WeMakeItSafer Recall Statistics Report 2004 - 2008 Sample

WeMakeItSafer
U.S. Consumer Product Recalls

2004 - 2008 Sample Report of All Product Categories Combined
This sample report illustrates the content available in the WeMakeItSafer Recall
Reports, which can be purchased at http://WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html
The numbers, product category names and other identifying data have
been obscured. This is a SAMPLE ONLY.
This report is a comprehensive review of consumer product recalls

implemented by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It
provides a summary of product-recall trends over the five year period from
2004 through 2008, including the number of recall announcements, overall
product units involved and seasonal averages. Recalled-product price points
are analyzed and the overall dollar value of products subject to recall is
estimated. The potential hazards that prompted the recalls, as well as the
number and types of incidents reported at the time of recall are reviewed. The
effects of recall lag times and time-on-market are discussed.
Printed 3/25/2010
© 2010 WeMakeItSafer
CPSC Recalls, 2004 - 2008
WeMakeItSafer
WeMakeItSafer is a web applications and information services company that builds tools for
consumers, manufacturers and retailers in the area of consumer product safety. To support
applications and services, WeMakeItSafer has created the most comprehensive database of U.S.
product recall statistics available anywhere. We have spent several years studying this data
alongside recall effectiveness reports, financial statements and market trends to identify the
characteristics most relevant to product safety and financial performance.
WeMakeItSafer's reports are based on extensive research and data analysis, summarized by
experts with a deep understanding of consumer product safety issues. When possible,
WeMakeItSafer has contacted the subject companies for comment and validation. The
information included in this report is presented in a format designed to be most useful to companies
and individuals desiring to understand product defect and recall trends. If you require different
segmentation, graphical representation or comparative data, please contact us via email at
Reports@WeMakeItSafer.com . In most cases, we will be able to provide the information you
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© 2010 WeMakeItSafer 2 of 34
Table of Contents
U.S. Product Recalls – By the Numbers ...........................................................................4
Recall Announcements .............................................................................................................. 4
Chart: Number of Product Recalls Announced by CPSC, 1999 – 2008................................... 4
Product Units .............................................................................................................................. 5
Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Year .................................................................................... 5
Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications ................................................................................ 6
Chart: Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled Product Units.......................................................... 6
Seasonality .................................................................................................................................. 8
Chart: Cumulative Monthly Product Recalls, by Year............................................................... 8
Types of Products Recalled .............................................................................................10
Product Categories .................................................................................................................. 10
Chart: Product Recalls by Category and Year ........................................................................ 11
Chart: Product Recalls by Category, 2004-2008 .................................................................... 11
Chart: Product Categories as a Percent of All Recalls ........................................................... 12
Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Category ........................................................................... 13
Recalled Products - in Dollars ........................................................................................14
Retail Prices of Recalled Products ......................................................................................... 14
Chart: Retail Prices of Recalled Products, by Quartile ........................................................... 14
Chart: Distribution of Recalled Product Prices ....................................................................... 15
Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products ......................................................................... 17
Chart: Retail Value of Recalled Products ............................................................................... 17
Chart: Product Category Contribution to Est. Total Value of Recalled Products, 2004-2008 18
Cause for Recall ...............................................................................................................19
The Hazards .............................................................................................................................. 19
Chart: Most Common Hazards by Year .................................................................................. 20
Chart: Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements, by Prevalence ........................................... 21
Reported Incidents ................................................................................................................... 22
Chart & Table: Number of Harmful Incidents Reported at Time of Recall .............................. 22
Chart: Percent of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Defect Reported ......... 23
Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported
................................................................................................................................................ 24
Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported,
by Category ............................................................................................................................. 25
Recall Timing ...................................................................................................................26
Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall .......................................................... 26
Chart: Recalled Products Time on Market .............................................................................. 27
Chart: Recall Lag Time ........................................................................................................... 27
Chart: Average Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall of Defective Products ............ 28
Relationship Between Recall Timing and Incidents ............................................................. 29
Chart: Relationship Between Lag Time and Reported Incidents ............................................ 29
Appendix A: Listing of Product Categories, Subcategories and Types .....................30
Appendix B: Categorization of Children’s Products ....................................................34
U.S. Product Recalls – By the Numbers

Recall Announcements
Consumer product recalls in the United States have steadily [-]creased over the last ten years with
nearly [#] recalls announced in 2008 versus just over [#] in 1999. In total, there have been
approximately [#] safety recalls of consumer products over the ten-year period.1
We saw a marked [-] to over [#] recalls during 2007 due to numerous [-] recalls involving high levels
of [-]. Overall, during the period from 2004 through 2008, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) announced [#]recalls, with an average annual [-]crease of [#]%. If the
historical trend continues, we expect to see an [-]crease of approximately [#] product recalls issued
by the CPSC each year.
Number of Product Recalls

Announced by CPSC
© WeMakeItSafer
Sample
Purchase actual report at
WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Number of Product Recalls Announced by CPSC, 1999 – 2008

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) was passed on August 14, 2008
with new regulations taking effect beginning in November, 2008 and continuing until at least
August, 2011. As the largest change to U.S. product safety law in more than a decade, the CPSIA
could significantly impact the number and types of recalls implemented and produce a departure
from historical trends.
1
Annual recall numbers reported by WeMakeItSafer and the CPSC differ. WeMakeItSafer reports product
recalls based on the number of new or expanded recall announcements published by the CPSC within a
calendar year and treats each announcement as one recall. The exception to this treatment is when multiple,
dissimilar products are included in one announcement, in which case the different products are treated as
separate recalls. The CPSC reports annual recall numbers based on a fiscal year that begins in October and
appears to treat each product, regardless of similarity as a separate recall in its counts. Similarly, the CPSC
appears to count re-announcements of the same recall as an additional recall.
When adjusted for the fiscal year, WeMakeItSafer recall counts match the number of unique recalls in the
CPSC recall listings.
Product Units
Product recalls typically involve [#] up to [#] individual units. In 2004, we saw the [-] number of
units recalled under a single announcement when [#] million pieces of [-] were recalled due to high
levels of lead.2 After excluding this extreme outlier, product recalls from 2004 through 2008
averaged [#] product units each. Still, the data are highly skewed with the [-] of recalls involving
fewer than [#] units.3 Over the five-year period, [#] recalls ([#]% of all recalls) involved [#] [-]illion or
more units. Overall, since 2004, there have been involved [#] [-]illion product-units recalled under
the CPSC, an average of involved [#] [-]illion per year.4
Recalled Product Units

450
© WeMakeItSafer
400
350
Sample
300
[-]illions
250
200
150 Purchase actual report at

100
50
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Year
2
CPSC Recall Number [#]
3
The median number of units per recall for this time period is [#].
4
WeMakeItSafer’s calculation of units is taken from numbers reported in recall announcements. These
figures do not match numbers reported by the CPSC in annual reports. The CPSC has told WeMakeItSafer
that it does not track the number of recalled units reported in announcements, but has not yet responded to
our request for explanation of how numbers are calculated for reports. We assume that the CPSC uses
rounded estimates for units per recall, as we have been able to recreate CPSC reported figures in this
manner.
Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications

