Federal regulators warned 13 e-cigarette liquid makers and sellers Tuesday that they need to change packaging after children accidentally drank liquid nicotine. 
Several of the online retailers were cited for illegally selling the products to minors. The e-cigarettes had labeling or advertising that looked like kid-friendly food products, such as juice boxes, candy or cookies, and some included cartoon images.

There were more than 8,200 e-cigarette and liquid nicotine exposures among children younger than 6 from January 2012 to April 2017, according to an analysis of National Poison Data System data.

For children, exposure to the nicotine in e-liquid products, even in small amounts, could lead to death from cardiac arrest, as well as seizure, coma and respiratory failure. 

“No child should be using any tobacco product, and no tobacco products should be marketed in a way that endangers kids — especially by using imagery that misleads them into thinking the products are things they’d eat or drink," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, a physician. "Looking at these side-to-side comparisons is alarming."

Products targeted include the One Mad Hit Juice Box, which resembles children’s apple juice boxes; Vape Heads Sour Smurf Sauce, which resembles War Heads candy; V'Nilla Cookies & Milk, which resembles Nilla Wafer and Golden Oreo cookies; Whip’d Strawberry, which looks like Reddi-wip dairy whipped topping; and Twirly Pop, which "not only resembles a Unicorn Pop lollipop but is shipped with one," the FDA said.  

A new study found toxic levels of metals, including lead, in e-cigarette vapors. USA TODAY

The federal action follows a crackdown on sales of the Juul brand to underage teens in 7-Eleven stores, Shell gas stations and vape retailers. The e-cigarette brand is popular among high-schoolers and has flavors such as fruit medley, cool mint and creme.

More than 2 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes and other "electronic nicotine delivery systems" (ENDS) in 2016.

 “Nicotine is highly toxic, and these letters make clear that marketing methods that put kids at risk of nicotine poisoning are unacceptable,” said acting FTC chairman Maureen Ohlhausen.

The FDA's Gottlieb said, "Companies selling these products have a responsibility to ensure they aren’t putting children in harm’s way or enticing youth use." He vowed to "continue to take action against those who sell tobacco products to youth and market products in this egregious fashion." 

The FDA said it might file injunctions or seize products if the companies don't take action to address regulators' concerns.

Federal investigators have identified the largest cluster of advanced black lung cases ever officially recorded. Over 400 coal miners frequenting three clinics in southwestern Virginia between 2013 and 2017 were found to have complicated black lung disease, an extreme form characterized by dense masses of scar tissue in the lungs. This cluster adds to the mounting pile of evidence that a new black lung epidemic is emerging. One of the most troubling facts that David J. Blackley, an epidemiologist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, has identified is that nearly a quarter of the miners with complicated black lung disease had been on the job fewer than 20 years. That is an alarming number of young miners who have the end-stage disease and the only choice is to get a lung transplant or die.

Scientists have linked this new wave of lung disease to miners breathing in more silica dust. Silica dust from pulverized rock can damage lungs faster than coal dust alone, leading to more aggressive forms of black lung assumingly. The unknown downfall of modern machinery, insufficient health precautions for workers, and longer work hours may also contribute to increased dust exposure, experts are saying.

Black lung was thought to be on the decline between the early 1970s and late 1990s, following new health and safety rules put in place by the 1969 Coal Act. But by 2000, those numbers of workers with black lung were on the rise again. A more advanced form of black lung which was rarely seen in the mid-1990s is on the rise. This rise in black lung cases have been clear for some time but we are now just realizing that magnitude of this problem. Now comes the question of what to do about such alarming statistics. More training, as well as precautionary measures, need to be taken for these miners in order to ensure a safer work environment.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/22/climate/black-lung-resurgence.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth​

According to the American Lung Association, the use of electronic devices to inhale vaporized nicotine-containing liquids, also known as vaping, is a serious public health concern. In 2015, a team of researchers at Harvard discovered while examining the contents of refill liquids, sometimes called e-juice or e-liquid, that 75 percent of the flavored refills they tested contained a chemical called diacetyl, an artificial flavor with a buttery taste. In 2000, this chemical made the news as the probable cause of a rare lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung. It’s associated with chronic rejection of lung and bone marrow transplants, viral infection, and connective tissue diseases. There are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease, but the damage is irreversible. There is not enough evidence to suggest you can get popcorn lung from vaping but on the same token, you can’t rule it out with absolute certainty.


http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/07/20/popcorn-lung-are-people-who-vape-at-risk.html

To learn more about Tom Burcham Attorney At Law or read past blogs, visit our website http://www.tomburcham.com. Should you like to speak with Tom Directly call 573-756-5014 or email [email protected].  All consultations are free and confidential.

