and death, in a group of patients given sibutramine compared to another given placebo.

“Meridia’s continued availability is not justified when you compare the very modest weight loss that people achieve on this drug to their risk of heart attack or stroke,” said John Jenkins, M.D., director of the Office of New Drugs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “Physicians are advised to stop prescribing Meridia to their patients and patients should stop taking this medication. Patients should talk to their health care provider about alternative weight loss and weight loss maintenance programs.”

A September 15, 2010, the FDA’s sixteen-member Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee reviewed sibutramine data, with eight advisors voting to pull the drug from the market and eight advisors voting for it to remain on the market with increased warnings on the label.

“The patients in the European SCOUT trial did not have the same characteristics as the patients for the approved indication in the United States; however, these results, combined with other available safety data raised serious questions about Meridia’s safety for all patient groups,” said Gerald Dal Pan, M.D., M.H.S., director of the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology in CDER.

The FDA first approved Meridia in 1997. The FDA estimates that 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently taking Meridia.

In 2002, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to remove Meridia from the market because of cardiac deaths. In 2005, the FDA responded to the petition, denying action.

“The FDA’s decision today to ask pharmaceutical maker Abbott to withdraw the drug is commendable, but dangerously too late for all of the victims of its unacceptable risks,” said Dr. Sidney Wolfe, Director of the Public Citizen’s Health Research Group. “Since then, [the petition in 2002] more than 3 million prescriptions have been filled for Meridia, with many patients inevitably having had heart attacks or strokes because of its known toxicity.”

The FDA also issued an alert today warning consumers not to take the nutritional supplement Slimming Beauty Bitter Orange Slimming Capsules because they contain sibutramine, the same ingredient as Meridia. Consumers may have purchased Slimming Beauty over the internet from Beautiful Health Inc., formerly LL Health and Beauty. They may also have acquired Slimming Beauty sample packets distributed by individuals at community events. The product and the sample packets are falsely labeled as “100% Herbal.” The sample packet label is misleading because it indicates that it is a natural vitamin and calcium capsule for use in children as young as 2 years old.

How Laptop Users are at Risk for “Toasted Skin Syndrome” and Low Sperm Count

Often the very reason people purchase a laptop computer is for their portability and ease of use on a lap. However, some laptop computer users can develop a condition called “Toasted Skin Syndrome” or experience a drop in sperm count due to repeated exposure to high heat from using the computer on their lap.

Erythema ab igne, more commonly known as Toasted Skin Syndrome, is a blotchy or mottled discoloration of the skin that develops from prolonged or repeated exposure to heat without a burn. The affected area may be itchy and lesions may occur. The condition can result from heating pads and hot water bottles, car heaters, fireplaces, stoves or other heat sources.

Workers on the job such as bakers or chefs who encounter heat frequently on the job are at risk for Toasted Skin Syndrome. More recently, the increased use of laptops on the lap has caused this condition.

According to WebMD, a report in the upcoming November issue of Pediatrics highlights Toasted Skin Syndrome in a 12-year-old boy who developed the mottled discoloration on one leg after playing games a few hours a day for several months while using a laptop on his lap.

Authors of the Pediatrics article recommended that manufacturers of laptop computers include a warning label notifying users of the danger. Parents should exercise special care when children use laptops.

“The popularity of laptop computers will likely increase this diagnosis in the future,” the Pediatrics article said. “Our patient has had only comparatively shortly used his laptop, which indicates that children’s skin is more sensitive to heat.”

If only mildly affected, the discoloration from Toasted Skin Syndrome may disappear in a few months. If the condition is severe or atrophic, the damage could be permanent. Those with the condition are at increased risk for squamous cell carcinomas or skin cancer.

Boys and men using a laptop on the lap are also at risk for reducing sperm count and infertility. A study published in the Oxford Journal of Human Reproduction found that using a laptop on the lap significantly increased the heat exposure of the scrotum. Scrotal hyperthermia can lead to decreased fertility.

"The body needs to maintain a proper testicular temperature for normal sperm production and development. Portable computers in a laptop position produce scrotal hyperthermia by both the direct heating effect of the computer and the sitting position necessary to balance the computer," study researchers said. "Until further studies provide more information on this type of thermal exposure, teenage boys and young men may consider limiting their use of a laptop on their laps, as long-term use may have a detrimental effect on their reproductive health."

Considering these potential adverse health effects, a worst place to use a laptop is your lap.