To “recall” literally means to bring back. In practice, product recalls often involve a repair that does
not require the consumer to return the recalled product. Rather, an in-home repair kit or repair
service may be provided by the manufacturer or importer.5 The success of a company in retrieving
or repairing the recalled products is readily referred to as a recall’s effectiveness. The
effectiveness rate is the percent of recalled products returned or repaired, often referred to as
“captured or corrected” within the CPSC. While average effectiveness rates have been cited as
low as [#]% and as high as [#]%, most studies land in the [#]% to [#]% range.
Low effectiveness rates have long been a concern of the CPSC, manufacturers and consumer
advocates alike. Assuming a recall effectiveness rate of [#]% and average product life of [#] years,
recalls implemented between 2004 and 2008 have resulted in an estimated [#] [-]illion potentially
dangerous, unrecovered products. When including products recalled prior to 2004, that number
climbs to over [#] [-]illion units.6 While many of these products eventually end up in landfills, [-]
remain in circulation for [-] years after the recall has been announced.
Est. Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled

Product Units
1,000,000,000
800,000,000
600,000,000
Sample
400,000,000 Purchase actual report at
200,000,000
-
© WeMakeItSafer
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled Product Units
5
WeMakeItSafer is in the process of studying the differences among remedy options, their effects, if any, on
financial performance and impacts on recall effectiveness. If you would like more information about these
analyses, please email: Reports@WeMakeItSafer.com for more information.
6
Estimate is based on an assumed [#]% product recovery within one year of the recall announcement,
followed by an additional [#]% product recovery the following year.
Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications (Continued)
Every unrecovered product represents a potential injury or death to a consumer and exposes the
companies involved to potential lawsuits and negative reputation effects. Costs to society
associated with product related incidents such as lost productivity, health care and legal system
expenses are also great. Using the Revised Injury Cost Model (Public Services Research Institute,
December 2000), the CPSC estimates costs to society from consumer product related injury, death
and property damage to be $[#] [-]illion annually. Using data in the same study, WeMakeItSafer
calculates an average cost of approximately $[#] per harmful incident.
Using incident report rates from recalls announced between 2004 through 2008,7 it is estimated
that defective products recalled during the ten year period from 1999 through 2008 caused
approximately [#] harmful events before being recalled. At an average cost of $[#] per harmful
incident, these products represent an estimated cost to society of $[#] [-]illion, before they were
recalled.8
Applying the Revised Injury Cost Model data to the approximately [#] [-]illion recalled product units
remaining in circulation after their recall is announced yields an aggregate, monetary exposure to
the U.S. of about $[#] [-]illion in potential societal costs from unrecovered recalled products. Of
course, not every unrecovered recalled product will cause a harmful event such as an injury, death
or damaging fire. Again, applying 2004-2008 incident report rates to the ten year period, it is
estimated that unrecovered recalled products from 1999 through 2008 will be the cause of
approximately [#] harmful events post recall, leading to additional societal costs in the range of $[#]
[-]illion to $[#] [-]illion.9
The cost to society of ineffective recalls does not include legal defense costs incurred by
companies for product liability lawsuits arising from harmful incidents, nor does it include any cost
of lost sales due to declining reputation from such events.
7
[#] recalls were used in this analysis. [#] recalls were excluded because the product sales dates were not
available, and [#] recalls were excluded because the number of harmful incidents was underreported or
ambiguous.
8
Incidents where damage was contained to the product itself, including instances of fire that did not damage
the surrounding area, were not counted as harmful incidents. This estimated cost to society is significantly
less than the CPSC’s $[#][-]illion estimate because the CPSC estimate looks at all consumer products and
harmful incidents — not specifically injuries that are associated with recalled products.
9
Estimates assume that only [#] of incidents are reported at the time of recall and that injuries occur at the
same average rate for products remaining in circulation after a recall as was reported at the time of recall.
Seasonality
Recalls over the five year period exhibit seasonal trends, resulting in a pronounced spike in all but
[#] of the [#] calendar quarters. The [#] years, 200[#] and 200[#], follow a nearly identical pattern
over the course of the year. Starting off at a moderate pace in [-] , the number of recalls tend to
peak on the last month of each quarter, [-] , [-] and [-]ber. During the [-] quarter of the year, a
similar peak occurs in [-] ber before a sharp decline in [-]ber. For 200[#] and 200[#], this pattern is
replicated with the exception that the [#],[#] and [#]quarter peaks occur [#] month earlier, in [-],[-]ber
and [-]ber, for both years. 200[#] follows the same pattern as 200[#] and 200[#] through [-], then
follows the pattern of 200[#] and 200[#] until the end of the year.
Cumulative Monthly Recalls, by Year
© WeMakeItSafer
2008
Sample
2007
2006
2005
2004
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Months
Chart: Cumulative Monthly Product Recalls, by Year
The [-] patterns exhibited seem to be inconsistent with CPSC reporting requirements. Companies
are required to report to the CPSC within 24 hours of receiving or identifying information “that
reasonably supports the conclusion that a product fails to meet a consumer product safety rule,
standard, or ban, contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard or creates an
unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.”10 If companies choose the Fast Track option, recalls
are then implemented within [#] days of the initial report.11 Of those not implemented under Fast
10
CPSC Recall Handbook, 1999
11
The Fast Track system, adopted in 1997, allows companies to bypass CPSC determination, an evaluation
process through which the CPSC makes a determination on the product’s level of defect or risk.
Track, recalls of regulated products are implemented within [#] business days ([#] weeks), and
recalls of non-regulated products are implemented within [#] business days ([#] weeks) from
determination.12
While some seasonality in identification of defects may be expected at times of increased sales
such as during the holidays, or with heightened use of particular seasonal products, in general, one
would expect that defects are no more likely to be identified, and therefore reported at the
beginning of a quarter than the end of the quarter and, therefore, recalls should be announced on a
fairly constant or random basis. Hence, it is unlikely that defect discovery rates alone explain the
quarterly patterns exhibited.
WeMakeItSafer has not analyzed potential causes of this seasonality; however, potential
explanations for the [-] patterns could include CPSC workloads and processes such as a drive
toward quarterly goals, manufacturer sales cycles or possible attempts to time reporting of defects
to control a recall’s impact on market events such as quarterly earnings reports.
12
CPSC 2010 Performance Budget Request, 2009
Timeframes are goals set by the CPSC and, according to the agency, are met over [#]% of the time.
Types of Products Recalled

Product Categories
Nearly every consumer product used on a day-to-day basis falls under the CPSC’s jurisdiction. As
a general guideline, unless an item is intended to be swallowed or driven on public access roads
(or waters), it falls under the CPSC domain. Everything from baby bottles and books to
snowmobiles and yard tractors is monitored by and, when necessary, recalled by the CPSC. The
exceptions are food, drugs and cosmetics, which are controlled by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA); motor vehicles; vehicle equipment and car seats, which fall under the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); boats, which are controlled by the US
Coast Guard; and environmental products such as pesticides, which are governed by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
WeMakeItSafer groups consumer product recalls issued by the CPSC into seven product
categories.13 Appendix A provides a complete list of the product types included in each
subcategory. Appendix B provides additional information regarding classification of children’s
products.
Children's Computers & Sports, Outdoors & Motorsport & Utility