Prior planning can make annoyances such as crowded airport parking, full planes, and long lines a lot smoother. A great tip that most people don’t realize is that if you choose to travel the day of Thanksgiving, you will avoid most of these issues right off the bat. Another bonus is that it will save you a few bucks as well. Consider a shuttle or an Uber to and from the airport, which will negate one of the three biggest headaches you will face when flying around the Holidays. Everyone traveling this year is experiencing the same stress you are, so try and be courteous to your other travelers.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielreed/2017/11/20/flying-for-thanksgiving-your-attitude-can-make-it-a-more-enjoyable-less-stressful-experience/#20a2678a7ccf

 To learn more about Tom Burcham Attorney At Law or read past blogs, visit our website http://www.tomburcham.com. Should you like to speak with Tom Directly call 573-756-5014 or email [email protected].  All consultations are free and confidential. 

Summertime is coming to a close and you might as well make it a memorable one with these 25 things you must do before summer ends.  Whether it be going for a picnic or going somewhere new, we are creatures of habit which is something we all need to break every now and then. It can be something as simple as taking a nap in a hammock but take a little time for you before fall rolls in.  Read the full list here and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Custom Roasting, Inc. a small coffee roastery in Buffalo, Minn. got quite the jolt when MNOSHA slapped them with a $1,250 citation Tuesday.

The citation was issued after what the owner, Steven Olson, calls a questionable diacetyl inspection he claims OSHA blindsided him with in December. 

The inspection followed the CDC’s call for protections of coffee workers, popcorn and other food and beverage making businesses in October.

While the FDA deemed diacetyl safe to consume in trace amounts, inhaling it has proven deadly.

MNOSHA Compliance approved plans to inspect a pilot number of sites in 2016 listing those that produce coffee in bulk “most likely to be of concern.”

“The compliance focused on bulk producers, rather than local coffee shops. In comparison with popcorn, where diacetyl was most often associated with the artificial butter flavoring and any substitute products, it appears diacetyl is naturally released by the coffee beans,” wrote Shelly Techar, a MNOSHA Management Analyst, in a newsletter issued in July.

According to MNOSHA and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, diacetyl attacks and inflames the lung’s airways and can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans, a permanent and serious respiratory illness. Exposure can also cause eye and skin irritation and other respiratory illness.

“We’re not sure how he was supposed to know about this,” said Olson’s son Brandon, who serves as the warehouse manager.

The citation claims Olson’s roastery exceeds legal diacetyl levels and he did not “furnish each employee, conditions of employment, and a place of employment free from recognized hazards which caused or were likely to cause death or serious injury to employees.”

Olson has been a coffee roaster for nearly three decades. 

“I've been doing this for 28 years and I have no lung issues whatsoever,” the owner insisted.

Olson also says he only employs three people and on average he alone roasts coffee beans for two hours a day.

Olson’s citation lists his October 2016 diacetyl levels hold at 0.026 parts per million (ppm). Just barely over the short-term exposure limit which is 0.02ppm.
“It’s such a miniscule amount. We feel like we're being zeroed in on a little bit and it doesn't seem fair,” said Brandon.

The Olsons also call into question the novelty of diacetyl inspections and the amount of time spent conducting the tests in comparison to real-time, daily exposure.

“Our ventilation isn’t terrible, we have a large room, we have fans, things like that, we weren’t using them that day,” shared the son.

“If that work would’ve been done over a normal eight-hour day we go into the other room, we do some labeling, we do other things and we’re not consistently in the back warehouse roasting and grinding coffee,” the owner told Fox 9.

“From now on every employee here will have to wear a respirator,” Brandon told Fox 9 of a new requirement he considers a pricey nuisance. “The hassle of having to wear that while working here just seems a little nonsensical.”

The Olsons will file an appeal and worry the strict test could damage the family business.

OSHA declined Fox 9’s request for an on-camera interview Wednesday adding they do not comment on active investigations.

If the Olson’s request for a re-test is granted and diacetyl levels remain over the legal limit they say they are more than happy to comply and pay the citation.

By: Iris Perez
Source:  http://www.fox9.com/news/231802644-story

Missouri is that unassuming state tucked away in America's Midwest. On its western edge, Kansas City is famous for barbecue, hosting the annual American Royal Barbecue, the world's largest competitive barbecue event. It's also home to Kansas City jazz, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  On the Mississippi side, St. Louis boasts the Gateway Arch and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. It's home to the National Blues Museum and the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. Mark Twain and Brad Pitt both grew up in Springfield, which is also where visitors will find the Fantastic Caverns, the only cave in North America that offers a completely ride-through tour. The Ozark Mountains, Branson's Nickelodeon Kids Fest, and many other attractions are on hand to fill any summer holiday with fun.

