Florida Child Injury Law Blog

Posts Tagged ‘infants’

A USA Today Greenhouse report states that a dozen states are moving forward in considering restrictions this year on bisphenol A, an estrogen-like chemical implemented to solidify plastics in products such as bottles and cups, and widely used in  baby bottles.  The chemical is also present in the linings of metal cans, including infant formula, in order to hold up to high sterilization temperatures.

 According to WebMD, millions of tons of BPA are made annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 90% of Americans have measurable levels of BPA in their bodies.  Children have higher concentration levels of the chemical than adolescents or adults. 

 Last month, the FDA which in years past had deemed BPA safe, expressed “some concerns” due to new studies regarding the chemical’s potential side effects on the brain development of fetuses, infants and children. 

 The Greenhouse report states that Connecticut and Minnesota passed the first state mandate on BPA in food and drink containers intended for those 3 and younger.  Bills are now pending in Oregon, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington, D.C. 

Here are a few things to know about BPA, as summarized from an advisory by the Department of Health and Human Services:

    •    Plastic containers have triangular recycling codes on the bottom. Some   numbered 3 and 7 may contain BPA. Those numbered 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 very likely do not.
    •    Do not put warm or hot liquids into BPA containers.
    •    Do not use them if scratched.
    •    Most baby bottles are BPA-free because of voluntary changes by major manufacturers. Pacifiers and toys use materials without BPA.

The Dodson Law Firm is dedicated to providing  consumers the latest information and news related to child safety issues and injury protection. For additional  resources please visit our Florida Child Injury Lawyer website @http://www.jwdodsonlaw.com/practice_areas/child-injuries1.cfm

A recent article in our local paper about a 9 month old baby almost drowning in a pool while being watched by grandparents is a stark reminder of our need to be vigilant when having children around swimming pools.

Even though both grandparents said they had a eye on the baby, a brief period of distraction has the potential to lead to a heartbreaking consequence .

Child and Infant Pool safety information is important for every parent. From KidsHealth.org, the Dodson Law Firm  provides a list of pool safety reminders for adults and kids.

• Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if an adult is not  around.
• Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn’t a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
• Always obey pool rules.
• Swim with a buddy.
• If you’re learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved.
• Walk slowly in the pool area. Don’t run.
• Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you’re just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
• Don’t push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
• Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can’t do is save a life. They’re toys that can lose air or float away.
• Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.

Be safe around pools and other swimming sources. With Spring around the corner, these rules are important to pool safety for children and infants.