The FDA has discovered that several gel nail polish remover products contain methylene chloride, a chemical banned in cosmetics.
Methylene chloride is a potentially dangerous substance linked to cancer and other health risks, and is often not disclosed on product labels.
Consumers are urged to avoid specific products, mostly originating from China, with methylene chloride content as high as 92.7%.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a public warning after identifying methylene chloride, a toxic industrial solvent banned in cosmetics, in several gel nail polish remover products currently marketed to consumers.
This discovery raises serious health concerns, particularly because the chemical is often hidden under alternative names or left off product labels entirely.
Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane or methyl bichloride, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Commonly used in paint removers, metal cleaning, and degreasing, the chemical has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and is suspected of posing significant risks to human health. As a result, the FDA has prohibited its use in cosmetic products under federal regulation 21 CFR 700.19.
The agency tested multiple cosmetic products marketed as gel nail polish removers and confirmed alarmingly high levels of methylene chloridesome nearing 93%. Despite its ban, the substance was either omitted from the ingredient labels or disguised under less familiar names, leaving consumers unaware of the danger.
Four products
The products identified in the FDA's investigation include:
Product Name
Year Tested
Country of Origin
Methylene Chloride Content (%)
AL'IVER Nail Polish Quick Gel Remover
2024
China
77.1%
ALIVER Professional MAGIC REMOVER
2024
China
83.6%
AIBRIT Gel Nail Polish Remover
2024
China
92.7%
BesTby Gel Nail Polish Remover
2024
China
87.1%
All of the listed products originate from China and are widely sold online and in retail settings. The FDA advises consumers to immediately stop using these products and report any adverse effects experienced to the agencys MedWatch program.
This warning underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in cosmetic manufacturing and labeling. Consumers are encouraged to scrutinize product ingredients carefully and to avoid products that fail to disclose complete ingredient information.
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Product:MoonSoll and Magic Chems ethanol fuel bottles imported by Demlar Online Store
Hazard:
The bottles violate the federal safety standard for portable fuel containers because they lack flame mitigation devices required by the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, posing a deadly flash fire risk.
They also violate Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) labeling rules by falsely claiming the contents are Non-Toxic.
Remedy:
Stop using these fuel bottles and keep them out of reach of children.
WriteDo not useand theAmazon order numberon the container with a permanent marker and email a photo toinfo@demlar.comto receive a full refund.
Dispose of the fuel bottles according to local and state regulations for household hazardous waste.
Disposal note:
Follow local household hazardous waste (HHW) guidance for flammable liquids. Keep the product in its container, clearly label it Do Not Use, and bring it to a local HHW drop-off program as directed by your city, county or state.
Play yards sold on Amazon by Anna Queen
Product: Anna Queen play yards, sold on Amazon
Hazard:
The play yards violate the mandatory federal standard for play yards. Infants can become entrapped under the mattress or between the side of the play yard and the mattress, posing a risk of serious injury or deadly suffocation.
Remedy:
Stop using the play yard immediately.
Disassemble the fabric cover from the frame, cut up the cover and mattress pad, and email a photo of the destroyed product to tingerservice@outlook.com to receive a full refund. Then dispose of the destroyed play yard.
Little Partners Grow 'N Stow Folding Learning Towers
Product: Little Partners Childrens Grow 'N Stow Folding Learning Towers
Hazard:
The platform inside the tower can collapse, posing a fall hazard to young children.
Remedy:
Stop using the learning tower and keep it away from children.
Contact Little Partners for a free repair kit, which includes a new crossbar with pin tabs and installation instructions. The new crossbar will have a sticker indicating it is no longer part of the recall. Remove and dispose of the old crossbar.
Romorgniz fabric 12- and 13-drawer dressers (Amazon)
Product: Romorgniz fabric 12- and 13-drawer dressers, sold on Amazon
Hazard:
The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall and violate the mandatory standard for clothing storage units required by the STURDY Act. They pose serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in injury or death to children.
Remedy:
If the dresser is not anchored, stop using it immediately and place it where children cannot access it.
