People to People: Working Together for Your Safety: Recent Episodes
Stan Salot Jr.
We tell our children to wash their hands routinely, clean the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly (since they tend to harbor the most germs), and buy eco-friendly cleaners to protect our planet. But, despite our best efforts, hazardous and counterfeit materials are still slipping into our homes and environment. While you may know the basics of shopping for safe and environmentally friendly products, including the brands to look for, it is still easy to miss products that pose health risks. In fact, some hazardous materials, albeit small amounts, are allowed in the products we buy: musical birthday cards, earrings, light bulbs, hair bands and brushes, school supplies, and even electronic and non-electronic toys. Do you know that chemicals in common household products can be everywhere, from plastics to packaging to your garden hose?
Changing product demand, increasing competition, fewer resources and consumer demand for transparency and safety are sending clear signals about continued changes in every company’s manufacturing processes. New business models and stringent regulations are becoming the norm, so streamlining operations, while maintaining quality is becoming non-negotiable for any reputable institution. Not an easy task, but certainly one that is being demanded today. This week Stan Salot and his guest, Indra Desai, will discuss how manufacturing process management helps eliminate toxic products and therefore support industry to safeguard consumer choices.
We hear about toxic toys and fake Gucci bags frequently, usually when their blatant occurrence or discovery makes the news. Sometimes people lose “only” money and respect for the retailer, other times they risk losing a lot more. Recognizing the risk of toxic and counterfeit products to their customers, some retailers such as Target just established supplier requirements. However, 90% of major retailers do not have rules about toxins and counterfeits and continue to choose to carry millions of products with potentially life- threatening components. Why is this our reality today? How can we change it? Join us for a casual conversation with Stan Salot and Julia Kocs, executives of the HSF Mark Program as they discuss the concerns fueling their passion and their hope for a US economy free of hazardous substances.
There are over 140 million products manufactured worldwide- and many of them will be on sale for this approaching holiday season. This is the season to share- and buy: more new products enter our households, from toys to couches to electronics than any other time of the year. It is nearly impossible to know the ingredients in these products or whether they contain counterfeit parts. Join us on learning how to avoid the probability of the paying tenfold for deeply discounted items! This show includes a special interview with successful industry entrepreneur Don Baker, founder of a professional electronics supply chain services company. You will also hear from our host, Stan Salot, veteran expert and co-author of the handbook on hazardous substance process management.
The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board plays an important role in ensuring the safety and quality of goods and services and in protecting the environment in the US. The Board accredits testing and calibration labs, inspection and certification bodies, reference material producers, and proficiency test providers. You wouldn't want to be treated by a doctor who isn't board certified in her specialty, or send your child to a college that isn't accredited, would you? Like those accrediting bodies, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board conducts audits to make sure industry follow international standards and are competent to do their work. This week Stan Salot and his guest, Randy A. Dougherty, Vice President, ANAB for the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, will discuss ways accreditation and certification bodies can support industry to safeguard consumer choices.
Air, next to water and soil, is a third critical resource for humans, plants, animals and all other organisms within a natural area. Air must be monitored in order to control and lower pollution levels, control smoke caused by wild land fires, and to monitor air quality. The USDA Forest Service monitors the effects of air pollution that may impair visibility, harm human health, injure trees and other plants, acidify or cause unnatural fertilization of streams and lakes, leach nutrients from soils, and degrade cultural resources, like archeological sites and historical buildings. Forest activities that can affect air quality such as prescribed burning, ski areas, and mining are also monitored to ensure compliance with air regulations for human health and to monitor possible impacts to natural resources. This week Stan Salot and his guest, Linda Geiser, ecologist with the USDA, will discuss our collective environmental responsibility to our planet.
Counterfeiting is a complex, dynamic and global problem that negatively impacts brands in every industry and often threatens the health and safety of consumers around the world. Diversion of products into unauthorized sales channels and distribution of “gray market” goods cause significant losses for many companies. While there is no ‘cookie cutter’ solution to address the brand protection challenges that a company may face, companies seeking to better protect their brands should consider the following best practices in the development of an anti-counterfeiting and brand protection strategy tailored to meet their specific needs. Join our host Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Justin E. Pierce to hear about ways you can protect your brand in the marketplace.
As of Friday, October 23, four people have been found dead due in San Francisco alone, to overdosing on what are believed to be counterfeit Xanax pills containing a strong opioid called fentanyl. According the FDA, counterfeit medicine is fake medicine. It may be contaminated or contain the wrong or no active ingredient. Join our host, Stan Salot Jr. for a discussion on why counterfeit drugs are illegal, ways they pose threats to our health and for our communities at large, and how to stay away from these potentially lethal substances.
Do you know the difference between misleading or deceptive marketing strategies? Some companies put trademarks on their own products or services that are close in appearance or meaning to those of the original manufacturer. These companies use these “logos” in ways that confuses or misleads the purchaser into thinking that the goods come from or are associated with and authorized by the original source. The harm goes beyond loss of business: confused customers buy the infringer’s goods rather than the original goods. It can also adversely affect the brand value and customer loyalty of the original source and can stop it from gaining market share. Due to these practices, we, unsuspecting consumers, can become supporters of counterfeiting and trafficking. This week, our host, Stan Salot and his guest Prof. Jacob Jacoby, to hear about the ramifications of deceptive marking and their commitment to educate and protect the public from the damages of these practices.
Did you know that the federal Environmental Protection Agency encourages efforts to reduce packaging and household waste, but through low-key exhortation rather than regulations. The United States, unlike Britain for example, imposes no special federal tax on landfills, and weaker regulation makes it easier to expand them. These practices, often differ in emerging countries, coupled with ways industry counts on consumers buying products without much scrutiny can lead to our willingness to participate in an epidemic that continues to alarm consumer advocates and environmentalist. This week, our host, Stan Salot will answer questions from our loyal audience, focusing on daily risks we face in today’s fast paced, materialistic society. He will also share about his activism with industry leaders globally, including his upcoming keynote address in Australia, and his commitment to raise awareness around the globe about the issues that are cheating our wallets and affecting our health.
What has changed since the last general update on Toxic Substances and Counterfeiting? Living with risk is a reality that we are faced with each and every day. From the time we are conceived until the day we die we are faced with the danger of coming in contact with Toxic Substances and Chemicals in their natural form or from something that was manmade. Over time we learn about dangerous substances that we have created and eventually we take steps to mitigate their effects. Some identify this as our road to prosperity while others consider this a slippery slope to hell. On today’s show Stan and Todd Kramer will explore Toxic and Counterfeit News articles found on the internet. I invite you to be part of the show today by sharing your thoughts or asking questions.
On June 23 2014, Homeland Security Investigations just finished an investigation to conclude that the department seized $37 million worth of counterfeit of National Football League-related products amid Super Bowl XLVIII this year. The very same day, a Maine company has pleaded guilty to manufacturing and trafficking of counterfeited apparel bearing the trademarks of the New York Yankees, Harley Davidson, John Deere, Jack Daniels, Orange County Choppers, and Playboy. Employees designed counterfeit trademarks, created screens from which the trademarks could be printed on apparel items, and printed the counterfeit trademarks on those items. This news update is one of many we see daily about products on our shelves that are not what they seem. Do we know the risks, and how can we protect ourselves? Join our host, Stan Salot Jr. and our Production Manager, Julia Kocs, as they discuss the issues of counterfeits and toxins from the perspective of the consumer.
Did you know that veterinarian offices are the busiest during the last three months of the year? As we are approaching the holiday season, our routines get disrupted, social calendars fill to the brink, and often as a result, we pay less attention to our pets. From food hazards to decorations, plants and costumes, our four legged friends could be exposed to hazards resulting in serious harm and injuries. We can avoid emergency visits to veterinarians if we are aware of the potential triggers and dangers, and take steps to protect our companions. Join our conversation with our special guest Dr. Ashley Geoghegan, DVM, to learn about pet safety during the holidays; as with awareness and planning, we can keep our celebrations special for everyone in our families.
According to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, 29.1 million have diabetes in the United States, a disease that can affect many parts of the body and is associated with serious complications, such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputation. Diabetes can be treated and managed by healthful eating, regular physical activity, and medications to lower blood glucose levels. Still, every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, someone loses a lower limb as a result of diabetes. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Shaun Carpenter, a board certified emergency physician and two times cancer survivor, to talk about his medical participation in response to Hurricane Katrina, including his commitment to saving people’s limbs from amputation.
The Department of Defense published a proposed rule on May 16, 2013, entitled “Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts”. The rule addressed contractor responsibilities for detecting and avoiding the use or inclusion of counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit electronic parts, the use of trusted suppliers, and requirements for contractors to report these parts. Following the publication, private-sector firms, industry associations, and government agencies made recommendations and these were carefully considered in preparing the final rule. The much anticipated final rule amending the DFARS was issued last week and became effective on May 6th, 2014. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Robert S. Metzger of Rogers Joseph O'Donnell, P.C., as they discuss the implications of this rule to the industry and those committed to counterfeit mitigation.
