Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Volvo is recalling certain vehicles sold in the US;because the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange when exposed to certain climate conditions, particularly hot climates, over time and in combination with varying fuel quality.

Owners of these models may notice fuel smell and/or a fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

If one has a model number affected by the recall, a dealer will inspect the fuel pump installed and replace it with a part of a modified design - free of charge - starting in January 2010. Owners may call Volvo at 866-637-3774. 

Vehicles affected:
Vehicle Make / Model / Model Year(s):

VOLVO / S60 2001-2004
VOLVO / S80 2002-2005
VOLVO / V70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC90 2003-2005

FDA Investigates Radiation Overdose at Hospitals

More than 300 patients may have received an overdose of radiation from a special type of CT scan used to image the brain.

The Food and Drug Administration says the radiation overdoses occurred at three hospitals in Los Angeles and one hospital in Huntsville, Ala. FDA says there could be many more cases at hospitals nationwide as the investigation unfolds.

The scan in question is called a "perfusion CT." After an injection, a brain scan is taken to examine blood vessels. Perfusion CT is typically done to diagnose a stroke or aneurysm.

Patients at the four hospitals who received excess radiation, were exposed to the equivalent of several thousand X-rays instead of the three-eight times the expected radiation dose.

The FDA has sent alerts to hospitals and health care facilities nationwide that perform these specialized CT scans, asking them to double-check the machines in order to assure that they are configured correctly.

They Knew and Failed to..New Report Details Corporations that Skirt Responsibility and Shun Consumer Safety to Save Money

Every day there is another recall or warning of a product that turned out to have design flaws or unexpected problems, for example: a drug with a unanticipated side effect, a toy with a sharp piece that can injure a child, etc. These recalls and warnings are so frequent that consumers are no longer surprised.

However, what would surprise consumers is the fact that sometimes those who are responsible for these dangers know about the problem and do nothing about it. It may be hard to believe that anybody would cover up a products danger and then market that product to the very people it is likely to kill or injure – but that is what happens time and time again.

Last month, at the U.S. Chambers Institute for Legal Reform annual summit – an event dedicated to championing corporate misconduct and evading accountability – a report was released detailing true stories of corporations that knew their products were dangerous, yet failed to protect consumers.

“They Knew and Failed To” details numerous examples of medical devices, prescription drugs, and other consumer products that remained on the market after critical safety concerns had been raised within the company, while using all means necessary to avoid being held accountable for their misconduct.

In one example, police officer Tony Zeppetella of Oceanside, Calif. had paid $313 to “upgrade” his standard bullet proof vest. The Ultima body armor Zeppetella had purchased was widely used by law enforcement, military personnel, and even worn by the President and Mrs. Bush.

Unfortunately, Zeppetella was shot and killed on a routine traffic stop in June 2003, when a bullet penetrated his vest.

Second Chance, the manufacturer, had known as early as 1998 that heat and sunlight caused the material to degrade, making the vests penetrable. Internal corporate memos from 2001 revealed an executive at the company had recommended notifying customers about the products’ defect, saying, “Lives and our credibility are at stake.” It was not until September 2003 that the company eventually recalled 130,000 vests, three months after Zeppetella was shot.

The company had known for FIVE years there were problems with their vests, but failed to notify consumers, putting law enforcement and service members’ lives at risk.

“While most businesses act in good faith to serve their customers and communities, unfortunately some corporations recklessly put lives at risk for the sake of profit,” said American Association for Justice President Anthony Tarricone. “While front groups like the Chamber stage events practically celebrating corporate misconduct, this new report convincingly illustrates the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable.”

To read the full report, click here. For more information, please call 877-MESSALAW.