Contact Romorgniz for instructions on how to dispose of the dresser to receive a full refund. Consumers must submit a photo to Romorgnizrecall@outlook.com showing the product has been disposed of.
Units affected: About 1,980 13-drawer dressers and 35 12-drawer dressers
Product: Magnet fidget spinner sets sold on Amazon by Anzmtosn
Hazard:
The sets contain loose, high-powered magnets and violate the mandatory toy standard. If swallowed, the magnets can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system, causing intestinal perforations, twisting or blockage, blood poisoning and potentially death.
Remedy:
Stop using the magnetic fidget spinner sets immediately and keep them away from children.
Dispose of the product and email a photo of the disposal to Anzmtosn at Anzmtosn53@163.com to receive a full refund.
Hazard:
The steering arm dampers can be installed incorrectly, which can cause an unexpected bouncing motion and loss of control, posing a crash hazard.
Remedy:
Stop using the recalled Spartan riding mowers.
Contact an authorized Spartan dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair of the steering arm dampers.
To check if your mower is included, youll need the model and serial number.
Product: Mallimoda childrens pajama sets sold on Amazon
Hazard:
The pajama sets violate mandatory standards for childrens sleepwear, posing a risk of serious injuries or deadly burn hazards.
Remedy:
Stop using the pajama sets immediately.
Cut the garments in half and email a photo of the destroyed pajamas to mallimodarecall@hotmail.com with the consumers name and Recall Proof in the subject line to receive a full refund.
Bearlala baby loungers sold on Walmart.com by Nuoxuann
Product: Bearlala baby loungers sold on Walmart.com by Nuoxuann
Hazard:
The loungers violate the mandatory standard for Infant Sleep Products. The sides are too low to contain an infant, and the openings at the foot are wider than allowed, posing fall and entrapment hazards. They also lack a stand, which can create a fall hazard if used on elevated surfaces. Together, these issues create an unsafe sleep environment that can cause serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Stop using the baby loungers immediately.
Remove the foam and pads from the cover, cut the cover, foam and pad in half, and email photos of the destroyed pieces to Recall-nuoxuann@outlook.com to receive a full refund.
Hazard:
The stroller violates the mandatory standard for strollers because the restraint system can fail, posing a risk of serious injury or deadly fall hazard.
Remedy:
Stop using the stroller immediately.
Contact AliExpress for a full refund. Consumers must cut the restraints and email a photo of the destroyed product to us_product_recall@aliexpress.com.
Mozilla announced this week it's ending its partnership with Onerep, a data removal service whose founder was secretly operating people-search websites
The Monitor Plus service will shut down December 17, 2025, with subscribers receiving prorated refunds
This highlights the need for consumers to be extremely cautious about data removal services that may have conflicts of interest
If you've been paying for a service to remove your personal information from the internet, you need to know about this major red flag that just surfaced in the data privacy industry.
What's happening with Mozilla and Onerep
Mozilla announced Tuesday that it's finally ending its partnership with Onerep, the company behind its Monitor Plus data removal service. This comes after a damning investigation revealed that Onerep's founder was playing both sides of the game.
Back in March 2024, security journalist Brian Krebs exposed that Dimitiri Shelest, Onerep's CEO, had created dozens of people-search websites since 2010. Even worse, he was still operating Nuwber, a data broker that sells background reports on people.
Think about that for a moment: you were potentially paying a company to remove your data from websites that the same company's founder had created and was profiting from.
The timeline reveals Mozilla's slow response
Mozilla first said it was "winding down" the partnership in March 2024 after the investigation broke. But here's what's concerning for consumers: the company kept promoting and selling the service for another 16 months.
The Monitor Plus service won't officially end until December 17, 2025. Current subscribers will get prorated refunds for unused portions of their subscriptions.
Mozilla cited "high standards for vendors" and challenges in the "data broker ecosystem" as reasons for ending the service, but many consumers are questioning why it took so long.