PA Town Plagued by Gas Migration in Water Supply from Drilling to get Public Water Service

Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that residents of Dimock Township, whose well water supply suffered contamination by methane gas migration from Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. natural gas wells, are to receive public water service from Pennsylvania American Water in the future.

The state of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water Company have agreed on a plan to construct a new, 5.5-mile water main from the company’s Lake Montrose water treatment plant south along Route 29 to Dimock and install approximately seven miles of distribution line to provide water service to at least 18 homes affected by gas migration. Other Dimock residents will also have access to the utility water. The water company will also install pressure regulating stations and a new treatment facility to serve the community.
The state will seek reimbursement for the $11.8 million project from Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

“The residents of Dimock have waited long enough for Cabot to provide a permanent solution to the gas migration issues that have plagued this community’s water supplies,” Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said in a release. “Today, we are announcing an agreement with Pennsylvania American Water Company to extend public water lines from Montrose and provide a safe, dependable water supply to residents here.”

After a residential well exploded on January 1, 2009, a DEP investigation found that natural gas drilling operations in Susquehanna County into the Marcellus Shale formation by Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. caused migration of methane gas into the water supply. DEP inspectors discovered well casings on some of Cabot’s natural gas wells cemented improperly or insufficiently, allowing methane gas to migrate to groundwater. Since then, methane gas has contaminated a number of other residential wells.

A November 2009 consent order and agreement between Cabot and the DEP required the gas company to fix defective cement and well casings on certain natural gas wells or plug defective wells by a March 31, 2010 deadline. The agreement also required Cabot to restore or replace resident’s affected water supplies permanently. Cabot paid a $120,000 civil penalty for violations.

By April 2010, Cabot had failed to fix or plug defective wells and correct problems regarding Susquehanna County water supplies polluted by migrating gas from Cabot’s natural gas drilling operations. In another consent order and agreement, Cabot was ordered to plug affected gas wells and install permanent treatment systems in those homes within 30 days. Cabot paid a $240,000 fine and DEP ordered the company to pay $30,000 per month until the agency determined that the company met its obligations under the 2009 order.

“The problems in Dimock were caused by Cabot’s failure to construct their natural gas wells properly, and we are holding them responsible for the damage caused by these wells,” Hanger said. “We intend to proceed with construction of a public water system for the Dimock area and will seek recovery of costs from Cabot Oil & Gas.”

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. denied responsibility for the methane gas migration into the water supply and released the following statement in response to the actions of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection:

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (Cabot) today submitted a detailed letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) outlining its position on numerous matters (including misrepresentations and factual inaccuracies) that the Department has made in its dealings with the Company. Through the letter, Cabot requests the PaDEP to review and consider the full breadth of evidence that clearly demonstrates Cabot is not responsible for methane gas migration into water wells in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region – a claim that the PaDEP has made against Cabot.

According to Dan O. Dinges, Chairman, President & CEO for Cabot, despite the fact that the company has presented overwhelming scientific evidence and historical documentation to the PaDEP proving it is not responsible for methane gas migration into local water wells, the PaDEP has chosen to ignore such evidence, preferring instead to base unprecedented and costly mandates on biased and unscientific opinions and accounts.

"We remain committed to safe, compliant operations in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region, but refuse to remain silent as the PaDEP wages a public war against us," said Dinges. "We have gone above and beyond in our role as a good corporate neighbor, and it is disappointing that the PaDEP has chosen to ignore compelling evidence that clearly proves Cabot’s operations are safe, while at the same time publicly demanding a costly, unnecessary solution for water delivery and threatening suit if we did not comply."
Among other things, the letter:

• Reaffirms the fact that Cabot’s operations are safe and environmentally responsible.
• Points out the fact that Cabot has successfully drilled a local water well for a resident who lives in a Northeastern Pennsylvania area in which Cabot operates.
• Challenges the PaDEP’s arbitrary and unreasonable behavior toward Cabot.
• Identifies and protests the PaDEP’s public accusations against Cabot.
• Makes public for the first time the fact that emergency response officials’ investigation found that claims of an alleged well explosion and fire at local residence January 1, 2009 are false and that such an explosion never occurred.

The company has set up a website aimed at refuting the DEP claims.

Cabot also wrote a letter to the public, denying responsibility and claiming that, “Cabot wants to continue as a good corporate citizen of Susquehanna County and of Pennsylvania. We want to continue to provide jobs, opportunity and royalty revenue to our fellow citizens for many years to come.”

