I've got a vacationful of stucco wall-inflicted bruises and unsupervised children to freak out over this weekend. But in case that's not enough, here are a few headlines from the worlds of scary science and safety:
- Blow out the candles and make a wish! I wish candles didn't cause cancer. [bbc]
- Every fish in the US sampled by the US Geological Survey between 1998-2005 had mercury in it. [ap/federal news radio via theawl]
- Should we be freaking out that half of all the preschoolers in a WU study showed signs of clinical depression or anxiety disorder? [eurekalert]
The CPSC's website is down, so no recalls today. Everything must be fine! Except the fish and the candles.
Whoops, it's back, and my friend's book is recalled!
- 15,000 eebee's "Have a Ball" cloth activity books sold since June 2008. When the ball attached by a string goes into the cloth basket, it can pose a strangulation hazard. Theoretically, at least. No injuries reported. Our kids love their eebee's videos, by the way; like Wide World of Sports for babies. [cpsc.gov]
- If there's anything more confusing than the FDA's recall notices, it's the NHTSA's. Last month, Dorel issued a recall for some Maxi-Cosi Mico car seats and bases made between 2007 and 2008. Check the model/lot numbers and get a new base, pronto. [nhtsa.gov]
When we made candles for our wedding some years ago, we learned wicks are stiffened (hoo yah!) with a thin wire that as the candle burns. While craft-shop shopping for supplies, we had a choice between lead and non-lead versions. I'm completely certain no kid's birthday candles today are emitting lead fumes at all.
They did test for lead, right?
Vaporizes. Vaporizes as the candle burns.
I long for the days when we lived in blissful ignorance and ate fish raw by candle light...sigh.