(All Kid & Baby Items) Electronics Recreation Vehicles
Apparel, Shoes & Accessories Battery & Power Supplies Camping, Hiking, Fishing & General Automotive
Books & Bookmarks Camera & Photo Hunting Golf Carts & Utility Vehicles
Feeding & Soothing Computers, Network & Fitness & Exercise Motorsports & Riding
Furniture & Bedroom Accessories Outdoor Games & Equipment Personal Transport
Accessories Navigation Systems Sporting Goods & Equipment Riding Mowers & Yard
Gear (Strollers, Carriers, etc.) Telephone / Cell Phone Swimming Pool & Spa Tractors
Physical Play, Riding & Bikes TV, Audio & Video
Toys & Games
(Including Educational)
Hardware, Tools & Home & Garden Other

Building Supply
Air Compressors & Pumps Appliances Books
Electrical Art & Decor Clothing & Accessories
Engines / Motors Bed & Bath Collectibles, not elsewhere
Hardware & Paint Cleaning & Laundry classified (n.e.c.).
Heating & Cooling Fireplaces & Accessories Food & Supplements
Ladders & Stairs Flooring & Rugs Guns & Accessories
Other Hardware, Tools & Furniture Health & Beauty
Building Kitchen & Dining Hobby
Plumbing Lighters & Matches Industrial, Business &
Power & Hand Tools Lighting Scientific
Propane & Gas Outdoor Cooking, Furniture & Musical Instruments
Roof & Skylight Decor Pet Supplies
Sealers Pest Control Stationery & Office Supply
Windows & Doors Safety & Security
Window
Yard / Property Maintenance
13
WeMakeItSafer publishes category-specific reports that provide more detailed information on each
particular category of recalls, including additional data regarding the subcategories shown. For more
information, please visit: http://WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html.
Product Categories (Continued)

From 2004 to 2008, there were [#] recalls of [Category A]’s products, the largest single recalled
product category, comprising [#]% of all recalls. [Category C] products had the next highest
number of recalls at [#] ([#]%), while [Category D] products came in [#] with [#]recalls ([#]%). Next,
[Category B] and [Category E] had a [-] number of recalls at [#] ([#]%) and [#] ([#]%), respectively.
Also a significant category, [Category F] products accounted for [#] ([#]%) of all recalls. All other
product categories combined made up the last [#]% of recalls with no more than [#] recalls in a
given category for the five year period.
Procuct Recalls by Category

180
160
Sample
140
120
100
© WeMakeItSafer
80
40
20
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Category A Category B Category C
Category D Category E Category F
Other
Chart: Product Recalls by Category and Year
Product Recalls by Category

2004 - 2008
Category G
Category F
Category A
© WeMakeItSafer
Category E
Category D
Sample Category B
Category C
Chart: Product Recalls by Category, 2004-2008
Year over year, the percentage of recalls by category was fairly consistent. [Category A]’s products
and [Category C] products accounted for the most recalls and, from 200[#] through 200[#], were
similar with each accounting for approximately [#]% of annual recalls. However, in 200[#],
[Category A]’s recalls increased substantially to [#] recalls, representing a [#]% increase from the
previous year, and [#]% of all 200[#] recalls. There were fewer [Category A]’s product recalls in
200[#], totaling [#] recalls, but the overall percentage remained [-] at [#]% as the number of recalls
in other categories also [-]clined. The [-]creases in [Category A]’s product recalls during 200[#] and
200[#] are attributed to recalls related to toys and [Category A]’s [-].
Product Categories
As a Percent of All Recalls
100%
90%
80%
Sample
70% Other
Cateogry F
60%
Category E
50%
Category D
40% Purchase actual report at
WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html Category C
30%
© WeMakeItSafer Category B
20%
Category A
10%
0%
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Product Categories as a Percent of All Recalls
As previously noted, the number of recalls and the number of product units recalled are not directly
proportional. Although [Category A]’s products accounted for [#] % of all recalls announced over
the five-year period, they accounted for approximately [#]% of recalled product units. The next
highest category by number of units was, again, [Category C] with [#]% of all units recalled,
although [Category C] products accounted for [#]% of all recalls announced. [Category C] had the
next highest number with [#]% of recalled units, followed closely by [Category D] with [#]% of
recalled units. Of the remaining major product categories, [Category E], which was the [#] common
type of product to be recalled, only accounted for [#]% of actual units recalled. [Category E]
accounted for just [#]% of units recalled.
Recalled Product Units by Category

2004 - 2008
Category G
Category F
Category A
Category E
Sample
Category D WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html
Category B
© WeMakeItSafer
Category C
Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Category
Recalled Products - in Dollars

Retail Prices of Recalled Products
Given the large variety of products monitored by the CPSC, it is no surprise that recalled products
vary greatly in retail price. In the years 2004 through 2008, prices ranged from $[#] to $[#]. Items
that had been given away for free, such as fast-food toys and promotional items, were recalled in
every year except 200[#]. In total, [#] free items were recalled, which accounted for approximately
[#] product units over the five year period. In [#], the least expensive product to be recalled was a
baby pacifier that sold for $[#].14
The highest average retail price for a recalled product was $[#] for a [-] recalled in 200[#]. The
boiler sold for up to $[#].15 The next highest average price was $[#] for a [-] recalled in 200[#],
which sold for a maximum price of $[#].16
Overall, the average price of recalled products over the five year period was $[#], ranging from an
average price of $[#] in 200[#] to $[#] in 200[#]; however, the data are highly skewed. As shown in
the box plot below, well over [#] of the recalled products are priced [-] $[#] in each year, with the
median falling between $[#] and $[#]. 17, 18
Chart: Retail Prices of Recalled Products, by Quartile
Retail Prices of Recalled Products

By Qurartile
© WeMakeItSafer
in Hundreds ($100)
Fourth Quartile
Sample
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Note: Fourth quartile is not to scale; shown in $100s.
14
15
16
17
When a price range rather than a single price point is given for a recalled product, the average price is
used. When multiple products are included in the same recall, and different prices or price ranges are given,
the recall is counted in each price range. [#] ([#]%) recalls, accounting for [#] price points, are represented in
the analysis. Prices were unavailable for [#] ([#]%) recalls.
18
The fourth quartile in the above box plot is not to scale.
Retail Prices of Recalled Products (Continued)
Distribution of Recalled Product Prices

2004 - 2008
More than $10,000

10,000
© WeMakeItSafer
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
Priece Range
900
$USD
800
700
600
500
400
Sample
300
200
100
80
60
40
20
10
5
1
-
0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Number of Recalls with Product at or Below Given Dollar Value
Chart: Distribution of Recalled Product Prices

