Congress established the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) with the enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Act in 1972. The CPSC’s purpose is to protect the public from the risk of serious injuries or death by more than 15,000 products that range from products for children to off-road vehicles.
The commission does not regulate products regulated by other federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms or the Food (guns) and Drug Administration (medication). Congress enacted the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in 2008, which provides more consumer protections.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 includes specific requirements for children’s products. It also provides legal protection for whistleblowers who inform the public about product safety.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
Like other federal regulatory agencies and commissions, the CPSC sets the safety rules and standards manufacturers must abide by. The commission does not issue recalls. Instead, it establishes the safety standards consumer products must meet. It does this in collaboration with numerous independent standards and testing organizations like the American National Standards Institute and Underwriters Laboratories.
When a product does not meet these standards, the manufacturer will issue the recall which may be either compulsory or voluntary. Compulsory recalls concern products with a high risk of causing harm, while voluntary recalls concern products which may carry a lesser risk but still do not meet the safety standards set by the CPSC. The commission posts these recalls on its official website.
May Product Recalls
Most people are familiar with products safety recalls, which are requests to return a batch or an entire production run of a product to the manufacturer. This usually includes removing the product from store shelves until the manufacturer resolves the safety issue and the product is safe for consumer use. There are several product recalls for the month of May.
Hunter Fan Brunswick Three and Four Light Ceiling Fan
This product’s recall is due to shock hazard. The light kit wires may have damage that creates a threat of electric shock. A consumer should stop use immediately and contact Hunter to receive a free replacement light kit.
Home Meridian Corner Curio Cabinets
This product’s recall is due to tip-over hazard. If not anchored to the wall, the product may tip over and cause entrapment and serious risk of injury to children. The manufacturer advises consumers to stop use immediately and contact Haverty’s for a free pickup and full refund or store credit.
American Honda Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles
This product’s recall is due to crash and injury hazards. The throttle pedal has been known to stick in the open position, causing crash and injury. Consumers should stop use immediately and contact a Honda dealership for free inspection and repair.
Mares Buoyancy Compensation Valve
This product’s recall is because of a drowning hazard. The deflation button can loosen and result in a loss of buoyancy. Consumers should immediately stop use and contact Mares for a free repair.
Hayward Industries Pool Heater Vent Kits
This product’s recall is because the vent kits do not fit properly, allowing carbon monoxide to leak out. The manufacturer advises consumers to immediately turn off their pool heaters and not use them Hayward installs a replacement. Contact Hayward to receive a new kit and free installation.
AmazonBasics Ceramic Space Heaters
This product’s recall is because the product may tip and create a fire hazard or cause burns. Consumers should immediately stop use and contact Amazon for a full refund.
Target Toddler Boots
This product’s recall is because the unicorn horn can detach causing a choking hazard. Consumers should keep boots away from children immediately and return to target for a full refund.
Cushy Form Folding Mattress
This product’s recall is because it fails to meet federal flammability standards, which makes the product a fire hazard. Consumers should immediately stop use and contact Cushy Form for a free mattress liner that follows federal regulations.
How to Report a Defective or Dangerous Product
If you suffer an injury due to a defective product, you may report a product-related injury, unsafe product, or file a claim to the CPSC. You may also contact a qualified personal injury lawyer. At Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A., our Phoenix defective product lawyers help injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to explore your legal options.
Report products to the CPSC either online, by e-mail at [email protected], through phone at (800) 638-2772, x650, by fax at (800) 809-0924, or by sending a letter to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Injury Report, Washington, DC 20207.