environment

FDA Issues Warning: Eye Drops Could Cause Vision Loss Due To Contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about 26 over-the-counter eye drop products, including well-known store brands like CVS, Target, and Rite Aid, which could lead to serious eye infections and potentially result in vision loss or blindness. 

The FDA discovered “insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas” in the facility responsible for producing these products, prompting the recommendation for a product recall.

These eye drops, marketed under brands such as CVS Health, Rite Aid, Target Up&Up, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), and Velocity Pharma, are designed to be sterile. While no injuries have been reported thus far, the FDA advises anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products to consult a healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.

For more information, visit: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Health Department Urges CO Detector Installation To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents of Michigan to take preventive measures against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as they set their clocks back for the end of daylight saving time on Sunday, November 5th. 

CO, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas responsible for numerous home poisonings.

Most CO incidents occur due to improperly installed or maintained fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, generators, gas grills, and more. CO forms when fossil fuels like wood, propane, and gasoline are burned. 

State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer emphasizes the importance of CO detectors, stating, “Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors save lives.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 100,000 people visit the emergency department nationwide each year due to accidental CO poisoning.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Victor Super Premium Dog Food Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination

Mid America Pet Food, based in Mount Pleasant, Texas, has issued a voluntary recall of three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula produced at its Mount Pleasant facility. The recall is due to the potential contamination of Salmonella.

Salmonella can pose health risks to animals consuming the contaminated food and also to humans who may handle the pet products without thoroughly washing their hands afterward.

Pets affected by Salmonella may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some may only show signs of decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even seemingly healthy pets can carry the infection and transmit it to other animals or humans. 

For more information, visit: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Fort Gratiot Charter Township Plans Public Hearing For Solar Energy Project Land Use Approval

The Fort Gratiot Charter Township Planning Commission has scheduled a special public hearing on Wednesday, November 8th, at 6:00 p.m., to discuss Portside Solar, LLC’s request for special land use approval for a large principal-use solar energy system. The hearing will take place at the Blue Water Convention Center, located at 800 Harker Street, Port Huron.

The purpose of the hearing is to allow the public to hear comments and/or objections and to take action. 

Residents are encouraged to review the proposal at the Fort Gratiot Municipal Center during regular business hours or online at fortgratiot.us under the “Minutes and Agendas, Planning Commission” section. 

Written comments can be submitted until 4:30 p.m., on November 8th, either by mail, through a building drop box at the Fort Gratiot Municipal Center, or via email at planning@fortgratiot.us.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Haunted Attractions: Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Is Said To Offer Up Real Life Paranormal Activity

Steeped in history and mystery, the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, has intrigued paranormal enthusiasts with its eerie phenomena. Constructed in 1829, the lighthouse has become a hotspot for those seeking the supernatural.

There have been reports of unexplained drops in temperature and flashlights flickering on and off without human intervention. A recent investigation was conducted at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse by Detroit Rock City Paranormal on October 22nd, with the hopes of finding out if the stories about the paranormal activity are true. 

To satisfy your own curiosity and experience the paranormal for yourself, Port Huron Museums offers guided tours of the historic site. 

For more information on the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse tours, visit: phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Toyota Expands U.S. Safety Recall To Include 43,000 Additional Vehicles Due To Airbag Issue

Toyota has announced an expansion of its non-compliance safety recall in the United States, now encompassing an extra 43,000 vehicles from the 2023 model year. 

The affected models include the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid, and Tacoma, bringing the total number of recalled vehicles in the U.S. to approximately 153,000. The Highlander has recently had an additional 751,000 vehicles recalled for potentially loose bumpers. 

Part of the mass recall is initiated due to a potential issue with the spiral cable assembly in the steering column, which could disrupt the electrical connection controlling the driver’s airbag. 

To check if your vehicle is part of a safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell