Consumer Product Safety Commission
Contents
Consumer Product Safety Commission
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal agency whose mission is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products. A cornerstone of its work is the collection and analysis of data, which it uses to identify hazards, issue recalls, and develop safety standards. The CPSC's statistical programs are a vital part of its public safety mission.
Key Statistical Programs and Data Resources
| • | National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS): This is the CPSC's most significant statistical program. NEISS is a national probability sample of U.S. hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments. For more than 45 years, it has collected data on consumer product-related injuries that are treated in these emergency rooms. The CPSC uses this data to produce nationwide estimates of the total number and types of product-related injuries. NEISS data is publicly available and is widely used by researchers, public health officials, and the media. |
| • | SaferProducts.gov: This is a public, online database where consumers, businesses, and government agencies can submit reports of unsafe products and related injuries. While not a statistical survey in the traditional sense, the data from SaferProducts.gov is a valuable source of information on product hazards and is used by the CPSC to identify emerging risks and support its enforcement and recall efforts. The CPSC publishes the data with personally identifiable information removed. |
| • | National Injury Information Clearinghouse: The CPSC's Clearinghouse serves as a central repository for incident data. It collects and disseminates information from a variety of sources, including NEISS, death certificates, medical examiner reports, and consumer complaints. This data is used to provide a more complete picture of product-related injuries and deaths. |
| • | Recall Data: The CPSC maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of product recalls, which includes details on the product, the hazard, and the remedy. This data is available through the CPSC's website, as a mobile app, and through an API for developers, making it a valuable tool for consumers and businesses alike. |
| • | Statistical and Technical Reports: The CPSC publishes numerous reports and research papers that analyze data on specific product categories, hazards (e.g., carbon monoxide, fires), and vulnerable populations (e.g., children, older adults). These reports often use a combination of NEISS data, incident reports, and other sources to provide a detailed look at product safety issues. |