This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Chris Yau, Vice Chairman of the IECQ CABC, to discuss ways the industry is engaged in Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) in order to address our common safety. IECQ HSPM provides the requirements used to demonstrate to the international market place that the organization has developed, documented, and implemented processes for managing the production, selection and use of electronic components, assemblies, processes and related materials in accordance with customer, local, national and international HSF requirements (like Sony SS 00259, Directive 2002/95/EC, Directive 2002/96/EC and other local environmental regulations) for their scope of activity.
Buying a new large appliance for your home or office can be a daunting task. For refrigerators alone, today's shopper will find an ever-increasing range of color and style options, some designed to disappear into the decor, and a wide variety of new smart features, including ones aimed at transforming the kitchen itself into an entertainment hub. According to CNET, the choices available can make one wonder if the ol' fridge might be going through a bit of an identity crisis. But how about safety? Are manufacturers protecting our health while innovating their design? This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, JoAnn Emmel to discuss consumer choices when purchasing electronics and ways the industry can be engaged in addressing our common safety.
Did you know that many products sold by the millions in the pet supply and grocery stores can cause serious health consequences to pets and humans? Even some items specifically designed for family fun, such as holiday lights and toys, can cause health problems for our pets. Join us today for a special conversation with Dr. Ashley Geoghegan, DVM, to learn about ways to keep our pets healthy and safe, including tools and tips on prevention and treatment that embraces holistic and integrative medicine.
A recent study by the Environmental Working group, in conjunction with the Red Cross, conducted blood tests on the umbilical cord of babies. There was an average of 287 chemicals tested for in every specimen. These chemicals included toxic heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, herbicides and industrial chemicals. Approximately 180 of these substances are cancer-causing, 217 are toxic to the brain in nervous system, and 208 are known to cause birth defects. Worried? So are we… In order to address this pressing concern, we are starting a series to explore the effects of toxins on our collective wellbeing. Join us for an exceptional conversation with Dr. Shaun Carpenter, a board certified emergency physician and two times cancer survivor, as we launch this monthly series. Topics covered will include the relationship between toxins and disease, and ways we can minimize their negative impacts on our health.
According to FBI, Interpol, World Customs Organization and International Chamber of Commerce estimates, roughly 7-8% of world trade every year is in counterfeit goods. That is the equivalent of as much as $512 billion in global lost sales, many of them as a result of counterfeit goods coming into the U.S. undetected. Faced with the complex and growing phenomenon of counterfeiting, global action is necessary. In order to mitigate this costly and widespread problem, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched IPM Connected, a global network of track and trace and authentication communication tool that helps right holders to cooperate with customs administrations. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guests, Mr. David Chandler of WCO and Matthew R. Shindell from Goldberg Segalla, to discuss the innovative ways industry is helping us address our common safety.
Today we're talking about the growing levels of indoor air pollution due to the increasingly ubiquitous use of chemical air freshener sprays and oil diffusers. Signature scents are now even being pumped into sports stadiums and airplane cabins. Our regular listeners who are interested in computer technology may be concerned to learn that these substances gum up the works of computers and other electronic devices. It's difficult to know which products to avoid for our own health, because they can contain dozens of unidentified, untested fragrance chemicals that don't have to be revealed to anyone, not even to doctors or the government. It is certain, however, that synthetic fragrance chemicals are designed to adhere to the surfaces they touch, and are therefore unwise to use around a wide variety of electronic equipment, including laptop computers. We will discuss how our listeners can speak out against the widespread use of substances that hurt their electronics and their health.
On today’s show we will be talking about the LED Light Bulb. In recent years, there's been a movement away from incandescent toward LED bulbs. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a type of bulb that has been around for years, but hasn't necessarily been used for lighting until recently. However, they are something of an improvement on the original bulb design. Light emitting diodes (LED) are made from crystals that may contain materials such as phosphorous in order to produce a distinct color. Overlapping colors, particularly the primary colors of red, blue and green, produce white light. Join Stan and his guest Ethen Biery for a lively discussion regarding LED Bulb standards and how they may affect you and your family.
Today’s show addresses the efforts of a broad coalition of health, firefighter, consumer and science groups that have filed a petition asking the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban four categories of consumer products — children’s products, furniture, mattresses and the casings around electronics — if they contain any flame retardant in the chemical class known as organohalogens. Petitioners include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Hispanic Medical Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Learning Disabilities Association of America, Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Worksafe, Dr. Philip J. Landrigan and the Green Science Policy Institute. Join Stan and his guest Ms. Katy Farber as they discuss the perils that parents face today keeping their children safe from Toxic Chemicals.
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy has put the health and public safety of Albany County residents first in what has become a battle over the transportation of crude oil through the county. In January 2014, the CE sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo that the application made at the Port of Albany by Global to expand operations was not in the best interests of residents. That lead to the Governor directing five state agencies to investigate and public comment periods were extended until late last fall.
Aircraft and Ocean Vessels designed for 20 year use are now over 40 years old and still in service. Understanding the risk associated with this reality is a full time job for professionals in the Military, Commercial and private sectors. These professionals are faced with everything from obvious aging of the structure to obsolete electronic and hardware components. Making the management task more difficult are those that would try to profit from the sale of counterfeit components. Failure of a critical component in an airplane or submarine has a much greater risk than the failure of your refrigerator or clothes washer. On today’s show Stan and his guest, Richard Gauntlett, Director Ageing Aircraft and Sustainability Australia will discuss what it takes to keep the Australian Fleet of Airplanes and Sea Vessels maintained and free of counterfeit materials.
Innovation linked with good quality drives new market value for consumer goods and services. That new market value, however, only lasts if the products are as advertised and are safe for the consumer.
Every day awareness of, and sensitivity to, hazardous and counterfeit products in or near consumers’ homes and neighborhoods increases. Companies that make or distribute consumer goods can and should do more to educate consumers about their products and how to determine if the products are what they claim to be and are safe for their intended use.
Today’s guest, Francisco Chuan, will discuss the role that innovation can play in getting clear, memorable, and useful information to consumers about products and their safety.
This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his retuning guest, Ms. Wanda J. Cooper, who will discuss what can happen when toxic materials found in everyday consumer products invade our bodies, including ways to cope when medical professionals fail to properly diagnose due to overlapping symptoms. Have you ever climbed the high-tech corporate ladder successfully and suddenly found yourself on the outside, looking in? Waking up too tired and lacking the drive to keep going? Feeling like no one understood what was going on while getting no help from medical professionals? Perhaps you had a medical condition that was misdiagnosed?
Last week, over 2 million worth of products were seized from an East Coast counterfeiting ring in the U.S. ChapStick, Johnson's Baby Oil, Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Inhaler, Vaseline; the producers of the real products include major international brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Other products, including over-the-counter cold medicines and painkillers, also were recovered, officials said. We encourage consumers to be cautious about buying branded goods that look suspicious, or from outlets that are unfamiliar, Chris Vuturo, a spokesman for Procter & Gamble, said in a statement. His advice sounds familiar, as our concerns as consumers continue to grow. What is industry doing to protect us from toxic chemicals and counterfeiting today? And are we doing our part, by shopping at established and trusted stores, which are likely to be connected to legitimate supply chains? This week, join our host, Stan Salot, and Frank Ciano to discuss industry updates and consumer news.
Living with risk is a reality that we are faced with each and every day. From the time we are conceived until the day we die we are faced with the danger of coming in contact with Toxic Substances and Chemicals in their natural form or from something that was manmade. Over time we learn about dangerous substances that we have created and eventually we take steps to mitigate their effects. Some identify this as our road to prosperity while others consider this a slippery slope to hell. On today’s show we will explore Toxic and Counterfeit News articles found on the internet. I invite you to be part of the show today by sharing your thoughts or asking questions. 866-472-5787 call in number
Most of us adhere to the best practices of recycling: reuse, reduce and recycle, in order to minimize waste going into the landfill. How about certain chemicals we simply cannot put in a specially marked recycling bin, such as building materials? How do we eliminate the threat of landfilling hazardous, toxic and regulated waste? In this episode, you will hear about the specific challenge of asbestos: one of our biggest health and liability issue in the U.S. Although asbestos problems are not widely publicized anymore, someone dies of an asbestos related disease every 5 minutes. Furthermore, 125 million people are exposed to asbestos in the work place daily; more people are killed by asbestos than road accidents, and sadly, an estimated 5 to 10 million people will die from asbestos related diseases within the next 16 years. Our special guests, Mr. Tony Nocito and Mr. Frank J. Ciano, senior partner at Goldberg Segalla’s New York office, will talk about the ramifications of asbestos recycling and making purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of placing ourselves, our companies and our customer base at risk.