While [-]er priced items tend to be recalled [-] frequently than [-]er priced items, price alone cannot
be considered a predictor of recall probability because it is also likely that there are simply more
products sold in the [-]er price ranges. Statistically, there is [#] correlation between the price of
recalled products and the number of recalls at those price points. However, when data are isolated
to recalled products with price points of $[#]or less, there is a correlation of about [#], meaning the
number of recalls [-]creases as the product price [-]. When isolated even further, to products below
$[#], the correlation is strong at [#]. Again, we caution against interpretation of causation. These
data do not support the conclusion that [-]er priced items are [-] likely to be defective or recalled.
Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products

Products worth an estimated $[#] [-]illion have been recalled from 2004 to 200[#].19 [#] recalls over
the five year period involved products with a total estimated value over $[#] [-]illion. These included
one notebook computer recall, two [-] recalls, one recall of a [-], one recall of an [-], and one recall
of an [-] system. Overall, the average value of products recalled at one time was $[#]million; the
median was $[#].20
While many recalls require the replacement of the entire product, repairs are also common and, in
those cases, the full price of the product is not lost. Still, this analysis of the overall value of
products recalled gives some indication of the potential monetary impact. Other direct costs to be
considered include, but are not limited to, advertisement of the recall, shipping expenses, parts and
labor for repairs, warehousing and destruction of unsalable goods and internal administrative
costs.21
Retail Value of Recalled Products
© WeMakeItSafer
Sample
[-]illions $USD
Product Value

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Retail Value of Recalled Products
The product value of a particular recall is sometimes driven by price and other times by quantity of
units without any strong pattern when looking at all product types combined. For example, in
200[#], the overall estimated value of recalled products was largely driven by several recalls of [-],
each of which accounted for an average of only [#] units but averaged over $[#]. In 2007, however,
the [-]est overall values were attributed to recalls of [-][#]illion dishwashers with average prices
under $[#].
19
The dollar value of products recalled is estimated using the prices and the number of units reported in each
recall announcement. When a price range is given for a recalled product, the average price is used. When
multiple products with different prices or price ranges are given for the same recall, units are attributed
accordingly. If division of units across products is unavailable, an equal distribution is assumed.
20
Average and median are based on individual products. More than one product may be included in a single
recall.
21
WeMakeItSafer is conducting studies regarding direct and indirect costs of product recalls. Please email:
Reports@WeMakeItSafer.com for more information.
Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products (Continued)
Overall, the number of product units affected in a given recall has [-] correlation with the price of
products recalled ([#]). There is some [#] correlation between price and overall recall value ([#]),
but [-] correlation between the number of units and value ([#]).
As noted above, for the five year period, the highest priced recalled products were in the [Category
C] category, while the highest number of units recalled was in [Category A]’s products. Over the
same time period, the product category that contributed the most to the estimated total value of
recalled products of $[#] billion was [Category E] with $[#] billion ([#]%) worth of products recalled.
The next highest category was [Category C] with $[#]billion ([#]%) worth of products recalled,
followed by [Category B] at $6.9 billion ([#]%).22 [Category A]’s products, although the most
prevalent type of recall and the highest number of units, only account for $[#] billion ([#]%) worth of
recalled products due to the [-]er price point of many [Category A]’s items such as [-] and [-].
Product Category Contribution to

Est. Total Value of Recalled Products
2004 - 2008
Category G
Category F
Category A
Sample
Category E
Category D
Category B
© WeMakeItSafer
Category C
Chart: Product Category Contribution to Est. Total Value of Recalled Products, 2004-2008
22
Additional information on pricing, units and value for each type of product can be found in WeMakeItSafer’s
category level reports. Please visit http://WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html for more information.
Cause for Recall

The Hazards
Products are recalled by the CPSC when it is determined there is a substantial threat to consumer
safety. Any given product may pose multiple safety threats, referred to as hazards.
WeMakeItSafer has identified recalls by the hazard types listed below. While most hazards are self
explanatory, we have included examples for clarification. The examples are not intended to be
exhaustive.23
 Burn (not fire related) (e.g., burns caused by chemicals or overheating objects)
 Choking (e.g., small parts on children’s products)
 Crash (e.g., loss of control of or fall from a moving vehicle or bicycle)
 Cuts & Amputation (e.g., sharp edges, missing safety guards on power tools)
 Drowning & Decompression (e.g., defective pool safety or diving equipment)
 Electrocution (e.g., faulty wiring, lack of safety requirements to prevent shock)
 Emergency Response (e.g., defective alarms or evacuation equipment)
 Entrapment (e.g. small spaces on children’s gear, gaps in crib frame)
 Fall (e.g., collapse of furniture or swing)
 Fire & Fire-Related Burn (e.g., faulty wiring, high flames on candles)
 Impact & Impalement (e.g., flying objects or projections, including from explosion)
 Internal Injury (e.g., ingestible magnets, bodily injury not elsewhere classified)
 Poisoning (e.g., harmful or irritating chemicals, carbon monoxide fumes, lead paint)
 Strangling & Suffocation (e.g., drawstrings on sweatshirts, collapsible play yards)
Over the five year period, [Hazard A] was by far the most common hazard, cited by [#] recall
announcements. The next most frequent hazard classification during this time period was [Hazard
B] with [#] recalls, followed by [Hazard C], each with [#] recalls. The least common hazard was
[Hazard D] with only [#] recalls over the five year period.
The number of recalls citing [Hazard E] hazards [-]creased steadily from 200 [#] through 200 [#],
but [-]ed slightly in 2008. Overall, the total number of recalls citing this hazard [-]creased [#] %
from 2004 to 200[#].
As seen in the chart below, [Hazard D] classifications [-]creased dramatically in 200[#], overtaking
[Hazard A] as the number one hazard type due to a significant number of [-] related recalls. [-]
related recalls remained high in 2008. In 200[#] and 200[#], there were [#] and [#] recalls,
respectively, citing lead poisoning hazards. These numbers lie in stark contrast to the previous
years when there had been no more than [-] such recalls per year.
Interestingly, although Mattel, Inc. [MAT] received extensive media coverage and is often
referenced when discussing the 2007 lead recalls, Mattel accounted for just [#] of the [#] recall
announcements and around [#]illion of the [#]illion product units recalled for excessive levels of
lead.
23
The CPSC also classifies recalls by type of hazard; however, CPSC classifications are inconsistent over
time. WeMakeItSafer has classified each recall based on information presented in the recall announcements.
Recall announcements may cite more than one safety threat and, therefore, may be counted in more than one
hazard type; the [#] recalls analyzed represent [#] hazards.
The Hazards (Continued)
Most Common Hazards

by Year
70
60
50
Hazard A
40 Hazard B
Hazard C
Sample
Hazard D
30
Hazard E
Hazard F
20 Hazard G
10
0
© WeMakeItSafer
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Most Common Hazards by Year