Your action plan for data removal services
Research any data removal service thoroughly before paying - look up the company's founders and leadership team
Check if the service provider has any connections to data broker companies or people-search sites
Read recent reviews and complaints, not just testimonials on the company's website
Consider the DIY approach - many data brokers are required by law to honor removal requests directly from consumers
If you're currently using Monitor Plus, expect your refund to process automatically after December 17
Be skeptical of services that promise to remove your data from "hundreds" of sites - experts say these often only cover a tiny fraction of actual data sources
The bigger picture for your privacy
This situation reveals a fundamental problem in the data removal industry. Some companies may be creating the very problem they claim to solve.
Mozilla's struggle to find a replacement service that meets their standards suggests that ethical options in this space may be limited. The company plans to focus on integrating more privacy features directly into Firefox instead.
The bottom line: The Onerep scandal shows that data removal services can have serious conflicts of interest. Before paying anyone to protect your privacy, do your homework on who's really behind the company. Sometimes the fox is guarding the henhouse, and your money might be better spent on direct removal requests or other privacy protection methods you control yourself.
More than 360,000 flights expected during Thanksgiving week, with Tuesday being the worst day for delays
Peak travel day on November 25 will see over 52,000 flights competing for limited airspace
Smart planning and flexible booking can help you avoid the worst crowds and potential cancellations
If you're flying for Thanksgiving this year, brace yourself. The Federal Aviation Administration just announced this holiday travel period will be the busiest in 15 years, and that spells trouble for anyone hoping for smooth flights.
The perfect storm brewing in our skies
In an announcement on Friday, November 21, the FAA revealed they're preparing to handle more than 360,000 flights during the Thanksgiving travel period. That's an enormous number of planes competing for the same airspace, runways, and gate space.
The worst day will be Tuesday, November 25, when over 52,000 flights are expected to crisscross the country. To put that in perspective, that's more than one flight taking off every two seconds throughout the entire day.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford acknowledged the challenge ahead, praising air traffic controllers who will be working overtime to manage what he called "record-high traffic."
Why this affects your wallet and sanity
More flights don't just mean crowded airports they mean higher prices, longer delays, and increased chances your flight gets cancelled altogether. When demand spikes like this, airlines know they can charge premium prices because you have fewer alternatives.
The ripple effects hit hard too. One delayed flight can cascade into dozens of others, potentially stranding you in an airport for hours or even overnight. That means unexpected hotel costs, meal expenses, and the stress of missing family gatherings.
Your action plan to beat the chaos
Don't let airline chaos ruin your holiday. Here's how to protect yourself:
Book the earliest flight possible on your travel day delays compound throughout the day, so morning flights have the best shot at leaving on time
Avoid Tuesday, November 25 entirely if you can choose Monday or Wednesday instead, even if it costs slightly more
Download your airline's app and enable push notifications for real-time updates about gate changes and delays
Pack essentials in your carry-on, including medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes in case your checked bag gets lost
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international security lines will be brutal
Consider travel insurance that covers flight delays and cancellations, especially if you're booking expensive tickets
Have backup plans ready, including alternative flights or even driving routes if your flight gets cancelled
The FAA has also launched a new civility campaign, reminding passengers to be patient and kind. While that's nice advice, your best defense is being prepared for the worst-case scenario.
The bottom line: This Thanksgiving's record-breaking flight volume is a recipe for delays, cancellations, and sky-high prices. Your best strategy is to fly early in the day, avoid the peak travel day of November 25, and have backup plans ready. The airlines are counting on your desperation to see family don't let them profit from poor planning on your part.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is forgiving over $272 million in backlogged medical copayments that veterans unknowingly accumulated
Technical issues starting in February 2023 caused the VA to stop processing certain community care copayments, creating a massive debt pile
Veterans can now access their benefits without fear of surprise bills from the processing pause period
If you're a veteran who received community care services since early 2023, you just got some major financial relief. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced this week it's wiping out more than $272 million in potential medical bills that piled up due to government processing failures.
What happened with veteran medical bills
Starting in February 2023, the VA stopped processing copayments for community care services due to technical problems with their Program Integrity Tool (PIT). This system is supposed to manage claims data and ensure accurate billing.
For nearly two years, veterans continued receiving care without knowing they were accumulating potential debt. The bills just kept piling up in the background while the government's payment system remained broken.
