Computers and Electronics

Computers and Electronics

In just a few decades, the computer and electronics industry has experienced incredible change to become a global industry worth billions of dollars.  The average person now uses a large array of computerized and electronic devices regularly. This repetitive and frequent use increases the risks associated with exposure to a number of chemicals sometimes found in computer and electronics industry products.

Of particular concern are products containing phthalates and lead, chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects and reproductive harm. The Chanler Group's clients have commenced enforcement actions against, and negotiated a multitude of settlements involving, companies that sell computers and electronics containing detectable levels of lead and other phthalate chemicals in their grips or vinyl components.

As a neurotoxin, lead negatively affects the nervous system in both adults and children.  Research has shown that repeated exposure to lead cumulatively affects the developing nervous system and, over time, can lead to attention deficit, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, behavioral problems, and diminished intellectual ability.

Phthalates are "plasticizers," substances added to plastic components and materials in consumer products to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.  The Chanler Group's clients regularly investigate the presence of phthalate chemicals such as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ("DEHP"), butyl benzyl phthalate ("BBP") and Di-n-butyl phthalate ("DBP") which are often found in consumer products.

In 2012, Russell Brimer, a Chanler Group client, obtained a settlement with manufacturers and retailers of office tools and supplies (including ACCO Brands Corporation) in which manufacturers agreed to reformulate their products to virtually eliminate the presence of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. These chemicals included lead, DEHP, BBP and DBP. 

Significantly, the settlement included various computer and electronic hardware and accessories, including battery packs, bags/cases/sleeves for electronics, power cords, adapters, charging docks, cables, headset and headphone cables, mice, keyboards, trackballs, trackpads, touchpads, mousepads, speakers, computer locks and security anchors, as well as storage covers, bags, cases, sleeves, and straps.  Given the number of products this settlement covered, the litigation markedly impacted the computer and electronics industry.

To review legal agreements which The Chanler Group's clients have reached with companies that sell computer and electronic products, please see the cases below.

firm casework - enforcement

November 24, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On November 24, 2015, citizen enforcer John Moore and settling party Jem Accessories Inc. (“Jem”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Held had alleged that Jem sold vinyl/PVC headphone cords containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without providing the requisite health...
October 12, 2015
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Wozniak v. 99 Cents Only Stores LLC executed a Consent Judgment on October 12, 2015.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Paul Wozniak alleged that 99 Cents Only Stores LLC (“99 Cents”) sold earphones with vinyl/PVC cords containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of...
September 18, 2015
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Vinocur v. SDI Technologies, Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on September 18, 2015.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur alleged that SDI Technologies, Inc. (“SDI”) sold vinyl/PVC earbud pouches containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California...
September 11, 2015
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Vinocur v. Harman International Industries executed a Consent Judgment on September 11, 2015.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur alleged that Harman International Industries (“Harman”) sold headsets with vinyl/PVC headphone pouches containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP...
August 25, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
Citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur and settling party Kikkerland Design, Inc. (“Kikkerland”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement on August 25, 2015.  Vinocur had alleged that Kikkerland sold earbud cords containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without providing the requisite...
August 11, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On August 11, citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur and settling party First Texas Products, LLC (“First Texas”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Vinocur had alleged that First Texas sold headphones with vinyl/PVC components containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without...
September 19, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the enforcement action Leeman v. Great Lakes Dart Mfg., Inc., et al. executed an agreement on September 19, 2014.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D., alleged that the defendant Great Lakes Dart Mfg., Inc. (“Great Lakes”) sold vinyl/PVC game cases, including game kits, accessories, and components containing...
September 15, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
 The parties involved in the enforcement action Brimer v. TracFone Wireless, Inc., et al. executed a Consent Judgment on September 15, 2014, which resolved citizen enforcer Russell Brimer’s allegations that the defendants TracFone Wireless, Inc. and Strax Americas, Inc. (collectively “TracFone”) sold headset cords containing the phthalate chemical...