Faulty counterfeited products can lead directly to injury and death. The vast range of items which are illegally copied and sold in stores and online can have serious health and safety consequences and have been raised in various parts of the world. Yet, despite the growing concerns expressed by many governmental and global advocacy groups, counterfeiting continues. It is a hugely profitable business, with criminals relying on the continued high demand for cheap goods coupled with low production costs. A new global campaign by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is launched today to raise awareness among consumers of the over $250 billion a year illicit trafficking of counterfeit goods. The campaign – ‘Counterfeit: Don’t buy into organized crime’ – informs consumers that buying counterfeit goods could be funding organized criminal groups, puts our health and safety at risk and contributes to serious ethical and environmental concerns. Our special guests, Mr. Alun Jones, Chief of Communications and Advocacy of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Mr. Frank J. Ciano, senior partner at Goldberg Segalla’s New York office, will talk about the potential ramifications of counterfeiting, including how you can make purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of placing yourself, your company and most important your customer base to the risk of an accident.
Consumers may think they are adequately protected from dangerous products by benevolent corporations that will go out of their way to prevent injuring or killing their customers. Or they may think they are adequately protected by government regulations designed to keep unsafe products off the market. If only those things were enough to guarantee safety. Fortunately, consumers have another line of defense: the civil justice system. The courts also force manufacturers to remove dangerous goods from the marketplace and make changes that create safe products, even when government regulations and corporate goodwill have been unable or unwilling to do so. The list of products that have been improved to the benefit of consumer safety includes automobiles, prescription drugs, children’s pajamas, home appliances, toys, sports equipment, farm machinery, construction tools, personal hygiene products, medical devices, furniture, aircraft, boats and much more.
Leading industry representatives and distribution professionals work hard to assure us about the safety of their manufactured products. While at the same time medical professionals and research institutes are warning us that many potentially life-threatening diseases could be caused by ingredients found in these same products. Who can we trust? And most importantly, if we decide to trust leading experts, can they give us a realistic promise of safety that can be tested and backed by scientific data and analysis? Safety standards were developed to protect us from bringing harmful chemical and counterfeits into our homes, gardens and garages. My guest, Mr. Bruce Mahone will reveal what he is doing to help change the way “things are currently done”. Join me to learn more and get involved with supporting the everyday use of Anti-Counterfeit and Hazardous Substance Safe standards. Take action now to get your favorite retail stores involved. Become part of the solution.
The quantity of counterfeit products will continue to grow as long as there are willing buyers. A recent 60 Minutes show reported that the total commerce worldwide in counterfeit products has grown from $200 billion to $600 billion only within the last few years. Whether we buy them knowingly, or by mistake, counterfeit consumer products generally do not have the potential to be life-threatening like electronics used in aerospace, medical and military production. In the electronics industry, a component can be made to look identical to the real thing and could appear to “work” at first glance, but will not comply with detailed specifications and can fail during use. Can you imagine the disastrous consequences of a component failing on a commercial airplane or in a medical device used to perform heart surgery? How can industry buyers protect us from scary scenarios waiting to unfold? Tune in to learn how one U.S. company is fighting to eradicate counterfeit components.
The production and sale of counterfeit goods is a global, multi-billion dollar problem and one that has serious economic and health ramifications for Governments, businesses and consumers. Counterfeiting is everywhere - it can affect what we eat, what we watch, what medicines we take and what we wear - and all too often the link between fake goods and transnational organized crime is overlooked in the search for knock-offs at bargain-basement prices. My guest James R. Johnson and I will discuss the work that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is doing to bring this epidemic to the public’s attention!
March 2015 and the counterfeit products epidemic continues to rage on. Counterfeits are growing more rapidly than any other business entity with no signs of a down turn. If it were not for the fact that it is illegal it would be a great place to invest for your retirement. Homeland Security Investigations continue to identify millions of dollars’ worth of counterfeit sports gear. Virtually every news outlet runs an ongoing piece on counterfeits and how they are negatively affecting business and people worldwide. Ebay, Amazon, Alibaba, and many other online retail sales outlets are spending millions of dollars trying to protect their brands from the ongoing damage done by individuals that knowingly or unknowingly sell counterfeits through their personal internet stores. Join our host, Stan Salot Jr. as discusses the issues of counterfeits goods and how they negatively affect humanity at many different levels.
The quantity of counterfeit products will continue to grow as long as there are willing buyers. Whether we buy them knowingly, or by mistake, counterfeit consumer products can fail during use, with the potential of causing irreversible harm. Today’s show introduces and starts following the journey of an entrepreneur building a distribution company that provides a new distribution model to fight the counterfeit epidemic. We are also launching our weekly legal segment, courtesy of Goldberg Segalla’s New York office, called “Protect your company NOW” with a focus on hazardous free and counterfeit product avoidance. We are excited to kick off this year by showcasing business owners, innovators and champions of the law, all presenting a united front to bring us real solutions, while supporting the U.S. economy.
WSJ 3-2-15, Investors Running, 60 Minutes 3-1-15: Anderson Cooper said that the laminate-flooring material sold by Lumber Liquidators and made in China doesn’t meet California’s emissions standards on levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. 60 Minutes’ investigators went to several of the Chinese factories where Lumber Liquidators buys their flooring and reported the following: Employees at the mills openly admitted that they use core boards with higher levels of formaldehyde to make Lumber Liquidators laminates, saving the company 10-15 percent on the price. At all three mills they also admitted falsely labeling the company’s laminate flooring as CARB 2, meaning it meets California formaldehyde emissions standards, and the new U.S. federal law. At this factory, the general manager told investigators Lumber Liquidators is one of their biggest customers. Join Stan & Guest Dennis Bradley, Forensic Business Pathologist as they discuss this latest case of Toxic Materials in America.
Consumers are often assured by leading industry representatives or distribution professionals about the safety of their manufactured products. And yet, consumers are often told by their medical professionals and research institutes that many potentially life-threatening diseases could be caused by ingredients in these products. Who can we trust? And most importantly, if we decide to trust leading experts, how can they give us the realistic promise of safety that can be tested and backed by scientific data and analysis? Safety standards were developed to protect us from bringing harmful chemical and counterfeits into our homes, gardens and garages. Our guests will reveal why they are dedicating their lives to changing the ways“things are currently done”. Join us or download our show to gain more understanding and get involved with supporting the everyday use of these standards and their wide adoption by all segments of our industries, including retail stores. As always, your commitment to our communal safety is highly appreciated.
According to repeated lab tests performed on behalf of advocacy groups, we continue to have an excessive amount of toxins in our products. Consumer Reports Magazine says that according to their probing, one green charm, the size of a pea, sold at a well-known retailer was tested and found to contain levels exceeding 100,000 ppm of total lead. Given those levels, a child who accidentally swallowed a charm could be at risk for lead poisoning. Why do we continue to get concerning toxic content results in consumer products, despite the growing number of industry regulations and health industry outreach? This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Tony Nocito and Frank Ciano as they discuss industry updates and consumer news.
We have been hearing about the dangers of toxins and counterfeits in our products on this show- and many of us, consumers, retailers and manufacturers are considering taking action to prevent bringing these into our homes. But what about the dangers that can threaten many lives in an instance? What if a drone delivers faulty data or a missile misses its target because of a counterfeit part? How about our military family members and friends continuing to use products that make them sick while putting their own lives in danger? Join us for a conversation about scary scenarios and the price we could pay- and the ways we can work to prevent those from happening. This show includes special interviews with a successful industry entrepreneur and a retired USAF Colonel. You will also hear from our host, Stan Salot, founder of two non-profit international alliances to bring world-wide attention- and solution- the toxic and counterfeit problem: the Hazardous Substance Free Mark and the Counterfeit Mark Alliance.
Industry insider and consumer advocate David Giannetto, author of the new book Big Social Mobile, will reveal the latest tricks, techniques and technology used by today’s most progressive brands to understand, interact with and influence consumers. From integrated advertising campaigns to hidden data collection routines, these companies know more than you think possible—from your demographics, social networks and online behavior to your value system, secret relationships and even your emotional state. This information allows them to craft strategies that influence and manipulate consumer behavior and buying decisions. But consumers—Social Consumers Giannetto calls them—are gaining back power in this corporate-consumer relationship and using these same tactics to shift market dynamics and gain real leverage for the first time since the dawn of capitalism. Join us to learn about this digital battle for power going on to win the hearts, minds and wallets of consumers
A US Independent Distributor led by a group of passionate, dedicated, visionary men and women prove that counterfeiters are no match regardless of its size. Secure Components a small Independent Distributor took bold steps in 2012 to become the first company in the world to achieve IECQ CAP Certification in accordance with SAE AS 6081. Stan’s guest, Todd Kramer, CEO of Secure Components will share insights and secrets of the journey taken and the value to his company. Todd will also share his views on the unprecedented levels of “Super Bowl 49, Counterfeiting.
