Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) created a resource[1] for businesses to identify the hazardous substances they needs to warn consumers about on product labels. This tool provides more clarity for businesses and will help consumers identify toxic products that pose a hazard. The tool helps businesses comply with the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (“FHSA”)[2] by providing a list of hazardous substances that have been identified by other public health agencies including:

• The National Institutes of Health (“NIH”)
• The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”)
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”); and 
• The National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”).   

While this resource does not list all toxins, it is a valuable tool for businesses attempting to comply with the FHSA’s mandatory labeling requirements. It is essential to know what hazards you could be facing in your own home, especially when it comes to toxic and hazardous substances. The FHSA requires precautionary labeling of hazardous substances to help consumers safely store and properly use hazardous products. Additionally, FHSA-mandated labeling gives consumers information about immediate first aid if an accident occurs involving a hazardous substance. 

CPSC’s resource also gives consumers insight into what qualifies as a hazardous substance. “Hazardous substances” is an expansive term that includes many categories of hazards including, among other things, corrosive substances, flammable substances, poisonous substances, irritants that cause inflammation and even sensitizers that cause hypersensitivity with skin and living tissue.

I applaud CPSC for its efforts to improve accessibility to information for both consumers and businesses.

Stay Safe!

Sincerely, 

Your consumer advocate at the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Commissioner Richard L. Trumka Jr. 

[1] https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/FHSA-Requirements 

[2] 15 U.S.C. §§ 1261-1278