Recalled Consumer Products

Without any fanfare, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced a record number of product recalls for the fiscal year 2005. In protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from consumer products that cost the nation more than $700 billion annually, the CPSC recalled 397 products in 2005.

Okay, readers, name one. Extra credit for anyone who can name ten dangerous products recalled.

To be fair, most Americans could likely name one or two or maybe even a handful, but I'm certain that there's not one consumer who could name all 397 products deemed to present unreasonable risks of serious injury or death. Now, agreed, not every product represents a risk to every individual, but it would seem appropriate for the average consumer to be familiar with the list of 397. After all, each is a risk of injury or death.

Of course, the information is available, but you'll have to search for it. Presumably, Recalls.gov is a comprehensive source, but I seriously doubt whether most people would consult the list prior to buying, selling, giving away or using a product. I don't know what people consult if they don't use the Internet.

More disturbing, though, is the fact that I thought all along that I was a knowledgeable consumer when, in reality, I'm totally unaware of 396 dangerous products recalled by the government last year. The other one, a child's car seat, I remember being reported on television, but not the problem that makes it dangerous nor the manufacturer.