May 7, 2012

The Wall Street Journal (5/7, Welsh) reports that Chrysler announced that it is recalling some 2011 and 2012 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers. The recall is due to an electrical issue that could cause antilock-brake and stability-control system malfunctions. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration document, Chrysler says the problem can be traced to the overheating of the power distribution center. The recall, which effects up to 119,072 vehicles, is expected to begin this month.

The AP (5/6) reported that to correct the problem, Chrysler will relocate and exchange a fuse on the recalled vehicles. The company said it “is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fires related to the overheating.”

The Detroit News (5/6, Shepardson) added Chrysler “initially thought the problem was unique to the heavy use of police vehicles after the problem first surfaced in a Michigan State Police training vehicle, and 34 other complaints were reported. Chrysler initially recalled about 10,000 Dodge Chargers used by police — though it also fixed another problem on the police vehicles — replacing the headlamp jumper wire harnesses. After a review of field reports, Chrysler found 43 reports that may relate to same issue in civilian vehicles.”

CDC has not yet responded to recommendation on lead standards. USA Today (5/5, Young) reported “The CDC has not responded to “a landmark recommendation” from its Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention that the CDC “cut by half the amount of lead in a child’s blood that should trigger protective actions by doctors, health departments and parents.” The committee gave the CDC 90 days to respond, and the lack of response is “raising concerns among some advisers and health organizations whether politics is delaying the action and putting children at risk.” The report noted adopting the guidelines would increase the number of children considered “lead poisoned” from 250,000 to 450,000, even as Congress has “cut CDC’s funding for lead poisoning prevention…by 94%, down to just $2 million.”