“Compelling Cabot, or anyone (including taxpayers), to construct a public water supply system in light of the cost, distance and limited application seems unreasonable, unprecedented and is unfair,” the letter said of the proposed water line. “No private business model would support such an investment (in excess of $10 million) for so few users.”

Does the Popular Brazilian Blowout Contain Chemicals Hazardous for Hairdressers? OSHA Says Yes.

After a worker at a Portland, OR salon reported nosebleeds, eye irritation and respiratory problems after applying the hair-straightening product Brazilian Blowout on customers over the course of a month, testing found the products contained high levels of formaldehyde, even on bottles labeled “Formaldehyde Free.”

Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET) issued an alert yesterday regarding potential negative health impacts of the Brazilian Blowout product. The agency recommends that salons stop using this product immediately.

“The test results coupled with health symptoms reported to us from stylists using the specified hair product raised concerns at CROET because of the potential long-term and short-term impacts of formaldehyde exposure,” Dede Montgomery, an occupational safety and health specialist and certified industrial hygienist at CROET who is leading the studies, explained in a release.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical used in building materials, household products, glues and adhesives, permanent-press fabrics, paper product coatings, insulation materials, fungicide, germicide and as a preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association between formaldehyde exposure and several cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

The salon gave a bottle of Brazilian Blowout to CROET, along with shipping documentation that the salon received the product on 8/27/09 from the manufacturer. CROET sent the product to the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for testing which found that the product contained 4.85% formaldehyde.

CROET obtained another sample of Brazilian Blowout from a different salon, this labeled “Acai Professional Smoothing Solution” and “Formaldehyde Free.” Documentation showed the manufacturer shipped the product to the salon on 8/12/10. Again, CROET sent the sample to Oregon OSHA for testing. Four separate testing methods reveal the sample contained 10.6%, 6.3%, 10.6% and 10.4% formaldehyde respectively.

Additional laboratory analysis also detected four additional chemicals in each sample, including methanol and ethanol.

OSHA requires that manufactures of products containing more that 0.1% formaldehyde list the chemical and address safe work practices on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) accompanying the product. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to share this information with their potentially exposed employees through training. OSHA also requires employers to assure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration for formaldehyde which exceeds 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million in an eight-hour period or short–term exposure of no more than two parts per million (2 ppm) in a 15-minute period.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), formaldehyde can produce a variety of effects including immediate irritation of eyes, skin, nose and upper respiratory tract, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and wheezing. The major concerns of repeated formaldehyde exposure are sensitization, which is similar to an allergic condition, and asthma in those who have been previously sensitized to formaldehyde. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has determined that formaldehyde may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen,” Montgomery said.

Stylist Molly Scrutton, who first reported the adverse health effects to the CROET, decided she could no longer work in a salon where Brazilian Blowout was in use, reports OregonLive.com. The owner of the salon, Pauline Steiner also experienced respiratory effects from the product. They and their colleagues decided to discontinue using the product and no longer offer hair straightening with any product at the salon.

Brazilian Blowout posted an official statement in response to the OSHA findings on the company’s website saying the company is conducting an investigation of the allegations.
The company argued that the samples OSHA tested were not submitted by the company itself, “Because OSHA did not request a sample from the company directly, there is no reason to believe that the formulation tested and found positive for traces of formaldehyde was indeed Brazilian Blowout product. This represents a clear violation of proper testing protocol, and this gross negligence on the part of OSHA invalidates all findings that have been released as a result of OSHA’s testing.”

Oregon OSHA is conducting additional testing and is working with California OSHA, Federal OSHA, the Oregon Department of Justice and Oregon Public Health. Employers and workers with questions or concerns can call Oregon OSHA’s technical section at 503-378-3272 for more information. Employers can also request a confidential, on-site consultation by Oregon OSHA to assist in determining employee exposure.

“CROET will continue its research and collaboration with state and federal agencies. Based on the information we have received to date, we felt that additional public notification is required,” said R. Stephen Lloyd, Ph.D., interim director of CROET and a senior scientist within the center.

For additional information about CROET’s research on the ingredients of Brazilian Blowout, visit http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/croet/emerging-issues-and-alerts.cfm

Fisher Price recalls more than 10 Million Products, including Toys and High Chairs

Fisher-Price, the East Aurora, NY manufacturing of children’s products and part of the Mattel toy giant, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced four separate voluntary recalls today totaling more than 10 million products because they are hazardous to children.

