NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC 1985 Priorities Go Into Effect

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With more than 500 persons electrocuted annually in incidents involving products under CPSC jurisdiction, an estimated 87,000 injuries associated with nursery equipment treated in hospital emergency rooms, 3,300 fires reported in the use of portable electric heaters and an estimated 100 deaths each year resulting from riding mower and garden tractor accidents ... the CPSC has targeted these areas as three new priorities for 1985.

In addition the CPSC will continue to work on five other on-going hazard areas including: Safety for Older Consumers, Fire Toxicity, Chlorocarbons, Gas Heating Systems and Indoor Air Quality.

Selection of a product hazard for priority status means that it will receive additional emphasis and increased funding by the Commission.

The full list of 1985 Priorities are:

Electrocution Hazards: Each year, more than 500 persons are electrocuted while they are using consumer products. Two-thirds of these accidents involve products such as power tools, kitchen appliances, house wiring and personal grooming equipment. To address this problem during the next two years, the Commission will strongly encourage consumers to use ground fault circuit interrupters, also known as "Shock Protectors" CPSC will continuities efforts to change the National Electrical Code to require additional use of the devices in the home.

Nursery Equipment: In 1985, the Commission will conduct a program to: 1) alert consumers to the dangers of older nursery equipment which does not meet current mandatory and voluntary standards; 2) inform them how to improve the safety of older equipment; 3) provide information to them about the selection of safer new products.

Portable Electric Heaters: The primary hazard associated with the use of portable electric heaters is fire. It is estimated that in 1982 there were 130 deaths, 370 injuries and 3,300 fires associated with portable electric heaters. In 1985, the Commission will evaluate the existing voluntary standard for portable electric heaters, and work with industry to upgrade the standard and improve the safety of these products.

Riding Mower and Garden Tractor: An estimated 100 deaths each year are associated with riding mowers and garden tractors. In 1980, these products were involved in an estimated 38,000 medically attended injuries. Many of the fatal accidents involve mower tip-over. In 1985, the Commission will participate with the industry in efforts to upgrade the voluntary standard for riding mowers.

Safety for Older Consumers: The elderly are particularly vulnerable to accidents in and around the home, that may cause serious injuries and deaths. In 1985, the Commission plans to work with State and local agencies, industry and other senior citizen service organizations to plan the use of home safety programs that can assist older consumers in minimizing safety hazards in their homes.

Chlorocarbons: During 1985, the Commission will continue its studies of the possible adverse health effects of certain chemicals used in such products as aerosols, paint removers and dry cleaning. The Commission's Health Science researchers are investigating the effects of chemicals in these products which are used in very large quantities by consumers.

Gas Heating Systems: An estimated 250 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths associated with gas appliances in the home occur each year. The largest single contributor to these deaths is vented gas-fired heaters; accidents involving these products result in an estimated 120 carbon monoxide related deaths annually. Gas-fired heating appliances also accounted for 24,500 fires and 230 fire-related deaths in 1982.

Indoor Air Quality:Also during the next fiscal year, the Commission will continue its probe into indoor air quality and the specific effects of appliances fired with gas, kerosene and other fuels as well as emission from certain chemical bonding agents in plywood and particle board.