Every day, you trust that the products you bring into your home—from the medication in your cabinet to the car in your driveway—won’t harm you or your loved ones. When that trust is broken and a dangerous product causes injury, you are often left wondering who’s responsible and what protections exist.
A comprehensive network of federal laws works behind the scenes to shield consumers from hazardous products, establish safety standards, and provide avenues for accountability when things go wrong. Below, we will discuss the most important U.S. consumer protection laws that protect you and your family from harm. Contact our mass tort and talcum powder litigation firm today for more assistance.
The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA)
The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) was passed in 1972 to establish the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This federal agency protects consumers from unreasonable risks posed by everyday consumer goods.
Thanks to the CPSA, the CPSC can:
- Create mandatory safety standards
- Ban products that present major dangers
- Order recalls when hazardous items reach the market
- Obtain court orders to stop the distribution of unsafe products
- Conduct ongoing research to identify emerging safety concerns
- Require immediate reporting from manufacturers when they discover potential hazards
All of this means that companies can’t simply ignore the problems they uncover. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers all share responsibility for alerting the CPSC to incidents involving potentially dangerous products, creating a safety net that extends throughout the supply chain.
The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA)
When you pick up a household cleaner or check a product label for safety warnings, you are benefiting from protections established by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). Enacted in 1960, this law targets hazardous substances in household products by requiring clear warning labels.
In some cases, the FHSA can be used to ban materials that are deemed too dangerous for consumer use, such as extremely flammable or corrosive materials and certain radioactive substances. On the product label, manufacturers are required to provide descriptions of specific hazards, instructions for safe use, and first-aid guidance if something goes wrong.
The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA)
If you have ever struggled with a medication bottle that seems impossible to open, you’ve experienced the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) in action. This 1970 law exists to protect children under five from accidental poisoning, requiring certain household substances to be packaged in containers that are difficult for small children to open.
The PPPA covers a wide range of products you likely have in your home right now: prescription and over-the-counter medications, cleaning products, and pesticides. The CPSC establishes rigorous testing procedures and performance standards that packaging must meet before it can be certified as child-resistant.
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)
Every time you take medication, eat processed food, or use cosmetics, you are relying on protections established by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Originally passed in 1938, this law gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate the safety, effectiveness, and marketing of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
New drugs and medical devices must prove their safety and effectiveness through scientific testing and clinical trials before reaching pharmacy shelves. Product labels must include accurate ingredient lists, nutritional information, and proper usage instructions.
Behind the scenes, manufacturers must follow Good Manufacturing Practices for cleanliness, quality control, and record-keeping during production. When products fail to meet these standards, the FDA has the authority to order recalls, seize adulterated or misbranded products, and pursue legal action against violators.
The Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA)
Your clothing, bedding, and furniture are all subject to safety standards established by the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA). Since 1953, this law has worked to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths by setting flammability standards for clothing, textiles, and interior furnishings.
Manufacturers and importers must test their products to verify compliance with established flammability standards and certify that their goods meet these requirements. Violations can result in significant civil and criminal penalties, including fines, mandatory product recalls, and even imprisonment for serious offenses.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA)
When you purchase a product with a warranty, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) ensures you receive clear, accurate information about what that warranty actually covers. Enacted in 1975, this law governs warranties for consumer products and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The MMWA requires manufacturers who offer written warranties to provide detailed information about warranty duration, coverage, and the steps you will need to take to obtain warranty service. Beyond written warranties, the law also protects you through implied warranties:
- The implied warranty of merchantability guarantees that products will work as expected.
- The implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose protects you when you rely on a seller’s expertise.
If the product fails under either of these implied warranties, you also have the right to seek a repair, replacement, or refund.
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (NTMVSA)
Your vehicle’s safety features—from seat belts to airbags—exist because of standards established by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (NTMVSA). Since 1966, this law has worked to reduce accidents, injuries, and deaths related to motor vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces the NTMVSA.
These standards cover critical safety features, including brakes, tires, seat belts, and airbags. The NHTSA has the authority to recall vehicles and equipment that fail to meet established standards or pose safety risks.
Were You Hurt by a Dangerous Product? Contact an Attorney Today
When a defective or dangerous product causes injury, the law provides multiple pathways to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable—but navigating these complex regulations requires focused legal guidance. A product liability attorney brings clarity to this confusion.
Your lawyer will investigate whether the product that harmed you violated safety standards, whether the manufacturer concealed known defects, or whether inadequate warnings left you vulnerable to preventable injury. They will work with engineers, medical experts, and industry specialists to build a comprehensive picture of corporate negligence and demonstrate exactly how a dangerous product altered your life.
If you were hurt by a dangerous product, do not wait to seek help. Reaching out to a product liability attorney for a free consultation could mean everything for your future. Schedule your case review today and take your first steps toward justice.