CALM Act Regulates Volume of TV Commercials
12/28/2012
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established new rules for the volume of television commercials that started on December 13, 2012. The new regulation, known as the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, requires commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany. The CALM Act requires TV stations, cable operators or other multichannel video program distributors to apply specific FCC practices to commercials they transmit.
If you hear a commercial louder than the TV show it accompanies, you can file a complaint with the FCC by providing detailed information about the commercial.
Learn more about the CALM Act.
Keep Single-Load Liquid Laundry Packets Away from Children
12/29/2012
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to lock up single-load liquid laundry packets and keep them away from children.
Liquid laundry packets are attractive to children because they are soft and colorful and resemble familiar items like candy and teething products.
These items also dissolve quickly when placed in the mouth or are handled with wet hands. Children who are exposed to the chemicals are at risk of serious injury because they can be toxic.
In 2012, CPSC staff have learned of about 500 incidents involving children and adults who were injured by the packets.
CPSC recommends these steps to prevent unintentional poisonings and eye injuries:
- Do NOT let children handle laundry packets.
- Keep the liquid laundry packets sealed in their original packaging, and make sure they are locked up and out of a child’s sight and reach.
- If swallowed or exposed to the eye, immediately call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Learn more about the dangers of single-load laundry packets. (PDF)
Be a Seed for Change 