DiPirro v. Hobby Shack, et al.

Posted: 02/08/2001  browse the case archive

Citizen enforcer Michael DiPirro and Hobby Shack, Hobby People, Inc., and Global Hobby Distributors, Inc. (collectively “Hobby Shack”) entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement on February 8, 2001.  The Settlement Agreement resolved DiPirro’s allegations that Hobby Shack sold: (1) lead weights and other lead products, and soldering products containing lead and formaldehyde; (2) soldering irons, solder kits, sailboat kits, and other products that contain lead or solder and/or produce formaldehyde; and (3) contact cement and other adhesives, iron cleaners and racing fuels containing trichloroethylene, toluene and nitromethane in the State of California without providing the requisite health hazard warnings. 

Pursuant to the settlement agreement, hobby shack agreed to immediately initiate efforts to revise its current packaging labels for the products consistent with the language agreed upon in the settlement.  Hobby Shack also agreed to use reasonable efforts to ensure that all products in its possession intended for distribution or sale in California are packaged or sold using the revised labels as soon as commercially reasonable and that no product will be sold in California after May 31, 2001 unless it is accompanied by a revised label. 

The Settlement Agreement requires settlement payments of $55,000, divided between civil penalties, 75% of which are paid to California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and compensation to whistleblower DiPirro and his counsel for their successful enforcement of this matter in the public interest.

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