The number of recalls citing [Hazard F] [#] in 2005 due to an increased number of [-] recalls and
an unusually high number of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recalls. In total [#] [-] recalls citing crash
hazards were announced in 2005, compared to [#] in 2004.
Although it is not one of the most common recall hazards, [Hazard F] recalls [-] significantly from
2007 to 2008 to [#] recalls, a [#]% increase over [#] and a [#]% [-]crease [-][#] levels. The [-]crease
is largely due to expanded CPSC efforts to enforce safety standards regarding drawstrings in
children’s apparel. [#] of the [#] [Hazard F] recalls in [#] were for [-] in children’s [-].
The Hazards (Continued)
Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements

By Prevelance
500
© WeMakeItSafer
450
400
350
300
250 2008
2007
2006
200 2005
Sample
2004
150

50
Chart: Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements, by Prevalence
Reported Incidents
Product recall announcements nearly always show the number of incidents, meaning the number
of times the product defect in question was reported by consumers to the CPSC or the
manufacturer. The number of incidents may also include observations by the CPSC as identified
during testing or investigation, for example. If there were a harmful event such as an injury, death
or property damage associated with the incident, those numbers are also reported.
The number of incidents shown in recall announcements is often [-]. For example, some recall
announcements list the same number of harmful events as there are incidents; however, for most
products, it is unlikely that every incident of failure results in an injury or property damage. In those
cases, the manufacturer may have tracked only reports of harm. It is also true that most consumers
do not report incidents, even those that involve a harmful event, to the manufacturer or the CPSC.
It is estimated that only [#]% of incidents are reported.
Additionally, some of the recall announcements are unclear about the number of harmful incidents
that were reported, stating numbers like “several” or “some” injuries; at other times minimum
numbers were provided with statements such as “at least [#] reports.” WeMakeItSafer calculates
the number of harmful incidents reported using the smallest number that would make the
statements true. The reported figures should be treated as minimums.24
Chart & Table: Number of Harmful Incidents Reported at Time of Recall
Number of Harmful Incidents Reported

at Time of Recall
1600 © WeMakeItSafer
Total Number of Incidents Reported
1400
1200
1000
800
600
Sample
200
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Deaths 2 0 7 6 7
Sample
Injuries 550 820 500 970 620
Fires (with Property
Damage) 110 60 60 120 110
Other Property Damage 80 610 120 190 60
24
Incidents where damage was contained to the product itself were not counted as harmful incidents. About
[#] incidents of fire that did not indicate damage to the surrounding area are not included as harmful events.
Injuries resulting from fires are counted under Injuries.
Reported Incidents (continued)

The total number of harmful events reported [-] relationship with the number of recalls announced
or the number of recalled units. In other words, in a year-over-year comparison, when recalls [-]
crease, harmful incidents may [-] crease. This is mainly due to the fact that there are a handful of
recalls that reported particularly [-] numbers of harmful incidents.
In 200[#], [#] ([#]%) of the approximately [#] reported incidents of property damage not related to
fire were due to a single recall of Stanley thermoses that broke, releasing chemical powders into
the air. The same recall cited [#] reports of injury and [#] incidents in total.25 Also in 200[#],[#]
recall of a Graco stroller reported [#] injuries, accounting for [#]% of the injuries reported that
year.26
In 200[#],[#] recalls together accounted for [#]% of the approximately [#] reported injuries. [#] recall
of an Evenflo infant carrier that had [#] injuries and [#] total incidents reported by the date of the
recall.27 The other was an Intex ladder with [#] injuries and [#] total incidents reported at the time of
recall.28 In 200[#], [#] incidents, including [#] injuries, were reported with the recall of Topsy-Turvy
tomato planters.29 [#] recall accounts for [#]% of the injuries reported that year.
Overall, of the [#] recall announcements from 200[#] through 2008, [#] ([#]%) indicated that there
were [#] incidents reported as of the date of the recall. For the other [#] ([#]%), approximately [#]
incidents were reported, about [#] of which were harmful. Of the harmful events, [#] involved
injuries, [#] of which resulted in death, and [#] cases of property damage were reported.
Approximately [#] of the incidents of property damage were due to fire. There were about [#]
additional reports of fire that did not result in property damage beyond the product itself.
Chart: Percent of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Defect Reported
Percent of Recalls Implemented Before

and After Incident of Defect Reported
2004-2008
© WeMakeItSafer
Recalls Implemented Before Any Incidents Reported

Recalls Implemented After Incidents Reported, Before Any Harm Reported
Recalls Implemented After Incidents of Harmful Events Reported
25
26
27
28
29
Companies that implement recalls before having received any reports of product failure, have
typically identified the defect in-house through testing. In the years 200[#] through 200[#], only
about [#] of recalls were implemented prior to either the CPSC or the manufacturer having received
reports of the product’s failure. The sharp increase to [#]% in 200[#] is due to the high number of
recalls related to lead poisoning hazards for which incidents and injuries are almost never reported,
even when they exist.
Unlike injuries caused by a malfunctioning product, lead poisoning does not happen instantly.
Rather, lead accumulates in the body over time with repeated exposure, and the harmful effects
may not be realized until months or even years later. Once lead poisoning is suspected, a blood
test is required to determine whether the individual has been exposed. If the individual does test
positive for high levels of lead, it is usually very difficult to determine exactly from where the lead
derived. It is therefore expected that products recalled due to excessive levels of lead will not have
any reported incidents except in rare instances, for example, when a piece of lead-containing
jewelry is found in a child’s system after swallowing.
Number of Recalls Implemented Before and

After Incident of Product Defect Reported
150
© WeMakeItSafer Recalls Implemented
130 Before Any Incidents
Reported
110
90 Recalls Implemented
After Incidents
70 Reported, Before Any
Harm Reported
50
Recalls Implemented
30 After Incidents of
Harmful Events
10 Reported
-10 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported
In every product category except [Category A]’s, the majority of recalls occur only after the
manufacturer or the CPSC has received reports of product failure, about half of which include
reports of injury, death or property damage. When we exclude the [#] lead-related [Category A]’s
product recalls, the majority of [Category A]’s product recalls also occur after reports of product
failure, [#]% of the time.
[Category C] product recalls have the [-]est rate of product failure being reported at the time of
recall. [#]% of [Category C] product recalls occur after reports of failure have been received, with
[#]% of [Category C] recalls reporting at least [-] harmful event. The category with the [-]st rate of
incidents reported at the time of recall was [Category A]’s at [#]%,[#]% of the incidents included
reports of harm. Again, when excluding lead-related recalls, [#]% of [Category A]’s product recalls
included reports of product failure.
Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported, by Category
Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After

Incident of Defect Reported
2004 - 2008
800
© WeMakeItSafer Recalls Implemented Before Any
700 Incidents Reported
Sample
600 Recalls Implemented After Incidents
Reported, Before Any Harm Reported
500 Recalls Implemented After Incidents
of Harmful Events Reported
400

