Data Systems
The Directorate for Epidemiology has a complementary mix of systems
that collect data about consumer products and all injuries. CPSC bases
its recommendations on the information collected through these systems.
Without good data systems, CPSC would not be able to make accurate
assessments about potentially dangerous products.
CPSC uses several means to collect data on consumer goods. Product-related
death information is received from hospitals and coroners through
the Medical Examiners and Coroners Alert Project (MECAP), Death Certificates,
and NEISS. To ensure that all avenues are examined CPSC also receives
information from the general public through the hotline, web site
reporting, and news clips. Through analysis and investigation based
on information collected with these systems, CPSC can identify problem
products. They can then take action to potentially prevent injuries
and deaths from these consumer products.
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