Lucas,
Happy birthday!
Okay, it's probably not your birthday, but imagine you just unwrapped a birthday present. You look at the gift, and you're not sure what it is. Screws, knobs and buttons stick out of it -- it looks like a fearsome gadget that might hurt you if you don't handle it properly, and maybe even if you do.
How do you find out for sure if this product is harmful or report the incident if it harms you?
Starting this March, you'll be able to access a public online database where you can investigate products and submit a report if you encounter a dangerous product.
Be an empowered consumer! Sign up for the Consumer Product Safety Commission's webinar on Tuesday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m. and learn how to use the new national database.
Three years ago, Public Citizen discovered that it took way too long for the Consumer Product Safety Commission and manufacturers to notify consumers about dangerous products they may have in their homes. Now, due partly to our strong advocacy, this new resource has been launched to educate and empower consumers.
Unsafe products shouldn't find their way to the marketplace. Regulations and testing requirements are in place to keep the worst off store shelves.
But when shoddy products that can malfunction and harm consumers make it to market, consumers like you and me should be able to alert one another.
Find out about our work to improve product safety and register for Tuesday's webinar to learn how to submit a report on a harmful product.
Go to www.citizen.org/product-safety-webinar
For 40 years, consumer product safety has been a cornerstone of Public Citizen's work to stop corporations from cutting corners in ways that sacrifice safety for profits.
Thanks for being an empowered consumer,
Rick Claypool
Public Citizen's Online Action Team