200
100
0
Category A Category B Category C Category D Category E Category F
Recall Timing
Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall
Time on Market is the period over which a product is sold new. It begins with the first sale of the
product and ends when the product is no longer sold in retail establishments. Time on Market does
not include after-market sales such as those of secondhand goods. Lag Time is the period of time
a defective product is in circulation before it is recalled. It begins with the first sale of the product
and ends with the date the recall is announced.30
Often, Time on Market and Lag Time are equal because the recall itself is what causes retailers to
stop selling the product. Other times, manufacturers pull a product from market as soon as they
determine a recall is imminent, [-] to [-] month before the recall announcement is released. In this
case, the Lag Times will be greater than Time on Market. Lag Time is also greater than Time on
Market in instances when the product is no longer being sold several months or years before the
potentially harmful defect is discovered.31
For products recalled from 2004 through 2008, the Time on Market ranged from [#] to [#] years,
with an average of about [#] months. At the top of the range was a grocery store, frozen food case
sold from the mid-19[#]0s until June 200[#], when it was recalled for repair after [#] reports that the
[-] used in the cases had been forcefully ejected from their units.32
Of products that were ultimately recalled, [#]had been sold for [#] to [#] years, and [#] were sold for
[#] years or more. The majority of recalled products are at the other end of the spectrum, with [#]%
having been on the market for [#] year or [#] before they were recalled. [#]% were on the market for
[#] months or [-] .
During the same time period, Lag Times ranged from [#] months to [#] months, with an average of
about [#] months. The product with the longest Lag Time was a Berko electric space heater sold
from [#] through February [#] and recalled [#] years later in August 200[#], after having received [#]
reports of fires that caused property damage.33
[#] products had recall Lag Times of [#] to [#]years, and [#] had Lag Times of [#] years or more. At
the opposite end of the range, [#]% of recalls occurred within [#] years of the product having been
first sold, and [#]% had Lag Times of [#]months or less.
30
Recall announcements list sales dates to the month; recall dates are provided to the day. WeMakeItSafer
treats partial months as one month.
31
[#] recalls did not indicate sales dates and were removed from the data. Time on Market and Recall Lag
Time analyses are based on [#] recalls.
32
33
Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall (Continued)
Recalled Products Time on Market

2004-2008
11-15 Yrs 16+ Yrs
6-10 Yrs
5 Yrs 5 Mo
6 Mo
Sample
4 Yrs 4 Mo
7 Mo
3 Yrs
1 Year or Less 8 Mo
3 Mo
53%
Purchase actual report at 9 Mo

10 Mo
2 Mo
11 Mo
1 Mo 12 Mo
2 Yrs
© WeMakeItSafer
The Percentage of Recalls With Times Less Than or Equal to the Time Shown
Chart: Recalled Products Time on Market

Chart: Recall Lag Time
Recall Lag Time

2004-2008
11-15 Yrs 16+ Yrs
6-10 Yrs
5 Yrs
7 Mo
8 Mo
Sample
4 Yrs
6 Mo
9 Mo
3 Yrs 1 Year or Less

44% 5 Mo 10 Mo
11 Mo
4 Mo
12 Mo
3 Mo 2 Mo 1 Mo
2 Yrs
© WeMakeItSafer
The Percentage of Recalls With Times Less Than or Equal to the TimeShown
Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall (Continued)
For [#]% of recalls, Lag Time is greater than Time on Market by one year or less. For [#]% of
recalls, the difference is two months or less. One possible explanation is that companies stop
selling the product on the same day or just prior to notifying the CPSC of the defect, with the intent
of implementing a Fast Track recall. The Fast Track system, adopted in 1997, allows companies to
bypass CPSC determination, an evaluation process through which the CPSC makes a
determination on the product’s level of defect or risk. This evaluation process can take several
weeks, and in the end, the company may not agree with the final conclusion or the wording that is
presented to the public. A company can avoid CPSC determination by implementing a voluntary
recall within 20 days of the company’s initial notification to the CPSC. This process, referred to as
Fast Track, speeds implementation of the recall and decreases the difference between Time on
Market and Lag Time. According to the CPSC, about half of all product recalls are Fast Track
recalls.
Chart: Average Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall of Defective Products
Average Time on Market and Lag Time Before

Recall of Defective Products
© WeMakeItSafer
30
Sample
25
20
Months
15
10 WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Avg. Time on Market Avg. Lag Time
Relationship Between Recall Timing and Incidents

Neither Time on Market nor Lag Time can be used to predict the exact number of incidents or
harmful events that will be reported by the time a recall is announced, but there is a [-] relationship
that is useful for comparing one recall to another.34 On average, the [#] number of incidents of
product failure reported at the time of recall [-]creases both the [-]er a product is on the market and
the longer it takes for a defective product to be recalled. Lag Time has a [-] impact on both the
number of total incidents and harmful events than does Time on Market but, [-]for recalls with very
long lag times, the difference is [-].
The chart below shows regression results for Lag Times on the number of incidents reported for
recalls with Lag Times of five years or less, which includes [#]% of all recalls. All else being equal,
on average, it is expected that [#] additional incident(s) will be reported for every [#] months that
goes by before a defective product is recalled. [#] additional harmful incident is reported for every
[#] months that go by before a defective product is recalled.
Relationship Between Lag Time and

Reported Incidents
Lag Times Less Than Five Years
14
© WeMakeItSafer
12 All
Incidents
Number of Reports
Sample
10
8 Harmful
Incidents
6

y = 0.10x + 0.75
2
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Number of Months
Chart: Relationship Between Lag Time and Reported Incidents
As discussed above, due to the nature of lead poisoning, products recalled due to excessive levels
of lead rarely have any incidents reported at the time of recall. Not surprisingly, after excluding
recalls with lead related hazards from the above analysis, the average number of incidents and
harmful incidents reported goes up. On average, not including lead poisoning related recalls, [#]
additional incident of product failure is reported every [#] days that a defective product goes without
being recalled, and [#] additional harmful incident is reported every [#] months.
As previously noted, reports of incidents and harmful events should be considered minimums.
34
Harmful events include reports of injury, death or property damage. Reports of damage that was contained
to the product itself were not counted as harmful events, but were counted as incidents. About [#] incidents of
fire that did not indicate damage to the surrounding area are not included as harmful events. Injuries resulting
from fires are counted under Injuries.
Appendix A: Listing of Product Categories, Subcategories and Types

