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

August 25, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
On August 25, 2014, the parties involved in the enforcement action Leeman v. Legrand Holdings, Inc., et al. executed an agreement.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D., alleged that the defendants Legrand Holdings, Inc. and The Wiremold Company (collectively “Legrand”) sold vinyl/PVC cord protectors containing the phthalate chemical...
July 30, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Held v. All Access Apparel, Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on July 30, 2014.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Anthony Held, Ph.D., P.E., alleged that All Access Apparel, Inc. (“All Access”) sold belts and headphones with vinyl/PVC wires, both containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in the State of...
June 9, 2014
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement Agreement
On June 9, 2014, the parties executed an out-of-court Settlement Agreement, which resolved the allegations that whistleblower Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D., made against settling party Modern Marketing Concepts, Inc. (“Modern Marketing”).  In this matter, Leeman alleged that Modern Marketing sold vinyl/PVC cases containing the phthalate chemical di(2-...
March 3, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
On March 3, 2014, the parties involved in the enforcement action Brimer v. DGL Group, Ltd., et al., executed a Consent Judgment.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer alleged that the defendant DGL Group, Ltd. (“DGL”) sold vinyl/PVC cases for electronics containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the...
February 12, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Held v. Kolder, Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on February 12, 2014.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Anthony Held, Ph.D., P.E., alleged that Kolder, Inc. (“Kolder”) sold vinyl/PVC beverage containers containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in the State of California without providing the requisite...
January 31, 2014
Lead
Consent Judgment
On January 31, 2014, the parties involved in the enforcement action Brimer v. Visual Land, Inc., et al., executed a Consent Judgment.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer alleged that the defendant Visual Land, Inc. (“Visual Land”) sold vinyl/PVC headphone cords containing the heavy metal lead in the State of California without providing the...
January 17, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
On January 17, 2014, the parties involved in the enforcement action Brimer v. Pagecomm International, Inc., et al., executed a Consent Judgment.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer alleged that the defendant Pagecomm International, Inc. (“Pagecomm”) sold vinyl headset cords containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“...
December 31, 2013
DEHP, TDCPP
Consent Judgment
Citizen enforcer Russell Brimer’s allegations against defendant Atlantic Representations, Inc. (Atlantic Representations”) were resolved on December 31, 2013, when the parties executed a Consent Judgment.  In this matter, Brimer alleged that Atlantic Representations sold upholstered ottomans with foam padding containing the flame retardant tris(1,3-...