Legal Definitions - Consumer Product Safety Commission

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a government agency that makes sure that the products we buy are safe to use. It was created in 1972 to protect people from dangerous products.

The CPSC develops safety standards for consumer products and investigates reports of product-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries. For example, if there are reports of children getting hurt while playing with a certain toy, the CPSC will investigate and may issue a recall to remove the toy from stores and homes.

Another example is when the CPSC sets safety standards for cribs. They make sure that cribs are made with safe materials and have proper spacing between the slats so that babies cannot get stuck or suffocate.

The CPSC's work is important because it helps keep us safe when we use everyday products. By setting safety standards and investigating reports of injuries, they can prevent accidents and save lives.