The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for protecting Americans from safety hazards in an enormous variety of everyday products—from furniture and appliances to toys and other children’s products. It sets safety standards, investigates hazards, oversees recalls, and gives families a place to turn when something goes wrong.
But Consumer Reports’ new investigation found that the agency has become smaller, slower, and less accessible to the public. Important safety rules have stalled or been withdrawn, while hazards linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, amputations, chemical exposure, and other serious injuries remain insufficiently addressed. At the same time, the CPSC has stepped back from meaningful public engagement, limiting the ability of consumers and safety advocates to share their experiences and shape the agency’s priorities.
People should not have to wait until someone is injured or killed for a dangerous product to be addressed. The CPSC must use its authority to prevent harm—and must be open to the public it serves. Take action now and tell the CPSC to strengthen product safety protections and restore meaningful public access.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission plays a vital role in protecting people from unsafe products. For decades, the agency has used data, testing, public input, and safety standards to prevent injuries and save lives.
Today, that work is at risk. The CPSC has lost staff and capacity, and new safety rules designed to address serious hazards have stalled or been withdrawn. Enforcement and recalls are important, but they cannot replace strong, forward-looking safety standards that prevent dangerous products from reaching consumers in the first place.
The public also needs a real seat at the table. Families affected by dangerous products, safety advocates, and consumers must be able to reach the agency, share their experiences, and weigh in on its priorities.
We urge the CPSC to fulfill its vital role in creating new safety standards by finalizing outstanding rules and developing new ones to address known and emerging hazards. We also ask the agency to recommit to being open and accessible to the public by reinstating the consumer ombudsman role and holding a meaningful public hearing on its annual priorities.
The CPSC must change course before it backs away further from these priorities—and before more people are harmed. We urge you to strengthen product safety protections and restore meaningful public access.