Consumer Reports News
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• Celebrate Independence Day Safely
  Barbecues, picnics in the park, outdoor entertainment and, of course, fireworks are all part of the July 4th holiday in the U.S. The experts at Consumer Reports have put together a comprehensive guide to help you safely celebrate America's birthday.
• Beware the summer car-buying incentives
  Car makers and dealers are offering a flood of rebates and other enticements for car-shoppers this July 4th holiday weekend. But are they really great deals? Consumer Reports' experts tell you what you need to know.
• Beware bird-flu scams
  Consumer Reports says online marketers are promoting supplements and prescription drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) to guard against avian flu. Our experts warn of the dangers of these online pitches.
• Are silver fillings safe for kids' teeth?
  The amalgams dentists use to fill in cavities contain a mix of materials, including lead--a heavy metal that can cause neurological disorders, especially in children. Should you be concerned for your kids' safety? Consumer Reports weighs in.
• Consumer Reports: There's truth in the cocoa mulch myth
  Recent mass e-mails warn readers not to use mulch made from cacao, the plants that also produce cocoa and chocolate. Consumer Reports' home and garden experts say people—especially dog owners—shouldn't dismiss the e-mail as an urban legend.
• Carbon monoxide and meat: Good to sell, good to eat?
  Consumer Reports' safety experts say that some supermarket chains are selling ground beef and steaks packed with the poisonous gas to keep the meat's natural red color longer. But is carbon monoxide meat safe? Here's what you need to know.
• New safety concerns over mercury in canned tuna
  Consumer Reports warns that canned light tuna fish might not be as safe from mercury contamination as previously thought. Find out what the risks are and who should avoid eating canned tuna fish.
• Consumer Reports on hurricane preparedness
  June is the beginning of hurricane season in the U.S. The home and safety experts at Consumer Reports have developed an online guide to help you prepare for the next major storm.
• Safety group redefines risk reporting
  Consumer Reports warns that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering modifying its rules governing risky consumer products. Could these changes mean an increased danger to consumers? Find out what you can do about it here.
• Defend yourself against drive-by driveway scams
  Consumer Reports experts say it's one of the oldest cons in the book: A "handyman" has too much sealant and offers to seal your driveway for an incredibly low price. Here's what you need to know to avoid the scam and get the job done right.
• Consumers feel the pinch of fuel prices
  The latest survey conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center yields interesting information about how the rising cost of gasoline is affecting consumers' lifestyles. Read what may happen if gas prices jump even higher.
• Consumer Reports on smart buys in fuel-efficient vehicles
  Car makers are offering big incentives to consumers shopping for new cars this Memorial Day weekend. But Consumer Reports experts reveal where the real long-term savings lie in new car deals.
• Are fat-blocking drugs safe?
  A forthcoming over-the-counter fat-blocking pill called Alli promises to help dieters lose weight--just like its prescription-only predecessor, Xenical or orlistat. But Consumer Reports' health experts warn the weight loss drug could have embarrassing side effects.
• Consumer Reports sinks three swimming pool alarms
  They're designed to sound an alert when someone falls into an unattended backyard pool and help prevent accidental drowning. But not all pool alarms work well. Read which alarms didn't pass muster with Consumer Reports' safety experts.
• Unsafe bicycle helmets recalled
  Consumer Reports' safety experts have discovered that two adult bicycle helmets have failed to meet federal protection standards. Click here to find out which models have been found defective and what you should do.
• Defective smoke and carbon monoxide alarms recalled
  Consumer Reports says two models of the battery-powered home safety devices sold from June 2005 to March are defective. Click here to find out if you're at risk.
• Consumer Reports on student loan consolidation
  Want to consolidate college student loans to a lower rate? Consumer Reports says you should act fast since a fast-approaching deadline may make it harder to refinance those school debts.
• Nutritional supplements to watch out for
  Pomegranate juice, black cohosh, CoQ10 enzymer, "safe" fat-burners… Consumer Reports health experts weigh in on six natural nutritional supplements. Click here to read which ones are safe and effective and which ones you should avoid.
• Dishwashers to become less of a drain
  Consumer Reports says new dishwashers will have to meet tougher energy-efficiency requirements in order to meet federal Energy Star standards. But click here to learn how to make your current dishwasher more efficient.
• Saving fuel costs, even with SUVs
  Consumer Reports shows how choosing more fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs could save you hundreds of dollars at the gas pump annually.
• The truth about Formosan termites and mulch
  An e-mail warns not to buy lawn mulch from Home Depot or Lowe's home improvement stores because it's made from termite-infested wood from New Orleans's Hurricane Katrina disaster. Consumer Reports gets to the truth of the matter.
• Why teens fall asleep in class
  Consumer Reports says a new study finds one in four high school students are falling asleep in class at least once a week. Click here to find out why teens are so tired and f