Despite the growing consumer demand for safer plastics, most products in our stores still contain a variety of additives, some of which can be toxic and not traceable, albeit counterfeit. For example: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthlate (DEHP) is a chemical added to plastics for flexibility (source: Agency for Toxic Substances of the US). DEHP can be found in tablecloths, floor tiles, car and furniture upholstery, shower curtains, garden hoses, swimming pool liners, rainwear, baby clothes, dolls, toys, shoes and even blood storage bags. Traces of this chemical- and others- are classified as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” and interfering with hormone functions. Do we want DEPH and many other chemicals in our everyday items? While we cannot promise to live a plastic-free life, we can contribute to the emerging voices of asking for products that are traceable and free of toxins. Join us to learn how to make consumer choices that protect your family and the environment.
Managing innovation requires a technical, regulatory, economic & political perspective. This show illuminates smart phone performance, safety, health and regulatory issues. Sir Richard Branson once stated if you hold the phone next to your head, you'll fry your brain. He then founded Virgin Mobile Sprint directed at American Youth. What is the matter? Are they healthy or not? Cell Phone antennas emit radio frequency signals to reach a cell tower. RF Signals are like tossing a stone in the pond; they spread out circularly. Your head absorbs 30% and your hand 20% leaving about half of the signal to reach the tower. Power in phones moves up and down to meet your needs. No one actually knows if near field Signals are risky. We are beginning to know the effects on infants and unexplained anomalies. James introduces us to a new paradigm for better antenna and improved science, standards and solutions. James reduces the matter to simple elements and has shared his talks around the world.
Every time a missile misses its target, a train derails, or a faulty airbag fails to save a life, we wonder whether these failures, which can sometimes reach catastrophic proportions, are caused by counterfeit parts infiltrating the supply chain. SAE AS6081 was created to address the U.S. Senate Armed Forces Committee’s investigation into the $6 billion counterfeit electronic parts pandemic. Adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the standard aims to provide uniform requirements, practices, and methods to mitigate the risk of distributors purchasing and supplying counterfeit electronic parts throughout the aerospace supply chain. This week we will hear the perspective of Mr. Keith Gregory who serves on the SAE International AS6081 Committee, established to develop standards proscribing counterfeit parts avoidance requirements for independent distributors.
The amount of hazardous substances and counterfeits in the products that consumers use every day is significantly impacting people's health and safety throughout the world. Affected products include household appliances, household electronics, personal computers, printers, network equipment, telephones, cell phones, tablets, video game equipment, toys, electric tools, sewing machines, medical devices, lighting, smoke detectors, thermostats, electric scales, carpets, couches, chairs: just to list some of the items identified by WEEE and RoHS. Join us to learn about the dawn of the “green” movement and ways we can continue to support it during the perpetual changes of modern technology.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Well-organized criminal gangs looking for lucrative new markets are behind a surge in dangerous counterfeit goods arriving in Australia, Customs says. And the agency has warned it is not just sunglasses, luxury handbags and DVDs being counterfeited. In a worrying trend, gangs are branching out into pharmaceuticals and auto and aviation spare parts and the number of fakes will only increase. Join Stan Salot and his guest to hear about ways you and your company can mitigate counterfeit risks while protecting your investments, both at work and at home.
The basic principles of a system to detect and avoid counterfeit parts are straightforward, says our guest in Federal Contract’s Report™ article. Contractors, especially in the aftermath of the final DFARS ruling, need to increase reliance upon ‘‘trusted suppliers’’ and decrease use of independent distributors and brokers. When purchasing parts from other than trusted suppliers is necessary, additional measures are taken to assure authenticity. These measures should reflect the risks associated with the source and the potential application of the part. If a part is found ‘‘suspect’’ or confirmed as a ‘‘counterfeit,’’ it should be quarantined and not returned to the supply chain, and appropriate authorities are to be notified. Join Stan Salot and our guest, Robert S. Metzger, to hear about the Standards-based way you and your company can mitigate counterfeit risks while protecting your assets.
With shortened life cycles, & increased counterfeit risks, we can no longer support product demand through traditional life cycle management processes. Long lasting programs demand predictable forecasts; however as products age & face the risk of obsolete and counterfeit parts, ongoing supply & support are rarely predictable. It is common for engineering, & procurement teams to be hunting for reliable sources long after a last time buy or an end-of-life event, leaving critical programs vulnerable to counterfeit electronics. Counterfeit avoidance requires an approach assessing the entire program demand & managing realities of a volatile supply chain, while addressing the risk on individual parts. If supply chain can’t address today’s environment, counterfeits will remain present as a result of ongoing demand. Marking & detection strategies are still in development, but won’t help the issues we face today. Join Stan Salot & guest, Kaye Porter, to hear ways you can mitigate these risks.
Have you ever climbed the high-tech corporate ladder successfully and suddenly found yourself on the outside, looking in? Waking up too tired and lacking the drive to keep going? Feeling like no one understood what was going on while getting no help from medical professionals? Perhaps you had a medical condition that was misdiagnosed? This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Ms. Wanda J. Cooper, who will discuss what can happen when toxic materials found in everyday consumer products invade our bodies, including ways to cope when medical professionals fail to properly diagnose due to overlapping symptoms.
The International Chamber of Commerce is estimating that counterfeiting will reach a staggering 1.7 trillion dollar revenue in 2015. In order to reduce counterfeiting, various industries are changing their management practices of chemical content and disclosure for their products. These positive management changes, focused on accountability and social responsibility, could not occur without visionary and committed leadership. This week’s show highlights these global inspirational leadership efforts: Stan Salot and his guest, Ms. Roxi Bahar Hewertson, will discuss the specifics of “Lead Like it Matters - Because it Does” from the perspective of their practical experience, while relying on their reputation for industry insights and truth telling.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that the crime of counterfeiting has caused the loss of over 750,000 jobs. Product counterfeiting is a big business -- estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars each year. It impacts the economy in a variety of ways including consumers that believe they are buying authentic products, legitimate manufacturers that invest in safety and quality manufacturing processes, and retailers that want to provide safe, reliable products to their customers. This Tuesday, join Stan and his guest, Indra Desai, to learn about counterfeits, including their impact on our health and safety, and learn how to make educated choices when purchasing products.
Chemicals play a major role in our daily lives. They are part of what we eat, where we work, and how we live. Despite their prevalence in our lives, many chemicals are hazardous, or toxic. Our built environments, including schools, residential areas, and places of work, can all be sites of hazardous chemical contamination. In fact, many toxic chemicals can be found right in our homes and appliances. Did you know that these pose serious challenges for chemically-sensitive people when buying and installing consumer electronics and appliances? Furthermore, these toxins are beginning to affect every consumer, including those who do not (yet) have a pronounced reaction to them. Join Stan and his guest, Angelique, to learn about managing chemical sensitivities and making right choices when purchasing appliances for ourselves and our loved ones.
The amount of hazardous substances and counterfeits in the products that consumers use every day is significantly impacting people's health and safety throughout the world. Affected products include household appliances, household electronics, personal computers, printers, network equipment, telephones, cell phones, tablets, video game equipment, toys, electric tools, sewing machines, medical devices, lighting, smoke detectors, thermostats, electric scales, carpets, couches, chairs: just to list some of the items identified by WEEE and RoHS. Join us to learn about the dawn of the “green” movement and ways we can continue to support it during the perpetual changes of modern technology.
Every year, especially as parents or grandparents, we buy Halloween merchandise. Dress-up and decorating can be so much fun! We love to help the little ones picking out the costume and try it on. How many times do kids put on their new costume before the school party or the neighborhood tour? The kids I know do it almost every day, for several weeks. Whether the costumes comes with the warning of CA Prop 65 or not, undisclosed or improperly monitored toxic ingredients will get on children’s hands and end up in their mouths.
Besides the costumes, consumer safety advocates warn us about counterfeit candy and even wrappers that contain lead. The World Health Organization classifies lead among the 10 chemicals of major public health concern because the exposure to this chemical alone can affect the brain and central nervous system. Join us to learn more on how to keep these chemicals and counterfeit out of your hands- let us plan for a safe and vibrant Halloween celebration!
The 2014 edition of TAITRONICS explores new technology frontiers with its theme ‘Green Electronics, Smart Living’, representing the exhibition’s focus on sustainability and smart consumer electronics. Held from October 6th to 9th, the 40th Taipei International Electronics Show consolidates Taiwan’s and the global electronics supply chain in nine major exhibition areas, with over 500 exhibitors in the electronics industry showcasing their innovations in 1200 booths. With the aim of helping businesses ease into the age of mobility with the environment as a key focus, over 30 new products will be launched during the trade show in the New Product Launching Area on the showground, including the Hazardous Substance Free -HSF Mark®. Join us this week for a special update as our host, Stan Salot, President of the HSF Mark® Alliance, is reporting live the launch of the HSF program from the 40th Taitronics show.
