Our analysis of the first five years of SaferProducts.gov shows that the database contains a wealth of information that can serve as an important tool for consumers, researchers, and the CPSC. As intended, the database has mitigated the lack of transparency imposed by certain sections of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) by giving consumers a place to both report hazards and review reports of harm associated with consumer products.

Overall, SaferProducts.gov is growing, is easy to use, and provides a great deal of helpful information. However, the database could still be improved. CFA, Consumers Union, KID, Public Citizen, and U.S. PIRG have several recommendations that fall into four areas: increase use, fold additional data sources into SaferProducts.gov, analyze data and release reports, and improve data categories.