December 26, 2008

South Florida Day Care Centers Lacking Safety Measures According to Investigative Study

magnifying%20glass.jpg

CBS Television 4 based in Miami, Florida conducted an investigation into safety standards and deficiencies into day care centers in South Florida. The investigation led by reporter - Stephen Stock involved the review of over 7000 paper inspection reports of day care centers. With this information, an interactive map was created by geographic region showing the day care center and reports of deficiencies. I commend the I Team at CBS 4 for publishing this important information that can be very valuable to parents researching day care centers for their children. You can read more about this investigation and access the link for the map at Safety Standards Lacking at Many South Florida Day Care Centers.

Unfortunately, parents typically have no notice as to a problem or deficiency at a day care center until their Florida child is seriously injured by the negligence, carelessness, or lack of supervision at the day care center. Owners and day care personnel have a duty to supervision and protect small children at Florida day care centers from every day dangers whether they are present in the classroom, playground, or any other part of the day care facility.

November 30, 2008

Lawmakers and Child Safety Advocates Seek to Enforce Ban on Dangerous Chemicals Including Phthalates

654588_plastic_duck.jpg

Lawmakers and child safety advocates are seeking to enforce legislation enacted to protect children from the harmful effects of chemicals in toys and other products. Hormone-like chemicals known as phthalates can cause harm especially to children under the age of 12.

Products known to have phthalates have included shower curtains, raincoats, bathtub ducks, and other items. Baby boys born to mothers which a high exposure to phthalate have had genital problems including small penises and undescended testicles. Florida babies and children are at risk for health problems and serious personal injuries from phthalates and other dangerous chemicals / hormones found in toys and other common household products.

With new laws passed, the average consumer would think that the toys and products with phthalates would be immediately removed from the market place. However, there are concerns by various law makers that the manufacturer and distribution date may allow many products to be grandfathered in. You can read more about the laws and concerns of lawmakers regarding products with phthalates at Lawmakers Target Dangerous Toys and Products with Phthalates and Other Harmful Chemicals / Hormones.

November 7, 2008

Germs Are Everywhere - Door Knob, TV Remotes, and Toys

714327_door_knob.jpg

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted various studies to determine what surfaces were contaminated with germs. The study found that common household items like door knobs and remote controls can be place for germs to linger for two days or longer. The transmittal of germs to objects like these often times spread viruses and germs throughout a household. The study also examined the surfaces of toys in five pediatricians offices in Fairfax, Virginia. The study revealed that seventeen to thirty percent of the toys study were contaminated with germs. These findings show the prevalence of germs and the problems in preventing the spread of viruses and the flu in settings like the home, dorm rooms, pediatrician offices, and college dorm. You can read more about the studies at Household Items and Germs.

January 9, 2008

Injuries to Unattended Children in Automobiles: A Government Study

Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle can lead to death and serious injury. An Oklahoma study provided interesting information on this topic. Read the Report to Oklahoma Injury Surveillance Participants. If you have any questions about a child injury matter whether involving a vehicle otherwise, please contact me.