1. The first recall involves 7 million Fisher Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles because a child can strike, sit or fall on the protruding plastic ignition key resulting in serious injury, including genital bleeding. Consumers have reported 10 incidences resulting in injury to Fisher Price and the CPSC, including six cases of young girls, ages two to three years old, who fell against or on the protruding disc-shaped and D-shaped pretend key. Consumers should immediately place the trikes out of children’s reach and contact Fisher-Price at 800) 432-5437 for a free replacement key.

   This recall involves the Fisher-Price model numbers J72633 Hot Wheels Trike, 72639 Barbie Free Spirit Trike, 72642 Lil’ Kawasaki Trike, 72643 Boys Tough Trike, 72644 Girls Tough Trike, 72792 Kawasaki Trike, B8775 Kawasaki Tough Trike, B8776 Barbie Tough Trike, K6672 Dora the Explorer Tough Trike, K6673 Diego Tough Trike, M5727 Barbie Tough Trike Princess Ride-On, N6021 Kawasaki Tough Trike, T6209 Thomas Tough Trike and V4270 Diego Tough Trike that have either a disc-shaped or D-shaped pretend key. The model numbers are located under the seat in the storage compartment.

2. The second recall is for about 950,000 Healthy Care, Easy Clean and Close to Me High Chairs because Children can fall on or against the pegs on the rear legs, used for storage of the high chair, resulting in injuries or lacerations. There have been 14 reports to the CPSC of child injury, including seven reports of children requiring stitches and one tooth injury. Consumers should stop using the High Chair immediately and contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 for instructions and a free repair kit.

   The recall involves Healthy Care High Chair model numbers 79638, 79639, 79640, 79641, B0326, B2105, B2875, C4630, C4632, C5936, G4406, G8659, H0796, H1152, H4864, H7241, K2927, L1912; Close to Me High Chair model number H8906; and Easy Clean High Chair model numbers H9178, J4011, J6292, J8229. Consumer can locate the model number of the high chair on the back of the seat.

3. The third recall involves About 100,000 Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampways because the wheels on the purple and the green cars can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children. Fisher Price had two reports of the wheels detaching and no reports of injury. Consumers should immediately take the affected purple and the green cars away from children and contact Fisher-Price for free replacement cars.

   The recall involves Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampway with model numbers T4261 and V6378 sold with small cars that a child can push down winding ramps. Only the purple and the green cars that are marked "Mexico" and do not have a yellow dot on the bottom are included in the recall.

4. The product including in the fourth recall are about 2.8 million Baby Playzone Crawl & Cruise Playground; Baby Playzone Crawl & Slide Arcade; Baby Gymtastics Play Wall; Ocean Wonders Kick & Crawl Aquarium; 1-2-3 Tetherball and Bat & Score Goal inflatable ball products because the valve of the inflatable ball on these toys can come off and pose a choking hazard to young children. CPSC and Fisher-Price are aware of 46 reports of incidents where the valve came off in the US and 8 reports in Canada. These include 14 reports of the valve found in a child’s mouth and 3 reports of a child beginning to choke. Consumers should immediately remove the inflatable ball from the product and keep away from children. Do not discard the inflatable ball. Contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 for a free replacement kit.

   Model numbers affected by this recall include Baby Playzone Crawl & Cruise Playground 73408, Baby Playzone Crawl & Slide Arcade B2408, Baby Gymtastics Play Wall H5704, Ocean Wonders Kick & Crawl Aquarium C3068 and H8094, 1-2-3 Tetherball J0327 and Bat & Score Goal K0476.

“I can reassure you that our business operates in a highly regulated environment, which means that toys are overwhelmingly safe. I’d also like you to know that beyond industry regulations, Fisher-Price takes additional steps to constantly gather and review feedback about how our products are doing in real homes. We analyze this information to see if patterns are developing that could indicate a product performance or other type of issue,” Said Kevin Curran, Fisher-Price General Manager in a release. “Through this monitoring, we have identified a few issues we want you to know about. In collaboration with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, Health Canada and other regulators, we initiated the recall process for certain products. “

Fisher Price is a division of Mattel, Inc. For more information, consumers can visit the Mattel website.

2011 Hyundai Sonatas Recalled for Steering Defect

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling 139,500 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles because improper assembly or insufficient tightening the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections could cause a loss or reduction of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash.