Books (not Children’s) Board Games & Other Games
Books Children’s Two-Way Radios
Books Coin Banks
Children's (All Kid & Baby) Darts/Dart Boards
Apparel, Shoes & Accessories Dive Sticks & Pool Games
Badges Electronics (Children's)
Children's Accessories Infant, Crib & Stroller Toys
Children's/Costume Jewelry Lawn Darts
Clothing (Children's) Magnets & Magnetic Building Sets
Shoes Mats
Books & Bookmarks Mini-Televisor Toys
Bookmarks Puzzles
Books Rockets & Launchers
Childproofing & Safety Science Kits & Other Educational
Gates (Safety) Slingshots
Safety Latches Spray String/Streamers
Feeding & Soothing Toddler & Preschool Toys, n.e.c.
Baby Bottle/Food Warmers Toy Animals Stuffed/Not Stuffed
Baby Feeding Items Toy Balls
Humidifiers & Vaporizers Toy Blocks
Lunch Kits & Water Bottles Toy Dolls & Accessories
Pacifiers & Accessories Toy Figures
Sippy/Tumbler Cups Toy Guns & Blasters
Teething Items Toy Holiday/Seasonal
Furniture & Bedroom Accessories Toy Miscellaneous
Bassinets Toy Musical Instruments
Beds Toy Play Sets/Activity Sets
Changing Tables Toy Playhouses
Cribs & Crib/Toddler Mattresses Toy Swords & Lightsabers
Hammocks (Children's) Toy Telephones
Lamps, Lights & Nightlights Toy Vehicles, Including RC
Other Children's Furnishings Toy Whistles
Puppet Theaters Toys for Bathtub
Seating, Chairs & Tables Video, Arcade and Table Games
Toy Chests/Trunks Wooden Toys
Gear Clothing & Accessories (not Children’s)
Baby Seats (Non-Bath) Apparel & Accessories
Baby Wipe Warmers Clothing (Adults)
Bags & Backpacks Clothing Accessories
Bathtubs & Seats (Baby) Gloves
Booster Seats Key Rings/Chains
Cushions, Pillows & Bedding Footwear
High Chairs Shoes, Sandals & Boots
Infant Carriers/Car Seats/Backpacks Collectibles, not elsewhere classified
Measuring Charts Collectibles, n.e.c.
Playpens, Yards & Travel Beds Collectibles, n.e.c.
Strollers & Accessories Computers & Electronics
Swings (Baby/Cradle) Battery & Power Supplies
Physical Play & Riding Adapters, Chargers & Supply Devices
Baby Floats Cords, Power Strips & Surge Protectors
Baby Walkers/stationary Entertainers Camera & Photo
Bouncers/Jumpers Cameras
Ride-ons, Bikes & Accessories Computers, Network & Accessories
Sports Related Computers & Accessories
Swings & Play Structures Monitors/Screens
Trampolines Network, Internet & Related
Wagons Navigation Systems
Toys & Games (Including Educational) Navigation Systems
Art, Craft & stationery Supply Telephone / Cell Phone
Bead Maze Toys Telephones, Cell Phones & Accessories
TV, Audio & Video Electric Water Heaters
Amplifiers Faucets & Related
Audio/Video Systems & Accessories Gas Water Heaters & Accessories
DVD/CD/MP3 Players Hot Water Valves (Residential Heating)
Radios & Music Players Portable Hydration Units
Radios (Weather) Sump Pumps
Remote Controls Water Pumps
Speakers Power & Hand Tools
Televisions, Mounts, Guards & Antennas Drills & Bits
Wireless Headsets Hatchets and Splitters
Farming Equipment & Supplies Jack Lift Tools and Kits
Farming Equipment & Supplies Nailers
Farming Equipment & Supplies Pressure Washers
Food & Supplements Sanders/Grinders & Routers
Grocery Saws & Splitters
Food & Drink Screwdrivers
Vitamins & Supplements Tools Miscellaneous
Vitamins & Supplements Welders & Soldering Guns/Irons
Guns & Accessories Propane & Gas
Guns & Accessories Connectors, Regulators & Hoses
Guns & Accessories Cylinders, Tanks and Fuel
Hardware, Tools & Building Supply Gas Control Valves
Air Compressors & Pumps Roof & Skylight
Air Compressors Roof Glass/Skylights
Air Pumps Sealers
Electrical Sealers
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) Windows & Doors
Circuit Breakers Door Locks
Circuit Testers Doors & Door Knobs
Electrical Outlets & Accessories Windows
Electrical Testers Health & Beauty
Generators Beauty Supply
Meter Boxes Eyelash Curlers
Portable Generators Manicure / Pedicure
Power Cords Hair Care
Switches Curling/Hair Straightening Irons
Voltage Testers Hair Dryers
Wire & Wire-Related Personal Care
Engines / Motors Massagers
Electric Motors Hobby
Engines Arts & Crafts
Hardware & Paint Arts & Crafts
Paint & Coating Items Glue Guns
Heating & Cooling General Hobby Items
Automatic Gas Vent Dampers Other Hobby Items
Environmental Units Sewing & Fabric
Furnaces Sewing Machines
Heating/Cooling Units
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump
(PTAC) Home & Garden
Appliances (See Kitchen & Dining for small
Radiators kitchen appliances and gadgets.)
Vent Pipes Air Cleaners/Purifiers
Ventilators Dehumidifiers
Ladders & Stairs Dishwashers
Ladders & Accessories Dryers
Other Hardware, Tools & Building Fans
Locks (Combination/Key) Freezers
Shop Vacs Humidifiers
Trouble/Work Lights & Flashlights Ovens/Stoves/ Ranges/Microwaves
Plumbing Refrigerators
Baths Space Heaters
Boilers & Accessories Washing Machines
Art & Decor Grills, Smokers & Accessories
Artwork Hammocks
Candles & Candle Holders Patio & Lawn Furniture
Decorations & Party Items Torches
Figurines UV Fabric Protector
Frames Wooden Hammock Stands
Holiday Items (except lights) Pest Control
Lights (Seasonal) Bug Killers
Mirrors Insect Traps
Potpourri & Aromatherapy Items Safety & Security
Snow/Water Globes Carbon Monoxide Detectors/Alarms
Vases Fire Extinguishers
Bed & Bath Fire Suppressors
Mattresses & Mattress Covers Fire Warning Systems
Medicine Cabinets Heat Detectors
Pillows, Sheets & Blankets Home Control/Alarm Systems
Shower Items Safes
Vaporizers/Diffusers Safety Relief Plugs
Cleaning & Laundry Safety/Emergency Tool Kits
Air Fresheners Smoke Detectors/Alarms
Cleaners/Cleaning Products Smoke Hoods
Clothing Irons Sprinklers (Fire)
Steam Cleaners Window
Vacuum Cleaners/Sweepers Blinds, Shades & Cords
Fireplaces & Accessories Yard / Property Maintenance
Fireplaces & Accessories Augers
Flooring & Rugs Blowers & Yard Vacs
Carpets and Rugs Brush Cutters
Furniture Decking Materials
Beds and Cots Edgers
Chairs and Stools Flame Weeders
Chests/Trunks Hedge Trimmers
Furniture (Miscellaneous) Lawn Mowers (Not Riding)
Futon Mattresses Planting/Gardening Accessories
Television Carts/Stands/Entertainment Centers Snow Blowers & Throwers
Kitchen & Dining Sprayers
Blenders, Mixers & Juicers Sprinklers (Lawn)
Bottles (Sports/Water/Thermos) Weed Trimmers
Cake Decorations Wheelbarrows/Garden Carts
Carafes/Jars Industrial, Business & Scientific
Coffee/Tea/Espresso Makers & Kettles Amusement Park Related
Cookers & Cookware Amusement Rides
Cooking Torches Building Maintenance & Security
Cooking/Preparation Utensils Building Security
Dishes/Glassware/Eating Utensils Exit and Emergency Lights
Food Dehydrator/Preserver/Processor Hand Dryers
Ice Shavers Service Doors & Access
Sake Warmers Signs
Soda Machines Choral Risers
Timers Choral Risers
Toasters/Toaster Ovens Food Related
Waffle Irons Displays & Freezer Cases
Water/Drink Coolers & Dispensers Food Makers & Machines
Lighters & Matches Playground Equipment
Lighters Swings, Slides & Play Structures
Matches Public Announcement (PA) Systems
Lighting Public Announcement Systems
Lamps Science Supply
Lights & Accessories Laboratory Equipment
Outdoor Cooking, Furniture & Decor Polariscopes
Fire Pits, Heaters & Accessories Thermostats/Thermometers/Sensors
Flagpoles
Musical Instruments Personal Transport
Musical Instruments Human Transporters
Musical Instruments Riding Mowers & Yard Tractors
Pet Supplies Riding Mowers & Yard Tractors
Pet Supplies
Aquariums & Accessories
Pet Accessories
Sports, Outdoors & Recreation
Camping, Hiking, Fishing & Hunting
Climbing Equipment
Fishing Items
Hunting Equipment
Other Outdoor Items
Spear/Dart Guns
Tents & Canopies
Fitness & Exercise
Exercise Machines/Equipment
Float Tanks
Outdoor Games & Equipment
Fireworks & Accessories
Paintball Equipment & Accessories
Sporting Goods & Equipment
Baseball/Softball Accessories
Basketball
Bicycles & Accessories
Helmets & Helmet Accessories
Horseback Riding Accessories
Pitchbacks
Scuba Diving/Water Activity Equipment
Skiing/Snowboarding
Sports Equipment & Accessories
Swimming Pool & Spa
Hot Tubs/Spas
Saunas
Swimming Pool Items
Stationery & Office Supply
Desk Accessories
Paperweights
Staplers
Office Machines
Copiers & Printers
Facsimile (FAX) Machines
Laminators
Light Boxes
Paper Shredders
Projectors
Paper Products
Journals & Calendars
Vehicles, Tractors & Motorsports
General Automotive
Automotive Products
Golf Carts & Utility Vehicles
Golf Carts (Riding)
Other Carts & Utility Vehicles
Utility Vehicles
Motorsports & Riding
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Go-Karts & Accessories
Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes & Accessories
Snowmobiles
Vehicle Accessories
Appendix B: Categorization of Children’s Products

