The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Hasbro" ...
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It' No Accident: How Corporations Sell Dangerous Baby Products
Felcher reveals case after case of babies and toddlers being injured or killed by cribs, cradles, carriers, car seats, strollers and other products supposedly designed to be safe. The author, a former marketing lecturer, examines the hideous tricks that big businesses use to hide from the public the risks that their products pose to children. The book depicts how the lack of enough regulatory power over baby products has given faulty companies the leeway to settle wrongful death lawsuits outside courts and to push grieving parents to accept gag orders.
Tags: BOOK; FOIA; safety; children; Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association; lawyers; litigation; Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); Consumer Product Safety Act; recalls; advertising; Graco; Hasbro; Century Products
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Anti-microbial Toys
An investigation of new, anti-microbial plastics in consumer products. The material, "microban" uses the same active ingredient (Triclosan) that is in anti-bacterial soaps. For the past 30 years the FDA has been investigating Triclosan and has NOT found it either safe or effective. Federal authorities are most concerned about the use of Triclosan in and around children. Nevertheless, Triclosan use in soaps and plastics has exploded and is being used in toys. The company that produces the basic chemical has issued a warning about its use around children and the manufacturers of soaps and plastic have never done studies showing it as safe or effective. As a result of the investigation, the EPA imposed a $100,000 fine on Hasbro (the toy company) and ordered the firm to change all of its advertising and packaging which included health claims associated with the use of it's products incorporating Triclosan. The story concludes with a look toward the future: toothpaste makers were planning on introducing products that included Triclosan. These are now on the market. Also, despite manufacturer's claims, germs are becoming immune to the effects of Triclosan.
Tags: audio tape; anti-microbial; plastics; toys; FDA; Triclosan; chemical; germs