Consumer Product Injuries

Consumer product injuries increased 7% for second consecutive year following an 18% decrease in 2020

Following the record low number of consumer product-related injuries reported in 2020, injuries increased 6.8% in 2021 and 7.8% in 2022. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that in the first seven months of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid the majority of shelter-in-place restrictions, visits to emergency departments for consumer product-related injuries fell 24%. The largest decrease occurred in April, with a 45% decrease. Over the full year, consumer product injuries treated in emergency departments decreased 18% in 2020 compared to 2019.

The CPSC reports that the largest decreases in 2020 were sports-related injuries (see sports-related injuries). Also, visits for relatively minor injuries (e.g., strains/sprains) decreased over 40%, while more severe injuries like amputations remained relatively stable.

Because the consumer product data presented here reflect only emergency department visits, and not injuries that are self-treated or treated in doctor’s offices/urgent care centers, it is not clear if injuries actually decreased in 2020 or if just visits to emergency departments to treat the injuries decreased.

In 2022, 12.7 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries resulting from consumer products. Most of the injuries involve everyday products often assumed to be safe. Many of these injuries occur to our most vulnerable populations, older adults and young children. Common products such as televisionshousehold cleaning products, and even beds can pose risks. The infographic includes a summary of consumer product injuries in 2022. Explore the data details page for more information and trends over the last eight years.

  • Chart
  • Data Table
How to Use Injury Facts® Charts and Tables
See data details