In a letter sent by Hyundai to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker found eight instances from the initial production period for this new vehicle of improperly assembled or loose steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections and have implemented actions to ensure the proper assembly of the steering column intermediate shaft.

The recall affects vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009 through September 10, 2010.

Last month, the NHTSA opened an investigation into reports of steering problems with the Sonata, Reuters reported.

Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque. Hyundai has recently updated the power steering software installed during production and dealers will update the power steering software free of charge.

Ongoing Recall, Rage RV5 and Others

People who want to stay fit and be healthy will often rely upon nutritional supplements in the forms of herbs and vitamins, based upon the representations, advertisements, labeling and marketing of the manufacturers and distributors of these products. Often times, there has been no scientific study on the effects of these drugs and the ingredients can cause serious injuries and conditions that are extremely adverse to your health, claims Alan Ripka, Esquire.

In November 2009, the FDA recalled sixty-two dietary supplements sold on Bodybuilding.com, including Rage RV5, after an investigation discovered that the supplements contained steroids or steroid-like substances that are not approved by the FDA. This recall is ongoing to present day. The FDA believes that the ingredients contained in these supplements, including Superdrol, Madol, Tren, Androstenedione, and/or Turinabol, are steroids or are steroid-like.

Although Bodybuilding.com has not yet received adverse reports from the recalled drugs, drugs that contain steroids may have the following side effects: acute liver damage; shrinkage of the testes; male infertility; masculinization of women; breast enlargement in males; short stature in children; a higher predilection to misuse other drugs and alcohol; adverse effects on blood lipid levels; an increased risk of heart attack; an increased risk of stroke; and death.

If you, a friend, or a loved one has suffered adverse effects after taking a product sold on Bodybuilding.com that you suspect may contain a hidden steroid, you may be entitled to compensation. Alan Ripka can evaluate your situation and determine the next steps to gain justice for you and your family. Alan Ripka has fought against large companies in other matters and will fight for you if he believes you have a potential case for medical malpractice, products liability, personal injury, and is prepared to go to court and have a trial if necessary. Please fill out the form and submit or call and ask for Alan Ripka, one of our partners.

Common Osteoporosis Drugs Could Double Esophageal Cancer Risk

A new study released Thursday has found that people who take a class of osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates such as Actonel (Risedronate), Boniva (Ibandronate) and Fosamax (alendronate) for more than five years may have double the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus.

The study entitled “Oral bisphosphonates and risk of cancer of oesophagus, stomach, and colorectum: case-control analysis within a UK primary care cohort”is published in the September 2, 2010 issue of the British Medical Journal.

Because adverse gastrointestinal effects such as indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, erosion of the esophagus and esophageal ulcers are common with oral bisphosphonates prescribed for osteoporosis, researchers performed this study to determine if there were also increased incidences of cancers of the esophagus, stomach and colorectum.

In the study, researchers used the UK General Practice Research Database to review medical data on 2954 patients with esophageal cancer, 2018 with stomach cancer and more than 10,641 with colorectal cancer.

Researchers found the risk of esophageal cancer nearly doubled with 10 or more prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates and with prescriptions over about a five-year period. They found no evidence of an increased risk of cancers of the stomach and colorectum.

“Even if oral bisphosphonates increase esophageal cancer, the incidence in the population would be expected to remain relatively low,” Diane Wysowski, of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Division of Division of Epidemiology, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology said in a study editorial.

The FDA has collected 68 reports of esophageal cancer in patients taking bisphosphonates, half from the U.S. and the rest from Europe and Japan. Wysowski wrote of the esophageal cancer cases in a letter to the editor in the January 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

“Nevertheless, the possibility of adverse effects on the esophagus should prompt doctors who prescribe these drugs to consider risks versus benefits, to ask patients about digestive disorders before prescribing, and to reinforce directions on the basis of the individual product with each prescription (take on rising for the day with a full glass of plain water at least 30 minutes or one hour before the first food, beverage, or medication, and do not recline for at least 30 minutes or one hour and not until after the first food of the day) with each prescription,” Wysowski said. “In addition, doctors should tell patients to report difficulty in swallowing and throat, chest, or digestive discomfort so that they can be promptly evaluated and possibly advised to discontinue the drug.”

What we lack at present is a full picture of the benefits versus risks for long-term use of bisphosphonates, which are increasingly commonly prescribed," lead researcher Dr. Jane Green, a clinical epidemiologist of Oxford University’s Cancer Epidemiology Unit, told HealthDay. "Our results are a small part of this picture."

