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Attorney
General Gansler Releases Two New Consumer Publications
Herbal Supplement Warnings and Analog to Digital Broadcasting Information
Available to Consumers
BALTIMORE, MD (March
26, 2008) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler released two
issues of The Consumer’s Edge, a consumer
education newsletter produced by the Office of the Attorney General.
Issue 129 warns consumers of
the potential hazards of herbal supplements and Issue
130 alerts Maryland consumers on the upcoming
transition from analog to digital television broadcasting, scheduled
to begin in 2009.
Despite the claims
that are printed on most herbal supplement bottles, it is important
to remember that the manufacturers are
not regulated by the government. Although they are not allowed
to claim that the supplements can treat, prevent or cure specific
diseases, supplement companies can make bold claims such as “antioxidants
maintain cell integrity.”
Herbal supplements can be dangerous, even deadly. The FDA has
issued warnings to consumers or has recalled products after reports
of serious illness and deaths. Supplements may also react negatively
with prescription or over-the-counter medicines, or reduce their
effectiveness.
Consumers should contact
the Consumer Protection Division’s
Health Education and Advocacy Unit at (410) 528-1840 or toll-free
at 1-877-261-8807 if they have any questions or concerns.
Issue
130 of The
Consumer’s Edge educates consumers on
the transition from analog to digital television signal. Television
sets currently receiving broadcast signals via an antenna, either
on the roof or on top of the television, will be impacted by the
change. Owners of this type of television set-up have the following
options:
- Purchase a digital-to-analog
converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between
$50 and $70. Households will be
able to
request up to two $40 coupons that can be used to offset
the cost of the converter box. The converter box will allow
consumers
to
continue watching free, over the air television on an analog
television set. To request a coupon, consumers should visit
the Digital Television
Website at www.ntia.doc.gov or by phone at 1-888-388-2009
or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY);
- Subscribe to a cable,
satellite or telecommunications service provider;
- Purchase a
new television set with built in digital tuner.
For more information
on the switch from analog to digital broadcasting, visit the
FCC website at www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC. Consumers
can also visit the Consumer Protection Division’s website
at www.oag.state.md.us or call 1-888-743-0023.
Links:
Consumer's Edge Issue 129 - Healthy Winter Living
Consumer's Edge Issue 130 - The United States of Advanced TV
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