Over the past few years, the number of counterfeit and pirated goods entering into the U.S. market has continued to increase. Last year alone, U.S. Customs made over 24,000 seizures of intellectual property rights (IPR) infringing goods. Counterfeiting and piracy affect nearly every industry, as counterfeit goods ranging from clothing, shoes, personal care products, electrical equipment, electronics, computers, pharmaceuticals, toys, automotive equipment and more. Stealing the intellectual property of businesses and entrepreneurs who provide authentic products is not a victimless crime. When consumers buy counterfeit goods, they help unscrupulous traders who break the law and indirectly fund organized crime. Most importantly, people who buy counterfeits put at risk their health and safety and their loved ones, as well as of people employed in the production and sale of counterfeit goods. Further, buying counterfeited and pirated goods damages our economy and can lead to job loss. This week, our host, Stan Salot will interview Justin Pierce and Valerie Finn about the negative implications of counterfeiting, and how an increased focus on brand protection and consumer and industry safety can help mitigate this problem.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have identified counterfeiting as the fasting growing criminal activity used to fund international terrorism. Distributors have been identified as the weak link in the component supply chain system, while the original component/equipment manufacturers continue to resist any direct association with supplies purchased outside of their direct control. According to reports from the US Military, their supply chain system has up to a million counterfeit parts, a scary fact that can have devastating effects including loss of lives. Sadly, two people have been killed recently in China and one in Australia by counterfeit iPhone and iPad chargers. This week, our host, Stan Salot and his guest John Latimer, Director Quality Assurance at Xilinx will talk about the issues manufacturers face with the growing counterfeiting epidemic and the impacts of these on both industry and the global consumer.
Changing product demand, increasing competition, fewer resources and consumer demand for transparency and safety are sending clear signals about continued changes in every company’s manufacturing processes. New business models and stringent regulations are becoming the norm, so streamlining operations, while maintaining quality is becoming non-negotiable for any reputable institution. Not an easy task, but certainly one that is being demanded today. This week Stan Salot and his guest, Indra Desai, will discuss how manufacturing process management helps eliminate toxic products and therefore support industry to safeguard consumer choices.
The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board plays an important role in ensuring the safety and quality of goods and services and in protecting the environment in the US. The Board accredits testing and calibration labs, inspection and certification bodies, reference material producers, and proficiency test providers. You wouldn't want to be treated by a doctor who isn't board certified in her specialty, or send your child to a college that isn't accredited, would you? Like those accrediting bodies, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board conducts audits to make sure industry follow international standards and are competent to do their work. This week Stan Salot and his guest, Randy A. Dougherty, Vice President, ANAB for the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, will discuss ways accreditation and certification bodies can support industry to safeguard consumer choices.
Air, next to water and soil, is a third critical resource for humans, plants, animals and all other organisms within a natural area. Air must be monitored in order to control and lower pollution levels, control smoke caused by wild land fires, and to monitor air quality. The USDA Forest Service monitors the effects of air pollution that may impair visibility, harm human health, injure trees and other plants, acidify or cause unnatural fertilization of streams and lakes, leach nutrients from soils, and degrade cultural resources, like archeological sites and historical buildings. Forest activities that can affect air quality such as prescribed burning, ski areas, and mining are also monitored to ensure compliance with air regulations for human health and to monitor possible impacts to natural resources. This week Stan Salot and his guest, Linda Geiser, ecologist with the USDA, will discuss our collective environmental responsibility to our planet.
Children's back-to-school backpacks and other supplies may contain higher levels of potentially toxic chemicals than the government allows in most toys, a new study shows. The study randomly tested 20 back-to-school items purchased in New York City and found that about 75% of children's back-to-school backpacks contain higher levels of potentially toxic chemicals than the government allows in most toys. For example, one of the items tested, the Dora Backpack, contained an estimated 69,300 ppm of DnOP, a phthalate. If the bag was a children's toy that contained any part that could be placed in a child's mouth, it would contain over 69 times the allowable limit. This week, our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Julia Kocs, want you to hear about the revolutionary change that one company is bringing to their industry and shows its support of environmental responsibility to the consumers, from school aged to retirees.
Counterfeiting is a complex, dynamic and global problem that negatively impacts brands in every industry and often threatens the health and safety of consumers around the world. Diversion of products into unauthorized sales channels and distribution of “gray market” goods cause significant losses for many companies. While there is no ‘cookie cutter’ solution to address the brand protection challenges that a company may face, companies seeking to better protect their brands should consider the following best practices in the development of an anti-counterfeiting and brand protection strategy tailored to meet their specific needs. Join our host Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Justin E. Pierce to hear about ways you can protect your brand in the marketplace.
Despite the growing consumer demand for safer plastics, most products in our stores still contain a variety of additives, some of which can be toxic and not traceable, albeit counterfeit. For example: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthlate (DEHP) is a chemical added to plastics for flexibility (source: Agency for Toxic Substances of the US). DEHP can be found in tablecloths, floor tiles, car and furniture upholstery, shower curtains, garden hoses, swimming pool liners, rainwear, baby clothes, dolls, toys, shoes and even blood storage bags. Traces of this chemical- and others- are classified as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” and interfering with hormone functions. Do we want DEPH and many other chemicals in our everyday items? While we cannot promise to live a plastic-free life, we can contribute to the emerging voices of asking for products that are traceable and free of toxins. Join us to learn how to make consumer choices that protect your family and the environment.
Tamper-evident design is perhaps most visible in the process of product packaging and labelling, where it can be vital to know that the product has not been altered since it left the manufacturer. Consideration should be given to unique custom indicators, which should be changed regularly because these are subject to counterfeiting. For example, the FDA requires that pharmaceutical manufacturing companies use tamper-evident packaging on over-the-counter (OTC) products for retail sale. Despite the existing efforts, regulations, are there new ways to ensure tamper proof safety? Today’s show will cover encrypted track, trace & authentication technologies, such as SignaKey, and their potential use to support the CAMA Repository Management System (CAMA-RMS) for handling the transfer, quarantine and control and destruction of counterfeit materials. Our host, Stan Salot and his guests will address the use of cost-effective identification of material and/or product authenticity.
WCBS TV New York News Channel aired an interview with our host, Stan Salot Jr. and Todd Kramer, CEO of Secure Components on the issue of counterfeit and how it affects our economy on March 31st 11 pm EST. During the trip for the interview, Stan and Todd purchased a children’s watch at a retail store on Canal Street and sent it to an independent testing facility. The results are just in: sadly, the watch has higher than acceptable levels of lead and cadmium, both of them tied to serious illnesses, including Autism and cancer. As we know, media outlets often report on counterfeits and/or toxic materials in children’s toys, and those of us who listen tend to believe that this can be avoided if we were informed buying decisions. Unfortunately, as lab work and random testing suggests, that is not the case. Most toys test consistently off the chart on one type of toxin or another, sometimes several. Needless to say: if the toy is fake or counterfeit, it does not comply with many of the safety regulations. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Todd Kramer to discuss their CBS interview and the ways industry is advocating for consumers.
Do you know the difference between misleading or deceptive marketing strategies? Some companies put trademarks on their own products or services that are close in appearance or meaning to those of the original manufacturer. These companies use these “logos” in ways that confuses or misleads the purchaser into thinking that the goods come from or are associated with and authorized by the original source. The harm goes beyond loss of business: confused customers buy the infringer’s goods rather than the original goods. It can also adversely affect the brand value and customer loyalty of the original source and can stop it from gaining market share. Due to these practices, we, unsuspecting consumers, can become supporters of counterfeiting and trafficking. This week, our host, Stan Salot and his guest Prof. Jacob Jacoby, to hear about the ramifications of deceptive marking and their commitment to educate and protect the public from the damages of these practices.
Did you know that the federal Environmental Protection Agency encourages efforts to reduce packaging and household waste, but through low-key exhortation rather than regulations. The United States, unlike Britain for example, imposes no special federal tax on landfills, and weaker regulation makes it easier to expand them. These practices, often differ in emerging countries, coupled with ways industry counts on consumers buying products without much scrutiny can lead to our willingness to participate in an epidemic that continues to alarm consumer advocates and environmentalist. This week, our host, Stan Salot will answer questions from our loyal audience, focusing on daily risks we face in today’s fast paced, materialistic society. He will also share about his activism with industry leaders globally, including his upcoming keynote address in Australia, and his commitment to raise awareness around the globe about the issues that are cheating our wallets and affecting our health.
There are approximately 84,000 chemicals used commercially in the US. They include home cleaning agents and flame retardants in furniture. The majority of these chemicals have not been tested for safety--and are exempt from regulations. They are also linked to lower IQ in children, thyroid disease, infertility, cancer and other rising rates of health problems. Toxic Hot Seat is a multiple award-winning HBO documentary providing an in-depth look at chemical flame retardants. Directed by James Redford and Kirby Walker, the movie interweaves the multiple narratives of investigative reporters, scientists, lawmakers and community activists and shows the struggle to remove retardants from our couches, environment and bodies. This week, our host, Stan Salot will discuss this topic with his guest, co-director Ms. Walker, including the ways she has been committed to the hazardous substance free product campaign and consumer safety.