The VA resumed normal billing on November 11, 2025, but decided to forgive the entire backlog rather than hit veterans with surprise bills.
How this affects you as a veteran
If you received community care services between February 2023 and November 2025, you may have been impacted by this billing pause. The good news is you won't be responsible for any copayments that should have been collected during this period.
Veterans who were worried about potential medical debt can now breathe easier knowing these bills have been permanently forgiven.
Your action plan
Check your VA account online to confirm you're not being billed for community care services from the affected period
Contact the VA through Ask VA online if you have questions about your specific situation or received any confusing billing statements
Keep records of all community care services you received during this timeframe in case any billing issues arise
Stay informed about your current copayment responsibilities now that normal billing has resumed
Use the VA's chatbot or call 1-800-698-2411 if you need clarification about your benefits
The bottom line: This debt forgiveness removes a major financial burden from hundreds of thousands of veterans who were caught in a government processing failure through no fault of their own. While it's good news for those affected, make sure you understand your current copayment responsibilities going forward to avoid future billing surprises.
FAA staffing cuts and government disruptions may lead to delaysand open the door to more travel targeting stressed flyers.
AI is being used by both legitimate travel services and scammers, making it critical for travelers to verify messages, calls, and customer service contacts before acting.
Travelers should adopt a zero-trust mindset, use credit cards for stronger protection, avoid unfamiliar payment methods, and go directly to airline or hotel sites to confirm alerts.
Holiday travel has always come with a little stress, but this year, many travelers are facing a new set of challenges before they even get to the airport.
With news of significant layoffs at the FAA and the rapid rise of AI-powered travel agent tools, the landscape of booking, confirming, and navigating trips looks different than ever. And while the season is still expected to be busy, experts say being informed and prepared can make the difference between a smooth holiday journey and an unexpected headache.
ConsumerAffairs interviewed Clayton LiaBraaten, Senior Executive Industry Expert at Truecaller, to learn more about the importance of going into holiday travel with a little extra awareness and preparation.
The impact of the government shutdown
While the government shutdown has technically ended, travelers are likely to feel the effects throughout the holiday season.
Beyond the expected logistical delays, we are facing a reduced capacity for enforcing consumer protection, which emboldens scammers, LiaBraaten explained. Bad actors know that regulatory bodies are stretched thin, and they will exploit the chaos of delayed flights and staffing shortages.
You can expect a surge in texts and calls claiming that your flight is canceled or your booking has failed, designed to panic you and prompt you to click on malicious links. Scammers thrive on this confusion, using the noise of travel disruption to slip past your defenses.
Know how to ID a scam
For those planning travel this holiday season, LiaBraaten says its crucial to be able to separate critical travel updates from fraud.
Because scammers are now using AI to mimic legitimate companies, you need a platform that uses AI to fight back one that can distinguish a legitimate call from a scam. This ensures that the traveler takes the calls that matter, such as a legitimate update from an airline or hotel concierge, while the software blocks AI-driven fraud attempts that try to steal your credit card number.
Additionally, never rely on a Google search for customer support numbers, as scammers often purchase high-ranking ads with fake numbers to spoof unsuspecting consumers.
Travel insurance?
With busy, crowded airports, is travel insurance worth it this holiday season? LiaBraaten says yes.
Financial travel insurance is vital, but your payment method is your first layer of protection; credit cards offer far superior fraud protection than debit cards and often include insurance that makes you eligible for fraud-related refunds.
Adopting a zero-trust mindset
To have the safest trip possible, LiaBraaten encourages travelers to adopt a "zero trust" mindset regarding unsolicited communication.
Scammers are leveraging AI-powered phishing emails and fake listings that look indistinguishable from the real thing, he explained. We need to fight AI with AI. Fraudsters have weaponized AI to create convincing deepfakes and scripts.
With payment methods, fraudsters will deploy pressure tactics. Never wire money or use gift cards, Zelle, Venmo, or crypto for a travel booking if it wasn't the initial method used; these are favorite tools of scammers because the funds are hard to recover.
Lastly, if you encounter a too-good-to-be-true deal or receive an urgent alert, do not click the link. Type the airline or hotel URL directly into your browser to verify the status.
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