Why are Products Recalled?

Products get recalled when they have a defect that is likely to harm a consumer. Companies are supposed to recall a product when they find out that it:

* Has a defect making it dangerous to the consumer
* Has injured or killed a consumer due to the defect
* Does not comply with legislative requirements

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the organization responsible for protecting consumers against the hazards of defective products. They examine more than 15,000 types of consumer products and issue recalls when they determine that a particular item poses a threat to the public.

While just about any type of product can be recalled due to a dangerous defect, certain categories of products seem to require more frequent recalls. Some of these include:

* Children's Products - Many items designed for use with children have been recalled over the years. Baby accessories (cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers, etc.) and children's toys are the most frequently recalled products in this category.

Many babies have gotten their heads stuck in between the railings of cribs, leading to suffocation and sometimes even death. Other defective baby products have resulted in serious falls that cause brain injuries.

Many children will not be aware of the dangers associated with certain toys. This compounds the risk that they will be injured by one that is defective. Young children have frequently choked on small toys, balls, and balloons, causing suffocation and in extreme cases death. Defective bicycles, scooters, and playground equipment also pose a serious danger to your children.

* Automobile accessories - Due to the high speeds they travel at and their potential for causing life-threatening accidents, defects related to automobiles are extremely dangerous. The highly computerized and mechanized nature of many auto parts makes them prone to defects.