Americans assume that chemicals used to make ordinary products are tested for safety — but they are not. From baby bottles made with bisphenol A (BPA) to carpets containing formaldehyde, dangerous chemicals are in our homes, places of work, and the products we use every day. With each new scientific report linking toxic chemical exposure to a serious health problem, it becomes more obvious that the law intended to keep harmful chemicals in check — the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 — is not working. Now we have the chance- and the obligation- to fix this problem to protect future generations from serious harm. Today’s show will reveal the groundbreaking efforts of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition and the Hazardous Substance Free Alliance: two not-for-profit organizations dedicated to eliminating toxins from our products. Jeffrey Kingsley of Goldberg Segalla will also join our host, Stan Salot, to discuss the importance of making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
On June 23 2014, Homeland Security Investigations just finished an investigation to conclude that the department seized $37 million worth of counterfeit of National Football League-related products amid Super Bowl XLVIII this year. The very same day, a Maine company has pleaded guilty to manufacturing and trafficking of counterfeited apparel bearing the trademarks of the New York Yankees, Harley Davidson, John Deere, Jack Daniels, Orange County Choppers, and Playboy. Employees designed counterfeit trademarks, created screens from which the trademarks could be printed on apparel items, and printed the counterfeit trademarks on those items. This news update is one of many we see daily about products on our shelves that are not what they seem. Do we know the risks, and how can we protect ourselves? Join our host, Stan Salot Jr. and our Production Manager, Julia Kocs, as they discuss the issues of counterfeits and toxins from the perspective of the consumer.
Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before. Our daily life, economic vitality, and national security depend on a stable, safe, and resilient cyberspace. We rely on this vast array of networks to communicate and travel, power our homes, run our economy, and provide government services. Yet, according to the Department of Homeland Security, cyber intrusions and attacks have increased dramatically over the last decade, exposing sensitive personal and business information, disrupting critical operations, and imposing high costs on the US economy. Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play in making it safer, more secure and resilient. Today’s show will cover some of the issues/concerns that various stakeholders have, the data that is at risk, and how things like counterfeit chips can be employed to introduce security breaches. Our guests, Sam Sciacca and Aaron J. Aisen of will address the issue of cyber security as it is related to electric utilities and making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
According to the United Nations, counterfeit product alone will cost the world economy an estimated $1.7 trillion by the year 2016. The Global Safety Mark LLC (GSM1), working with the US Representative of the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) Quality, International Standards Organization (ISO), and Conformity Assessment Systems, brings together a set of accredited international programs that mitigate risks caused by inefficient global supply chain management. This innovative global program centralizes the massive information required to maintain these safety certifications for over 140 million products in a secure online database, and this approach provides transparent product safety information thus reducing product liability claims. The end result is passing the costs savings to the consumer by qualifying and annual surveying of suppliers. Todd Kramer, William Maybaum and Richard McDermott will join our host, Stan Salot, to introduce the GSM1 program to industry and to the global consumer.
“Our number one challenge is counterfeit parts”- declared the head of procurement quality assurance of NASA in 2012. Why is NASA, the organization landing robots on Mars, considering this topic a top priority? Because counterfeiting has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people from automobile and aviation accidents, electrocution to taking fake medicine. And as long as there are willing or uninformed buyers, counterfeiters will keep getting better at their trade, once again, threatening consumer safety. How do we know we made progress since 2012? How do we measure success in protecting our collective safety? How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones? What do we need to pay attention to as consumers? Frank J. Ciano of Goldberg Segalla and Julia Kocs, Production Manager for the show will join our host, Stan Salot, to discuss these questions and launch our weekly update series on the progress we are making fighting the counterfeit epidemic.
Over the past few years, the number of counterfeit and pirated goods entering into the U.S. market has continued to increase. Last year alone, U.S. Customs made over 24,000 seizures of intellectual property rights (IPR) infringing goods. Counterfeiting and piracy affect nearly every industry, as counterfeit goods ranging from clothing, shoes, personal care products, electrical equipment, electronics, computers, pharmaceuticals, toys, automotive equipment and more. Stealing the intellectual property of businesses and entrepreneurs who provide authentic products is not a victimless crime. When consumers buy counterfeit goods, they help unscrupulous traders who break the law and indirectly fund organized crime. Most importantly, people who buy counterfeits put at risk their health and safety and their loved ones, as well as of people employed in the production and sale of counterfeit goods. Further, buying counterfeited and pirated goods damages our economy and can lead to job loss. This week, our host, Stan Salot will interview Justin Pierce and Valerie Finn about the negative implications of counterfeiting, and how an increased focus on brand protection and consumer and industry safety can help mitigate this problem.
There are approximately 84,000 chemicals used commercially in the US. They include home cleaning agents and flame retardants in furniture. The majority of these chemicals have not been tested for safety--and are exempt from regulations. They are also linked to lower IQ in children, thyroid disease, infertility, cancer and other rising rates of health problems. Toxic Hot Seat is a multiple award-winning HBO documentary providing an in-depth look at chemical flame retardants. Directed by James Redford and Kirby Walker, the movie interweaves the multiple narratives of investigative reporters, scientists, lawmakers and community activists and shows the struggle to remove retardants from our couches, environment and bodies. This week, our host, Stan Salot will discuss this topic with his guest, co-director Ms. Walker, including the ways she has been committed to the hazardous substance free product campaign and consumer safety.
The Department of Defense published a proposed rule on May 16, 2013, entitled “Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts”. The rule addressed contractor responsibilities for detecting and avoiding the use or inclusion of counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit electronic parts, the use of trusted suppliers, and requirements for contractors to report these parts. Following the publication, private-sector firms, industry associations, and government agencies made recommendations and these were carefully considered in preparing the final rule. The much anticipated final rule amending the DFARS was issued last week and became effective on May 6th, 2014. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Robert S. Metzger of Rogers Joseph O'Donnell, P.C., as they discuss the implications of this rule to the industry and those committed to counterfeit mitigation.
This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Chris Yau, Vice Chairman of the IECQ CABC, to discuss ways the industry is engaged in Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) in order to address our common safety. IECQ HSPM provides the requirements used to demonstrate to the international market place that the organization has developed, documented, and implemented processes for managing the production, selection and use of electronic components, assemblies, processes and related materials in accordance with customer, local, national and international HSF requirements (like Sony SS 00259, Directive 2002/95/EC, Directive 2002/96/EC and other local environmental regulations) for their scope of activity.
Buying a new large appliance for your home or office can be a daunting task. For refrigerators alone, today's shopper will find an ever-increasing range of color and style options, some designed to disappear into the decor, and a wide variety of new smart features, including ones aimed at transforming the kitchen itself into an entertainment hub. According to CNET, the choices available can make one wonder if the ol' fridge might be going through a bit of an identity crisis. But how about safety? Are manufacturers protecting our health while innovating their design? This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, JoAnn Emmel to discuss consumer choices when purchasing electronics and ways the industry can be engaged in addressing our common safety.
Each year, Earth Day — April 22, the date of today’s show — marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. According to Earth Day Network, the idea came from founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized what he might accomplish if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. As a result, on the 22nd of April 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Matthew R. Shindell from Goldberg Segalla, as they discuss the innovative ways consumers and industry are supporting the environment, while addressing our common safety.
According to FBI, Interpol, World Customs Organization and International Chamber of Commerce estimates, roughly 7-8% of world trade every year is in counterfeit goods. That is the equivalent of as much as $512 billion in global lost sales, many of them as a result of counterfeit goods coming into the U.S. undetected. Faced with the complex and growing phenomenon of counterfeiting, global action is necessary. In order to mitigate this costly and widespread problem, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched IPM Connected, a global network of track and trace and authentication communication tool that helps right holders to cooperate with customs administrations. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guests, Mr. David Chandler of WCO and Matthew R. Shindell from Goldberg Segalla, to discuss the innovative ways industry is helping us address our common safety.
The need to engage new and emerging professionals in standardization and conformity assessment, and maintain their long-term involvement, has been clearly identified at the US and international level. This interview will feature two young professionals from the community actively engaged in changing the way we define quality and our commitments to keep hazardous materials and counterfeits away from our homes. Our guests, Ethan Biery, Jonathan Colby and Mr. Frank J. Ciano will talk about the reasons behind their commitment to leading change, including making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
WCBS TV New York News Channel aired an interview with our host, Stan Salot Jr. and Todd Kramer, CEO of Secure Components on the issue of counterfeit and how it affects our economy on March 31st 11 pm EST. During the trip for the interview, Stan and Todd purchased a children’s watch at a retail store on Canal Street and sent it to an independent testing facility. The results are just in: sadly, the watch has higher than acceptable levels of lead and cadmium, both of them tied to serious illnesses, including Autism and cancer. As we know, media outlets often report on counterfeits and/or toxic materials in children’s toys, and those of us who listen tend to believe that this can be avoided if we were informed buying decisions. Unfortunately, as lab work and random testing suggests, that is not the case. Most toys test consistently off the chart on one type of toxin or another, sometimes several. Needless to say: if the toy is fake or counterfeit, it does not comply with many of the safety regulations. This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Todd Kramer to discuss their CBS interview and the ways industry is advocating for consumers.
