Most of the time, we learn about product safety recalls by watching or reading the news. But news outlets typically limit their reporting of recalls to those that pose a serious safety risk to a large part of the population. As widespread as these recalls may be, it's quite possible they don't affect you. Also, many recalls that are too small to make it on the evening news can nevertheless present a serious risk to apartment dwellers.
Be Proactive About Recalls
Rather than rely on selective news reporting about recalls, stay on top of recalls that may affect you by getting your information directly from the source.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the U.S. government agency charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of household and other types of consumer products.
CPSC posts recalls on its Web site regularly. In addition, you can search the recall database or sign up for recall alerts via e-mail. When signing up, you can limit the alerts to recalls on only certain products, such as household items or items intended for infant/child use.
Taking this proactive stance with recalls can help ensure that you and those who share your apartment with you stay safe. Much of the reason behind the reported 30% decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products in recent decades can be attributed to CPSC's efforts, according to the agency.
Note: CPSC isn't the only government agency that works with manufacturers in issuing recalls. Other agencies alert the public to important safety recalls on other types of products. For example, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) covers child safety seats and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) covers food, medicines, and cosmetics. For information about additional types of recalls, visit Recalls.gov.