Source:
http://vacationidea.com/missouri/best-things-to-do-in-missouri.html

A toxic tort is a type of personal injury lawsuit in which the plaintiff claims that exposure to a chemical caused the plaintiff's injury or disease.  Often these are some of the most difficult liability cases to resolve because the amount and duration of exposure are not clear.

One example is found in “spouse exposure,” where a worker brings home toxins from the workplace.  Their spouse does the laundry and is exposed as well. The question now is what is the amount of exposure?  This is where molecular biology and biomarkers are revolutionizing objective testing related to mesotheliomas and other cancers.

What is a biomarker and how will it help with toxic tort liability?

By Dr. Roshini Raj

As a jet-setting mom, gastroenterologist, and founder of probiotic skincare line TULA, Dr. Roshini Raj knows spring break comes with health risks.

In an effort to keep your break all about the sun and fun – without illness, injury, or fatigue killing your buzz – Dr. Raj gave Travel + Leisure her tips on how to stay healthy while enjoying your vacation.

Don't be a fool at the pool bar.
Nothing says vacation more than lounging on the beach with a fruity cocktail in your hand, but don’t be fooled by that innocent-looking tiny umbrella. While it is hard to taste the alcohol mixed in with all the fruit juice, those drinks can contain high alcohol content, not to mention tons of calories and sugar.

And day drinking in the hot sun when you are already prone to dehydration will make you more dehydrated and will cause you to get drunk more quickly. So be mindful of how many drinks you consume during the day and alternate each alcoholic drink with a tall glass of water. Also, sticking to spirits with a splash of lemon or lime and soda will help curb the calorie overload.

It’s cool to be shady.
Snow and sand both reflect the sun, so whether you are on the slopes or the beach, proper sun protection is a must. Not only does UV radiation cause skin cancer, but it also is the number one cause of aging skin – i.e. wrinkles and dark spots.

So in addition to using your SPF and regularly reapplying – especially after sweating or going in the water – you should use lightweight, sun-protective clothing and a hat whenever possible.

This is very important for children, whose skin is even more sensitive to the sun. Remember that UV exposure during childhood is a major factor in determining skin cancer risk down the road.

What happens in Vegas does not always stay in Vegas.
Single and ready to mingle? Vacation is about having fun, but not about taking unnecessary sexual risks. STDs know no borders – so pack and use condoms if there is the possibility of a sexual encounter. But also make wise choices: Be wary of being alone with a stranger, and make sure that your friends know where you are at all times. Drink judiciously so that your judgment remains intact and you do not put yourself in dangerous situations.

Step away from the buffet.
Having fun on vacation does not mean you need to gorge yourself at every meal. Having healthy snacks on hand for the airport as well as the trip itself – like nuts, fruit, and baby carrots – will keep you satiated and less likely to overdo it during mealtime.

Buying food and preparing one or two meals a day in your hotel or vacation home will not only save you money but will also ensure that you are eating healthier. Of course you should enjoy the local foods and not deprive yourself too much, but don’t go overboard just because the food is plentiful.

Chill out.
Taking a vacation is important for our mental and physical health because it allows us time away from the daily stresses of work and home life and an opportunity to recharge. Make sure you incorporate downtime into the vacation schedule so you can literally do nothing but relax.

This is very important for children also, who tend to be over-scheduled these days. Prioritize sleep as well – you will get more out of your vacation if you are well rested, and you will feel truly rejuvenated when you get back to real life.

If you or a loved has been the victim of medical negligence or personal industrial injury contact Tom Burcham today. We will hold those that are negligent accountable. Call:   or email [email protected]
We are ready to fight for your rights.

Medical Malpractice lawsuits are a check and balance on the medical system. Statistics show and we would estimate that medical errors cause more than a quarter million deaths in this country annually (that doesn't include millions of other medical errors that go unreported or are not large enough to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit for). Without lawsuits, we're lucky if doctors get fined $10,000.00 and get a 'slap on the wrist" for operating on the wrong part of the body.

Now Congress is trying to reduce this one main check and balance on the medical profession by reducing the amount that victim's families (and victims themselves) can get in a medical malpractice case. If this passes, it will result in more medical malpractice occurring. You can help stop this by writing to your Congressmen. And please share this with anyone and everyone you know. Here's where you can contact them.

Please do it now:
http://www.takejusticeback.com/ProtectPatients

Read more from US News with this link.
https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-05-03/medical-errors-are-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-us

This information is shared with you by Tom Burcham Attorney at Law.  If you or a loved has been the victim of medical negligence contact Tom Burcham today. We will hold those that are negligent accountable.

This article is brought to you by Tom Burcham.
The article is written by: Steve Sternberg, as seen on usnews.com
https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-05-03/medical-errors-are-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-us