Packages under Hospital Lobby Desk may have Exposed Staff and Patients to Radiation

Two packages that sat under the concierge desk in the lobby of Washington’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center for two days may have exposed people in the area to radiation, reports The Washington Post.

On May 1 of this year, two packages addressed to the hospital administrative officer and carrying radioactive materials for treatment and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer arrived at the concierge desk in the hospital lobby. Staff placed the packages under the desk and that is where they remained for 44 hours while giving off radiation. The administrative officer realized there was no delivery of the packages and looked for them, failing to locate them. The next day staff again looked for the packages, finding them under the concierge desk.

Officials at Walter Reed found that the packages emitted radiation levels at the concierge desk of 2 millirems an hour, which exceeds allowable limits.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is investigating the mishandling of the radioactive material and has scheduled a hearing for September 1.

“There were two apparent violations that involved a failure to control access to radioactive materials and a failure to conduct operations so that any dose of radiation in an unrestricted area wouldn’t exceed the limits in our regulations," NRC spokeswoman Diane Screnci told NBC Washington.

Officials said the amount of radiation was low and posed no risk to the public. According to the NRC, Americans receive a radiation dose of about 620 millirem each year. In comparison, a pelvic x-ray exposes a patient to70 millirem.

While the amount of radiation emitted may have been small, the issue here is safe handling practices of radioactive materials at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The Washington Post article reported that a similar lapse occurred last year.

A hospital spokesperson told the Associated Press that the facility has, “Reinforced its nuclear medicine safety program and retrained staff on the proper handling of radioactive material.”

NHSTA Investigating Potential Gas Tank Fire Hazard Affecting 3 Million Jeep Grand Cherokees

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a potential design defect of the gas tank in about three million Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles that could pose a fire danger in case of a collision.

In October 2009, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the NHTSA to open a defect investigation and recall model year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees, alleging that the vehicle’s defective fuel tank storage systems present a fire hazard in crashes. In these models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the fuel tank is made of plastic and positioned behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper. CAS alleges that this design inadequately shields the gas tank from rupture or leakage from a rear-impact by another vehicle or from other external objects in the event of a crash.

CAS searched NHTSA’s data from the agency’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) files and found that between 1992 and 2008, there were 172 fatal fire crashes with 254 fatalities involving these Jeep Grand Cherokee models. FARS showed 44 crashes and 64 fatalities where the most harmful event of the accident was the fire.

In comparison, NHTSA reported only 38 fire crashes resulting in 26 fire deaths for the infamous Ford Pinto when it issued its initial defect report in May 1978.

“The design is so bad that Chrysler frequently settles lawsuits without extensive discovery and subject to confidentiality agreements,” CAS wrote in the petition to the NHTSA.

CAS wrote that due to confidential settlements, the details of most lawsuits are not available. However, the petition did illustrate several crashes where people died, not from the impact of the crash, but from the fire resulting from the compromised gas tank.

There is no recall issued for these Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles at this time, however if NHTSA investigators find that the gas tank design is defective, it may necessitate a recall.
"This is a terrible design," Clarence Ditlow, head of the Center for Auto Safety, told the Associated Press. Ditlow told the news source he planned to ask Chrysler to issue a voluntary recall of the Grand Cherokee.

The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a consumer advocacy group founded by the Consumers Union and Ralph Nader in 1970. The mission of CAS is to provide consumers with a voice for auto safety and quality in Washington. They list various accomplishments including: Lemon Laws in every state, recall of the Ford Pinto for exploding gas tanks, recall of the Firestone 500 tire for tread separation, exposing hazards of sidesaddle gas tanks on GM pickups as well as effecting government safety and highway standards and laws.

“While we design our vehicles to protect the greatest number of motorists in the greatest number of accidents, unfortunately accidents do occur, can be dangerous and, sadly, can sometimes cause injuries and even deaths,” The New York Times reports Chrysler spokesperson Mike Palese said in a statement. “Statistically, rear impacts that result in serious injury are rare occurrences. Chrysler Group is confident that a proper study which considered all factors in all collisions, including rear collisions with fire, would show that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees perform as well as or better than other vehicles in their class.”

When Chrysler reorganized under Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, the automaker asked the judge to give the company immunity from product liability lawsuits from vehicles sold before the bankruptcy. The judge agreed, however consumer advocacy groups spoke out and Chrysler reversed its position and agreed to be liable for future product liability claims.