Consumer Product Safety Commission

Consumer Product Safety Commission

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency of the United States government. It was established in 1972 through the Consumer Product Safety Act to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. The CPSC is responsible for promoting the safety of consumer products by addressing "unreasonable risks" of injury, developing uniform safety standards, and conducting research into product-related illness and injury.

History

The CPSC was created in response to growing concerns about the safety of consumer products in the 1960s and early 1970s. The Consumer Product Safety Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on October 27, 1972, and the CPSC began operating on May 14, 1973. Since its inception, the CPSC has worked to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths from consumer products by developing safety standards, conducting recalls, and educating the public.

Mission and Responsibilities

The mission of the CPSC is to "protect the public against unreasonable risks of injury from consumer products through education, safety standards activities, regulation, and enforcement." The CPSC has jurisdiction over thousands of types of consumer products, from toys and cribs to power tools and household chemicals.

Key Functions

• Regulation and Standards: The CPSC develops mandatory standards and works with industry to develop voluntary standards for consumer products.
• Product Recalls: The CPSC has the authority to issue recalls of products that pose a significant risk to consumers.
• Research and Data Collection: The CPSC collects data on injuries and deaths associated with consumer products and conducts research to identify and address emerging hazards.
• Public Education: The CPSC provides information to consumers about product safety and how to avoid injuries.

Notable Actions

The CPSC has been involved in numerous high-profile recalls and safety initiatives. Some notable actions include:

• Lead in Toys: In the mid-2000s, the CPSC conducted major recalls of toys containing lead paint, leading to stricter regulations on lead content in children's products.
• Hoverboard Fires: In 2015, the CPSC investigated reports of hoverboards catching fire and issued safety warnings, leading to recalls and the development of safety standards.
• Infant Sleep Products: The CPSC has taken action against unsafe infant sleep products, including inclined sleepers, which have been linked to infant deaths.

Structure and Organization

The CPSC is headed by a five-member commission, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners serve staggered seven-year terms, and no more than three commissioners can be from the same political party.

Offices and Divisions

The CPSC is organized into several offices and divisions, including:

• Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction: Responsible for identifying and reducing risks associated with consumer products.
• Office of Compliance and Field Operations: Enforces compliance with safety standards and conducts field investigations.
• Office of Communications: Manages public information and education efforts.

Challenges and Criticisms

The CPSC faces several challenges, including limited resources and the need to keep pace with rapidly changing technology and product innovation. Critics have sometimes argued that the CPSC is too slow to act or that it lacks the authority to effectively regulate certain products.

See Also

• Food and Drug Administration
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

External Links

• Official CPSC Website