How do you protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous toxins and safety hazards found in consumer products produced by some manufacturers without regards to standards and regulations? How do we know that those rules are respected and adhered to in the supply chain? How do we know that our trusted retailers are engaged in corporate social responsibility practices addressing these issues? This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Frank Ciano to discuss ways industry is advocating for consumers, with specific focus on two International Alliances: the Counterfeit Mark (CAMA) and the Hazardous Substance Free (HSF) Mark.
According to repeated lab tests performed on behalf of advocacy groups, we continue to have an excessive amount of toxins in our products. Consumer Reports Magazine says that according to their probing, one green charm, the size of a pea, sold at a well-known retailer was tested and found to contain levels exceeding 100,000 ppm of total lead. Given those levels, a child who accidentally swallowed a charm could be at risk for lead poisoning. Why do we continue to get concerning toxic content results in consumer products, despite the growing number of industry regulations and health industry outreach? This week, join our host, Stan Salot and his guest, Mr. Tony Nocito and Frank Ciano as they discuss industry updates and consumer news.
Last week, over 2 million worth of products were seized from an East Coast counterfeiting ring in the U.S. ChapStick, Johnson's Baby Oil, Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Inhaler, Vaseline; the producers of the real products include major international brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Other products, including over-the-counter cold medicines and painkillers, also were recovered, officials said. We encourage consumers to be cautious about buying branded goods that look suspicious, or from outlets that are unfamiliar, Chris Vuturo, a spokesman for Procter & Gamble, said in a statement. His advice sounds familiar, as our concerns as consumers continue to grow. What is industry doing to protect us from toxic chemicals and counterfeiting today? And are we doing our part, by shopping at established and trusted stores, which are likely to be connected to legitimate supply chains? This week, join our host, Stan Salot, and Frank Ciano to discuss industry updates and consumer news.
“Our number one challenge is counterfeit parts”- declared the head of procurement quality assurance of NASA in 2012. Why is NASA, the organization landing robots on Mars, considering this topic a top priority? Because counterfeiting has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people from automobile and aviation accidents, electrocution to taking fake medicine. And as long as there are willing or uninformed buyers, counterfeiters will keep getting better at their trade, once again, threatening consumer safety. How do we know we made progress since 2012? How do we measure success in protecting our collective safety? How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones? What do we need to pay attention to as consumers? Frank J. Ciano of Goldberg Segalla and Julia Kocs, Production Manager for the show will join our host, Stan Salot, to discuss these questions and launch our weekly update series on the progress we are making fighting the counterfeit epidemic.
Americans assume that chemicals used to make ordinary products are tested for safety — but they are not. From baby bottles made with bisphenol A (BPA) to carpets containing formaldehyde, dangerous chemicals are in our homes, places of work, and the products we use every day. With each new scientific report linking toxic chemical exposure to a serious health problem, it becomes more obvious that the law intended to keep harmful chemicals in check — the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 — is not working. Now we have the chance- and the obligation- to fix this problem to protect future generations from serious harm. Today’s show will reveal the groundbreaking efforts of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition and the Hazardous Substance Free Alliance: two not-for-profit organizations dedicated to eliminating toxins from our products. Jeffrey Kingsley of Goldberg Segalla will also join our host, Stan Salot, to discuss the importance of making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
Tamper-evident design is perhaps most visible in the process of product packaging and labelling, where it can be vital to know that the product has not been altered since it left the manufacturer. Consideration should be given to unique custom indicators, which should be changed regularly because these are subject to counterfeiting. For example, the FDA requires that pharmaceutical manufacturing companies use tamper-evident packaging on over-the-counter (OTC) products for retail sale. Despite the existing efforts, regulations, are there new ways to ensure tamper proof safety? Today’s show will cover encrypted track, trace & authentication technologies, such as SignaKey, and their potential use to support the CAMA Repository Management System (CAMA-RMS) for handling the transfer, quarantine and control and destruction of counterfeit materials. Our host, Stan Salot and his guests will address the use of cost-effective identification of material and/or product authenticity.
The implementation of standards in industry and commerce became highly important with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the need for tools and components. Today, these standards are absolutely necessary to overcome technical barriers in international commerce caused by differences in regulations and standards developed independently and separately by each nation or company. They also help protect the consumer as companies are working on using a common platform around the globe. Our guests, Robert Friedman, Linda Young and Sean Stadelman will address the importance of developing and maintaining environmental safety standards, and making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before. Our daily life, economic vitality, and national security depend on a stable, safe, and resilient cyberspace. We rely on this vast array of networks to communicate and travel, power our homes, run our economy, and provide government services. Yet, according to the Department of Homeland Security, cyber intrusions and attacks have increased dramatically over the last decade, exposing sensitive personal and business information, disrupting critical operations, and imposing high costs on the US economy. Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play in making it safer, more secure and resilient. Today’s show will cover some of the issues/concerns that various stakeholders have, the data that is at risk, and how things like counterfeit chips can be employed to introduce security breaches. Our guests, Sam Sciacca and Aaron J. Aisen of will address the issue of cyber security as it is related to electric utilities and making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
The need to engage new and emerging professionals in standardization and conformity assessment, and maintain their long-term involvement, has been clearly identified at the US and international level. This interview will feature two young professionals from the community actively engaged in changing the way we define quality and our commitments to keep hazardous materials and counterfeits away from our homes. Our guests, Ethan Biery, Jonathan Colby and Mr. Frank J. Ciano will talk about the reasons behind their commitment to leading change, including making consumer purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of putting ourselves and our companies at risk.
Most of us adhere to the best practices of recycling: reuse, reduce and recycle, in order to minimize waste going into the landfill. How about certain chemicals we simply cannot put in a specially marked recycling bin, such as building materials? How do we eliminate the threat of landfilling hazardous, toxic and regulated waste? In this episode, you will hear about the specific challenge of asbestos: one of our biggest health and liability issue in the U.S. Although asbestos problems are not widely publicized anymore, someone dies of an asbestos related disease every 5 minutes. Furthermore, 125 million people are exposed to asbestos in the work place daily; more people are killed by asbestos than road accidents, and sadly, an estimated 5 to 10 million people will die from asbestos related diseases within the next 16 years. Our special guests, Mr. Tony Nocito and Mr. Frank J. Ciano, senior partner at Goldberg Segalla’s New York office, will talk about the ramifications of asbestos recycling and making purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of placing ourselves, our companies and our customer base at risk.
Faulty counterfeited products can lead directly to injury and death. The vast range of items which are illegally copied and sold in stores and online can have serious health and safety consequences and have been raised in various parts of the world. Yet, despite the growing concerns expressed by many governmental and global advocacy groups, counterfeiting continues. It is a hugely profitable business, with criminals relying on the continued high demand for cheap goods coupled with low production costs. A new global campaign by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is launched today to raise awareness among consumers of the over $250 billion a year illicit trafficking of counterfeit goods. The campaign – ‘Counterfeit: Don’t buy into organized crime’ – informs consumers that buying counterfeit goods could be funding organized criminal groups, puts our health and safety at risk and contributes to serious ethical and environmental concerns. Our special guests, Mr. Alun Jones, Chief of Communications and Advocacy of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Mr. Frank J. Ciano, senior partner at Goldberg Segalla’s New York office, will talk about the potential ramifications of counterfeiting, including how you can make purchasing decisions that exclude the potential of placing yourself, your company and most important your customer base to the risk of an accident.
The quantity of counterfeit products will continue to grow as long as there are willing buyers. Whether we buy them knowingly, or by mistake, counterfeit consumer products can fail during use, with the potential of causing irreversible harm. Today’s show introduces and starts following the journey of an entrepreneur building a distribution company that provides a new distribution model to fight the counterfeit epidemic. We are also launching our weekly legal segment, courtesy of Goldberg Segalla’s New York office, called “Protect your company NOW” with a focus on hazardous free and counterfeit product avoidance. We are excited to kick off this year by showcasing business owners, innovators and champions of the law, all presenting a united front to bring us real solutions, while supporting the U.S. economy.
Every year, especially as parents or grandparents, we buy holiday merchandise, many of them with warnings of chemicals deemed unsafe. Whether the products come with the warning of CA Prop 65 or not, undisclosed or improperly monitored toxic ingredients will get on our hands and end up in our bodies. Although this episode has been aired at Halloween, its message rings true this time of the year, too. With the approaching New Year Celebrations, consumer safety advocates warn us about simple gift and candy wrappers that contain lead. The World Health Organization classifies lead among the 10 chemicals of major public health concern because the exposure to this chemical alone can affect the brain and central nervous system. Join us to learn more on how to keep these chemicals and counterfeit out of your hands- let us plan for a safe and vibrant celebration! We wish our audience, our supporters and the staff of VoiceAmerica a prosperous 2014!
