TREND WATCH

A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications.

Research Link: After a 3-year test, Arbitron will soon go national with a TV and radio ratings system it hopes will prove revolutionary. The system, called ScanAmerica, asks participants to tell not just what they watch, but also what they buy. A participant uses an electronic wand to scan the bar codes on household purchases. With this added information, Arbitron can tell advertisers whether the watchers of, say, “Knot’s Landing,” are more likely to include cat food or diapers in their weekly shopping. St. Paul Pioneer Press

Mortgages for Movers: Barnett Mortgage of Jacksonville, Fla., and SunTrust Mortgage of Atlanta have come up with loans for home buyers who don’t plan to own one house for the rest of their lives. The loans, called 7-30 mortgages, offer a fixed rate for the first seven years and an option to renew at an adjusted rate over the remaining 23 years. The advantage to new homeowners is a lower initial rate than traditional mortgages. Florida and California, with their transient populations, are expected to embrace the new offering, but the loans may also attract military families, first-time home buyers and executives who relocate frequently. St. Petersburg Times

Ready Cameras: Film manufacturers are taking advantage of consumers’ interest in low-end 35-millimeter cameras. Polaroid, Kodak and Fuji films will be joined in the market by Konica’s new film and a 3M product under the Scotch name. One reason for the increased competition: 35-millimeter film sales soared 87.4% in 1989, a $254-million increase over 1988. Chain Drug Review

Child Labor: The Labor Department reports that 90,000 children between the ages of 14 and 15 are working in the United States, and estimates that the United States employs more persons under 18 than any other industrialized nation. The numbers reflect intentional or accidental violations of U.S. law, especially in restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and farms. The department is concerned not only about children’s safety, but also their education. In the United States, where 10% to 12% of high schoolers are employed, the overall literacy rate is 75%, compared to 95% in West Germany and Japan where less than 1% of teens work. Tampa Tribune