What is the Consumer Product Safety Commission?
In 1972, Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Act, which in turn created the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This federal agency regulates consumer products, and is supposed to protect the public from unsafe products that could cause injury or death.
The CPSC has been given a long-term performance goal - reduce deaths caused by fires involving consumer products. The agency is supposed to reduce this rate by 20% by the year 2013. After review, the agency is on track to achieve this goal.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates almost any type of product you can imagine - over 15,000 of them. Certain consumer goods fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies: cars and trucks are regulated by the Department of Transportation, alcohol and tobacco is regulated by the Department of the Treasury, and the Food and Drug Administration regulates drugs and cosmetics.
To keep the public safe, the CPSC does several things. It develops and issues voluntary and mandatory standards - if a consumer product cannot be made safe by standards, it is banned. If necessary, the CPSC obtains a recall or arranges repairs of a product.
Also, the Consumer Product Safety Commission conducts research to discover any potential safety hazards, and informs and educates consumers. The agency also responds to consumer inquiries.
CPSC's website has a Kids Page, which gives kids information on how to select and use in-line skates, bikes, bike helmets, and skateboards, among other things. The reports here are written just for kids - no fancy lingo they won't understand.
Special products are sometimes taken on by the agency as well. The AnthroKids - Anthropometric Data of Children involved years of measuring kids as they sat, ran, stood, walked, etc. Things measured included reach, finger span, and arm span. The results are available to those who make kid toys and furniture, so that these products fit children properly.
Another important part of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's site is their Talk to CPSC page. This is where consumers can go to file a report online regarding unsafe products, accidents, and even deaths. A health incident report is also available for health professionals that wish to submit a detailed report.
Published by SE
Senate Takes First Step Toward Product Safety in Wake of Recalls The purpose of this bill is to improve consume safety by passing stronger consumer protection laws, giving increased authority and increasing authorization levels. - Consumer Product Recalls & the Impact on New Retail BusinessWhen considering the start of your own retail business, be certain you are familiar with the quality, warnings and defects of the products you sell.
Used Baby Product Safety - Tips for Buying Second Hand Baby ProductsWith the cost of baby products being so high for such short-term use, many people get used baby products. But is this safe? Find out what to look for when getting second hand i...
Is Baby Einstein Recall a Huge Moneymaking Opportunity for Consumers or...There is news of a Baby Einstein recall, but it is not your average lead related health hazard warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Instead, it is a DVD exc...
What Are the Best Batteries to Use in a Smoke Alarm?Smoke alarms should be in every home to protect families from fire. Choosing the best battery for your smoke alarm will keep it operating longer for better protection.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission Investigating Chinese Drywall
- The Christmas Holidays and Children Toy Safety Advice
- Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC, & Christmas Shopping
- Home Safety Tips for Seniors
- The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
- Consumer Product Safety Regarding Phthalates
- Ground Beef Recall 2009 Calls into Question Food and Consumer Good Safety Procedures