Other Data

To ensure that our research is comprehensive, CPSC has developed some additional avenues for receiving information about dangerous and potentially dangerous products.

The CPSC purchases newspaper articles from clipping services around the country. Articles of interest are forwarded to CPSC. Staff in the regional offices of the CPSC also scan newspapers from their areas for articles relating to hazardous products. These become part of the database and may be assigned for investigative follow-up.

Another good source of data is the general public. CPSC encourages individuals to report consumer product related incidents and fatalities through their hotline (1-800-638-2772) and Internet site (https://www.cpsc.gov/incident.html). This method of data collection helps fill in some of the gaps left by the more formal systems. Not all product-related injuries result in fatalities or an emergency room visit. Some injuries are treated in a doctor's office, a clinic, or at home and would, therefore, not be captured by NEISS or the mortality data systems. Perhaps even more importantly, public reports to CPSC through the hotline or the Internet can alert CPSC to potential problems before any injuries occur. For example, a parent might find their toddler putting a small toy part in his/her mouth and intervene before the product causes any injury. The parent may then report this toy to CPSC through the hotline. CPSC would be able to take action before any children are harmed.