Today is the anniversary of the national consumer product safety law that changed safety standards in the U.S. after an outbreak of recalls, injuries, and deaths linked to dangerous children's products in 2007 and 2008. Under the law, which was supported by Consumer Reports, toys must be tested for safety before they're sold.

The product safety law, CPSIA, greatly reduced the lead levels found in children's products, as well as set tougher safety standards for cribs. The law also created the nation's first online database, SaferProducts.gov, where consumers can file safety complaints about products.

"The database is a tremendous resource for consumers," said Ellen Bloom, director of federal policy for Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. "You can search for safety reports about the products you buy, and if you wind up with an unsafe product, the database is there for you to report the problem."

Our report on protecting your child from lead has tips about what to do about lead exposure, including checking for and preventing lead poisoning. For lead test kits see our buying guide. And if you're shopping for a crib, see how to choose a safe crib.

Sources:
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 [CPSC]
Sensible Safeguards in the Spotlight [Coalition for sensible safeguards]
Consumer product safety worth celebrating [The Hill]