http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/preventing-profit-from-debt-help http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/preventing-profit-from-debt-help Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:31:16 -0500 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/to-profit-or-not-to-profit http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/to-profit-or-not-to-profit Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:04:04 -0500 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/drugs-in-your-drinking-water Before you take http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/drugs-in-your-drinking-water Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:07:05 -0500 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/digital-tv-gets-a-step-closer With the switch to all-digital television exactly a year away, vouchers http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/digital-tv-gets-a-step-closer Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:14:33 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/d--digital-dilemma http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/d--digital-dilemma Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:50:25 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/sales-staff-misleading-consumers-about-tv-switch-study-says Consumer advocacy group says 4 of 5 clerks are giving incorrect information http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/sales-staff-misleading-consumers-about-tv-switch-study-says Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:48:33 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/marylanders-now-can-freeze-credit-reports http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/marylanders-now-can-freeze-credit-reports Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:34:17 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/parents-should-be-vigilant-when-buying-toys BALTIMORE — A local hobby store owner takes exception to a Maryland http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/parents-should-be-vigilant-when-buying-toys Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:08:55 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/shopping-frenzy-must-have-toys-go-electronic SALISBURY -- During the past few years, the http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/shopping-frenzy-must-have-toys-go-electronic Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:15:58 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/give-product-safety-agency-more-clout Today is "Black Friday" -- the traditional start of http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/give-product-safety-agency-more-clout Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:11:01 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/toy-safety-on-parents-minds BALTIMORE - A trip to the toy store isn’t what it used to be, says Kate Canada, a Baltimore mother of 7-month-old Lily Canada. That’s because this year’s series of toy recalls and increased public scrutiny on toy safety has made holiday shopping a little more stressful for parents. “It’s becoming harder and harder for parents to do their job, given the fact the toy manufacturers aren’t doing their own,” Canada said. “There’s no way for me to tell when I go to the store if a toy has a lot of lead in it.” Toys with hazards like lead, magnets and small parts are still sold in stores across the country and should concern parents, according to the 22nd annual toy safety survey released Tuesday by the Maryland Public Interest Research Group. Toy-related injuries sent almost 73,000 children under 5 to emergency rooms in 2005, and 20 children died from toy-related injuries that year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “The best holiday gift Congress can give to America’s littlest consumers is strong product safety reforms,” said David Kosmos, a program associate with Maryland PIRG. The CPSC has recalled 61 toys totaling more then 25 million product units this year, according to acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. The organization warns parents to be aware of ride-on toys like skateboards and in-line skates; toys with small parts; toys with magnets; projectile toys; and toys with chargers and adapters. “A young baby will always want to stick a toy in his or her mouth,” Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler said. “Companies need to make sure the toys our children play with every day are safe.” TOP 10 DANGEROUS TOYS 1. Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boat 2. Sticky Stones 3. Jack Sparrow’s Spinning Dagger 4. Dora the Explorer Lamp 5. Lil “Giddy Up” Horse 6. Spider Man 3 New Goblin Sword 7. Hip Hoppa 8. B’Loonies Party Pack 9. My Little Baby Born 10. Rubber Band Shooter http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/toy-safety-on-parents-minds Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:28:43 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/maryland-pirg-lists-dangerous-toys Before you head to the store to buy some toys, you’ll want to check Maryland PIRG’s annual list of dangerous toys. Topping this years list of hazardous toys, are toys with magnets, toys that pose choking hazards, and toys full of lead. This year the Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled popular Mattel toys, including Polly Pockets and Barbie dolls. Local http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/maryland-pirg-lists-dangerous-toys Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:07:49 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/parents-encouraged-to-buy-safe-toys-for-kids Peggy Lee http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/parents-encouraged-to-buy-safe-toys-for-kids Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:04:33 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/watchdogs-offer-advice-for-toy-shoppers WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators Tuesday assured parents that it's safe to buy toys, if they're careful. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging parents to stay informed about safety risks by reading product warning labels and signing up for e-mail notification of recalls. Lead hazards posed by toys made in China have prompted a record number of toy recalls in recent months. And consumer groups say dangerous toys are still on store shelves. In a four-day investigation, the Center for Environmental Health found that nine out of the 100 toys it purchased had high levels of lead, and another six had more than trace levels of lead. And in a 57-page annual survey, U.S. Public Interest Research Group said toys with small magnets as well as small parts that pose choking hazards create significant risks. CPSC head Nancy Nord said toys are under more intense scrutiny than ever before. But she said parents should be extra cautious with toys that have small parts or projectiles and those that are ridden, such as skateboards. http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/watchdogs-offer-advice-for-toy-shoppers Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:25:42 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/retailers-brace-tv-viewers-for-digital http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/retailers-brace-tv-viewers-for-digital Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:57:23 -0600 http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/stores-misinforming-consumers-about-dtv-switch-group-says A consumer advocacy group says that http://www.marylandpirg.org/in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/consumer-protection-in-the-news/stores-misinforming-consumers-about-dtv-switch-group-says Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:43:43 -0600