WeMakeItSafer includes products that are primarily intended for children twelve and under in the
Children’s category. “Intended for children,” includes both products that are primarily intended for a
child’s direct use and products primarily intended for a child’s care by an adult. Examples include
toys, pacifiers, children’s clothing, strollers and cribs. A complete listing of product types is
included in Appendix A: Listing of Product Types Included in Product Categories and
Subcategories.
Products that could be used by children but are not primarily intended for children are not included
in the Children’s category, even if the product was recalled due to a potential hazard to children.
For example, both a coffee table and a candle containing high levels of lead, which can be
dangerous to children, would be included in [Category C] rather than in Children’s because neither
the coffee table nor the candle is a children’s product .
Similarly, bicycles and sporting equipment may be used by children. However, unless the item was
intended primarily for a child, they will be included in Sports, Outdoors & Recreation. One example
is a professional-height basketball hoop that can be installed in a backyard. While children may
shoot baskets on the hoop, it is not primarily intended for children twelve and under and would be
included in the [Category D] category. On the other hand, a five foot, plastic basketball hoop that
can generally only be used by children, will be in the Children’s category.
Products that have exceptions to the above rule, or for which additional explanation may be helpful,
are discussed below.
Video Game Consoles – While many households without children have game consoles and,
therefore, it can be argued that the consoles are not primarily intended for children, because the
consoles are required to play games that are often primarily intended for children, we have
included video game consoles in the Children’s category.
Youth ATVs – The majority of Youth ATVs are designed for use by teens and are not intended for
children twelve and under. Some ATVs in the 70cc to 90cc range have age recommendations of
twelve and up; rarely are ATVs greater than 50cc recommended for children under twelve. If age
recommendations are not provided, consideration is given to the manufacturer (whether a toy
company or a recreational vehicle company), the speed the vehicle travels, the power source and
the size of the engine. In general, we have included Youth ATVs over 50cc in the Vehicles,
Tractors & Motorsports category. Youth ATVs that are 50cc or less, and ATV-shaped ride-on toys
intended for small children, are included in Children’s.
Motorbikes and Go Karts – The same methodology used in determining ATV classification is used
for classification of motorbikes. Unless the product is a ride-on toy shaped like a motorcycle or Go
Kart, or children are specifically mentioned in the recall, these products are included in Vehicles,
Tractors & Motorsports.
Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Bikes - Bicycle Motocross (BMX) is considered an extreme sport, the
participants of which are most often teens and adults. Because BMX bikes tend to be smaller in
size and have less complicated gearing mechanisms compared to other adult bikes, BMX bikes
may be used by children. However, BMX bikes are not primarily intended for children and are not
included in the Children’s product category unless a recall announcement specifically identifies the
bike as a children’s bike.

WeMakeItSafer Recall Statistics Report 2004 - 2008 Sample

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WeMakeItSafer

U.S. Consumer Product Recalls

This report is a comprehensive review of consumer product recalls

U.S. Product Recalls – By the Numbers

Number of Product Recalls

Chart: Number of Product Recalls Announced by CPSC, 1999 – 2008

Recalled Product Units

150 Purchase actual report at

Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Year

Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications

Est. Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Chart: Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled Product Units

Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications (Continued)

Cumulative Monthly Recalls, by Year

Chart: Cumulative Monthly Product Recalls, by Year

Types of Products Recalled

Children's Computers & Sports, Outdoors & Motorsport & Utility

Hardware, Tools & Home & Garden Other

Product Categories (Continued)

Procuct Recalls by Category

Chart: Product Recalls by Category and Year

Product Recalls by Category

Chart: Product Recalls by Category, 2004-2008

Product Categories (Continued)

Chart: Product Categories as a Percent of All Recalls

Product Categories (Continued)

Recalled Product Units by Category

Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Category

Recalled Products - in Dollars

Chart: Retail Prices of Recalled Products, by Quartile

Retail Prices of Recalled Products

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Note: Fourth quartile is not to scale; shown in $100s.

Retail Prices of Recalled Products (Continued)

Distribution of Recalled Product Prices

More than $10,000

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Chart: Distribution of Recalled Product Prices

Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products

Retail Value of Recalled Products

Purchase actual report at

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Chart: Retail Value of Recalled Products

Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products (Continued)

Product Category Contribution to

Cause for Recall

The Hazards (Continued)

Most Common Hazards

Chart: Most Common Hazards by Year

The Hazards (Continued)

Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements

100 Purchase actual report at

Chart: Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements, by Prevalence

Chart & Table: Number of Harmful Incidents Reported at Time of Recall

Number of Harmful Incidents Reported

Other Property Damage 80 610 120 190 60

Reported Incidents (continued)

Percent of Recalls Implemented Before

Recalls Implemented Before Any Incidents Reported

Reported Incidents (continued)

Number of Recalls Implemented Before and

-10 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Reported Incidents (continued)