Every time a missile misses its target, a train derails, or a faulty airbag fails to save a life, we wonder whether these failures, which can sometimes reach catastrophic proportions, are caused by counterfeit parts infiltrating the supply chain. SAE AS6081 was created to address the U.S. Senate Armed Forces Committee’s investigation into the $6 billion counterfeit electronic parts pandemic. Adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the standard aims to provide uniform requirements, practices, and methods to mitigate the risk of distributors purchasing and supplying counterfeit electronic parts throughout the aerospace supply chain. This week we will hear the perspective of Mr. Keith Gregory who serves on the SAE International AS6081 Committee, established to develop standards proscribing counterfeit parts avoidance requirements for independent distributors.
We hear about toxic toys and fake Gucci bags frequently, usually when their blatant occurrence or discovery makes the news. Sometimes people lose “only” money and respect for the retailer, other times they risk losing a lot more. Recognizing the risk of toxic and counterfeit products to their customers, some retailers such as Target just established supplier requirements. However, 90% of major retailers do not have rules about toxins and counterfeits and continue to choose to carry millions of products with potentially life- threatening components. Why is this our reality today? How can we change it? Join us for a casual conversation with Stan Salot and Julia Kocs, executives of the HSF Mark Program as they discuss the concerns fueling their passion and their hope for a US economy free of hazardous substances.
The amount of hazardous substances and counterfeits in the products that consumers use every day is significantly impacting people's health and safety throughout the world. Affected products include household appliances, household electronics, personal computers, printers, network equipment, telephones, cell phones, tablets, video game equipment, toys, electric tools, sewing machines, medical devices, lighting, smoke detectors, thermostats, electric scales, carpets, couches, chairs: just to list some of the items identified by WEEE and RoHS. Join us to learn about the dawn of the “green” movement and ways we can continue to support it during the perpetual changes of modern technology.
There are over 140 million products manufactured worldwide- and many of them will be on sale for this approaching holiday season. This is the season to share- and buy: more new products enter our households, from toys to couches to electronics than any other time of the year. It is nearly impossible to know the ingredients in these products or whether they contain counterfeit parts. Join us on learning how to avoid the probability of the paying tenfold for deeply discounted items! This show includes a special interview with successful industry entrepreneur Don Baker, founder of a professional electronics supply chain services company. You will also hear from our host, Stan Salot, veteran expert and co-author of the handbook on hazardous substance process management.
We have been hearing about the dangers of toxins and counterfeits in our products on this show- and many of us, consumers, retailers and manufacturers are considering taking action to prevent bringing these into our homes. But what about the dangers that can threaten many lives in an instance? What if a drone delivers faulty data or a missile misses its target because of a counterfeit part? How about our military family members and friends continuing to use products that make them sick while putting their own lives in danger? Join us for a conversation about scary scenarios and the price we could pay- and the ways we can work to prevent those from happening. This show includes special interviews with a successful industry entrepreneur and a retired USAF Colonel. You will also hear from our host, Stan Salot, founder of two non-profit international alliances to bring world-wide attention- and solution- the toxic and counterfeit problem: the Hazardous Substance Free Mark and the Counterfeit Mark Alliance.
Today we introduce two people who have done extraordinary things to protect us from toxic and counterfeit materials. Dennis Bradley will discuss the Hazardous Substance Process Management standard that revolutionized the way industry approaches manufacturing to meet restrictions as mandated by the EU (RoHS) and some US states. He will identify early adopters of the IECQ Hazardous Substance Management Certification and describe the benefits to those companies and their customers. Phil Zulueta, SAE G19 Counterfeit Avoidance Committee Chairman, will explain why these standards and related international certification programs are needed to protect our safety. Phil will discuss the development of the standards and their implementation in the marketplace and the value that the standards and programs provide nationally and internationally. Stan Salot, your host, will explore how these programs are tied together through the US Hazardous Substance Free and Counterfeit Avoidance Mark Alliances.
The quantity of counterfeit products will continue to grow as long as there are willing buyers. A recent 60 Minutes show reported that the total commerce worldwide in counterfeit products has grown from $200 billion to $600 billion only within the last few years. Whether we buy them knowingly, or by mistake, counterfeit consumer products generally do not have the potential to be life-threatening like electronics used in aerospace, medical and military production. In the electronics industry, a component can be made to look identical to the real thing and could appear to “work” at first glance, but will not comply with detailed specifications and can fail during use. Can you imagine the disastrous consequences of a component failing on a commercial airplane or in a medical device used to perform heart surgery? How can industry buyers protect us from scary scenarios waiting to unfold? Tune in to learn how one U.S. company is fighting to eradicate counterfeit components.
Despite the growing consumer demand for safer plastics, most products in our stores still contain a variety of additives, some of which can be toxic and not traceable, albeit counterfeit. For example: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthlate (DEHP) is a chemical added to plastics for flexibility (source: Agency for Toxic Substances of the US). DEHP can be found in tablecloths, floor tiles, car and furniture upholstery, shower curtains, garden hoses, swimming pool liners, rainwear, baby clothes, dolls, toys, shoes and even blood storage bags. Traces of this chemical- and others- are classified as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” and interfering with hormone functions. Do we want DEPH and many other chemicals in our everyday items? While we cannot promise to live a plastic-free life, we can contribute to the emerging voices of asking for products that are traceable and free of toxins. Join us to learn how to make consumer choices that protect your family and the environment.
Every year, especially as parents or grandparents, we buy Halloween merchandise. Dress-up and decorating can be so much fun! We love to help the little ones picking out the costume and try it on. How many times do kids put on their new costume before the school party or the neighborhood tour? The kids I know do it almost every day, for several weeks. Whether the costumes comes with the warning of CA Prop 65 or not, undisclosed or improperly monitored toxic ingredients will get on children’s hands and end up in their mouths.
Besides the costumes, consumer safety advocates warn us about counterfeit candy and even wrappers that contain lead. The World Health Organization classifies lead among the 10 chemicals of major public health concern because the exposure to this chemical alone can affect the brain and central nervous system. Join us to learn more on how to keep these chemicals and counterfeit out of your hands- let us plan for a safe and vibrant Halloween celebration!
Consumers are often assured by leading industry representatives or distribution professionals about the safety of their manufactured products. And yet, consumers are often told by their medical professionals and research institutes that many potentially life-threatening diseases could be caused by ingredients in these products. Who can we trust? And most importantly, if we decide to trust leading experts, how can they give us the realistic promise of safety that can be tested and backed by scientific data and analysis? Safety standards were developed to protect us from bringing harmful chemical and counterfeits into our homes, gardens and garages. Our guests will reveal why they are dedicating their lives to changing the ways“things are currently done”. Join us or download our show to gain more understanding and get involved with supporting the everyday use of these standards and their wide adoption by all segments of our industries, including retail stores. As always, your commitment to our communal safety is highly appreciated.
Today we introduce two people who have done extraordinary things to protect us from toxic and counterfeit materials. Dennis Bradley will discuss the Hazardous Substance Process Management standard that revolutionized the way industry approaches manufacturing to meet restrictions as mandated by the EU (RoHS) and some US states. He will identify early adopters of the IECQ Hazardous Substance Management Certification and describe the benefits to those companies and their customers. Phil Zulueta, SAE G19 Counterfeit Avoidance Committee Chairman, will explain why these standards and related international certification programs are needed to protect our safety. Phil will discuss the development of the standards and their implementation in the marketplace and the value that the standards and programs provide nationally and internationally. Stan Salot, your host, will explore how these programs are tied together through the US Hazardous Substance Free and Counterfeit Avoidance Mark Alliances.
If you are a regular store visitor, you probably noticed the myriad of logos and marks on consumer products. Safety marks, quality marks, environmental marks, and depending on the product, even the Good Housekeeping approval marks are asking for your attention.
With the various logos entering our marketplace every day, how do you know which one(s) to trust? Do you research their history and the organization providing them? Do you ever think about those marks coming from non U.S. sources- countries where safety and environmental regulations are minimal if any and often ignored? Today’s show will reveal new ways to navigate the world of marks of consumer safety. We will specifically introduce you to the Hazardous Substance Free (HSF) and Counterfeit Avoidance (CAMA) Marks and will explain their potential to change the way we shop, while strengthening the US economy.
Robert Ciolino is an executive producer for VoiceAmerica and enjoys working with talented, passionate people providing a world stage as a platform and assisting them to create outstanding, informative and captivating Internet radio shows.
Robert says, I feel very fortunate to be an Executive Producer for VoiceAmerica and truly enjoy producing quality programming for the leader in LIVE Internet Talk Radio.
In his spare time, Robert is an aspiring Ecopreneur - working on Ecobabble.com, which is an Internet gathering place for alternative eco solutions. Robert's goal is to engage, empower and encourage people to take action for a cleaner, healthier future.
Robert believes strongly in biofuels, electric vehicles and sustainability. Robert will be launching a nationwide video interview campaign in late 2013, with the intention of visiting as many innovators of green technology as possible and sharing their knowledge and information.