“When you look directly at the sun, the intensity of the light and the focus of the light is so great on the retina that it can cook it,” warns President of the American Optometric Association.
Growing up, we’ve always been told not to look directly at the sun. Parents and teachers warn that its burning light could literally blind you. Looking at the sun can cause burns, and blister and crack the cells in your cornea. The consequences of looking directly at a solar eclipse can be far worse, and experts recommend that you must always use appropriate eyewear with special filters to protect your eyes.
But what if the eye protection doesn’t work?
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Regulators are investigating Ford Explorer SUVs that may be leaking harmful carbon monoxide from their exhaust systems.
The popular and reputable models are commonly used by U.S police forces, and earlier this year between March and July, six police officers were reportedly taken to hospital to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Five officers required treatment but were not kept overnight, and the first police officer who was admitted for carbon monoxide poisoning in March was reportedly placed on medical leave for around a month.
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Manufacturer of car seats and strollers, Britax, are reportedly recalling a number of their infant car seats as the chest clip between the safety straps may be a choking hazard.
Affected models of infant car seats include the B-Safe 25, BOB B-Safe 35; and the 35 Elite.
It’s thought that the recall is limited to models manufactured between 1st November 2015 and 31st May 2017, and it’s thought to be a pre-emptive one as no injuries have been reported so far.
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Honda has issued a voluntary recall for 24,000 cars over concerns that its fuel supply pipes may not be connected properly, or may come apart, and may therefore leak fuel; and pose a risk of fire.
The two models involved in the recall are:
If the pipes disconnect, flow of fuel could be disrupted, leading to the engine stalling and therefore increasing the risk of an accident. On top of that, as with any fuel leak, there is a risk of fire as well.
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Medical device maker Medtronic have been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately. Priding itself as the “global leader in medical technology, services, and solutions”, Medtronic have been at the centre of a fair few recalls for defects and risks that have arisen from the use of their products.
In the latest issues, scrutiny has come from issues with their products and an alleged lack of warning for equipment incompatibility.
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The drug Duloxetine, more commonly known as its brand name Cymbalta, is generally used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. It’s an active ‘serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor’, providing pain relief for patients with diabetes or sufferers from chronic or widespread pain.
The drug is commonly prescribed to people with arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, select batches of the Torrent Dutor Gastro-resistant Capsules have been recalled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) because “out of specification results for dissolution were obtained during routine stability testing”.
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Regulators have reportedly issued a recall for a number of medical ventilators manufactured by Medtronic.
The company’s New Port HY70 and HT70 Plus ventilators are being recalled amidst concerns that the devices may suddenly shutdown or reset. There have so far been 12 reported cases whereby a reset was suddenly initiated without warning. Thankfully, no patients have yet suffered an injury!
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Fire risks in vehicles appear to be a growing phenomenon. Several manufacturers have voluntarily recalled vehicles for fire risks recently, and it’s not a thing to be dismissed lightly.
Imagine a vehicle cruising at 70mph on the motorway when it suddenly sets on fire. It’s a clear recipe for disaster and could endanger many lives, including your own.
In recent news, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all recalled vehicles for reported risks of fire…
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A Watford-based pharmaceutical company has issued a voluntary recall for batches of Diclo-SR 75 pain relief tablets – AKA diclofenac sodium.
The tablets are commonly used for pain relief and swelling for arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, gout and pain caused by injury or minor surgery. The tablets are classified in a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Regulators have issued a top-level recall over Zimmer Biomet SpF spinal fusion stimulators amidst concerns that the medical devices contain chemicals that can seriously harm patients, and even be fatal.
This is a serious recall given there is a reasonable probability that using a certain defective product can serious injure or kill the patient. It’s reported that 33 affected units were manufactured and distributed.
The affected stimulators are the SpF-XL IIB (22 units) and the SpF- Plus (11 units)
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A medical drug manufacturer has initiated a voluntary recall on 3rd July 2017 after concerns their Nifedipine tablets have become contaminated with other medication ingredients.
The company, based in Iceland, makes the hypertension drug under the brand name Adalat, which is supplied to Bayer HeathCare. It’s used for channel blocking and as treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure).
The recall was initiated after a potential cross-contamination between the Nifedipine and another drug in the same facility.
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VW and Audi’s troubles extend beyond the ongoing emissions scandal as both makers have had to recall vehicles for some fairly high-risk problems.
An estimated 576,000 vehicles and SUVs are under a recall for two problems associated with the vehicles: one is for airbag defects, which can be obviously very dangerous for road users, and the second is for coolant pumps problems that may overheat and cause fires.
Both are potentially very dangerous.
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