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Consumer Product Safety Program Annual Surveillance Report: 2021

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Introduction

This report describes the surveillance findings gathered by the Consumer Product Safety Program (CPSP) within Health Canada. The CPSP is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) and its regulations, as well as cosmetic-related provisions of the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and the Cosmetic Regulations. The purpose of the CCPSA is to protect the public by addressing or preventing dangers to human health or safety that are posed by consumer products in Canada, including those that circulate within Canada and those that are imported. Similarly, the purpose of the Cosmetic Regulations and the associated provisions of the FDA are to protect Canadians from risks that may be posed by cosmetics.

Within Health Canada, the CPSP promotes, monitors, verifies and enforces compliance with the CCPSA and the FDA. It reviews incidentFootnote 1 reports submitted by industryFootnote 2 and consumers and regularly monitors the marketplace to identify potentially dangerous products. The CPSP also gathers information domestically and internationally about injuries, emerging issues and new science related to consumer product and cosmetic safety. This information is then used to help conduct routine sampling and testing of products in the marketplace and support partnerships with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other domestic and international regulators to verify the compliance of products being imported into Canada.

The CPSP also uses this information to evaluate risks to Canadians posed by consumer products and cosmetics. For example, it conducts assessments to understand and highlight the relative level of risk posed by a consumer product or cosmetic. This allows for the strategic assignment of program resources towards products that pose the greatest risk to Canadians. When reviewing incoming incident reports, the CPSP uses a triage-based approach to identify product-related health and safety concern for follow-up risk assessment and possible compliance and enforcement activity. It carefully monitors issues that do not require immediate attention so that it is prepared to take action if the risk changes over time. Finally, the CPSP provides credible information to consumers and provides tools to help guide informed decision-making by the public.

This is the fifth publicly available Annual Surveillance Report. This report presents a summary of all incident data reported to the CPSP between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, involving products that meet either of the below definitions:

All of the reported incidents include products that are sold within the Canadian marketplace, whether the incidents occurred domestically (69%) or internationally (31%).Footnote 3

The data has been divided by incidents pertaining to consumer products and cosmetics. Under the CCPSA, industry must report health or safety incidents involving consumer products to Health Canada. This mandatory reporting provides Health Canada with a broad understanding of health- or safety-related incidents that occur with consumer products. There are no mandatory incident reporting requirements for cosmetics under the FDA. Finally, each subdivided section provides a table to illustrate the top 10 products reported overall as well as those associated with incident reports of injuries and deaths, with information concerning the hazards and injuries mentioned in the incident report for those products. All of the injuries reported are grouped into different levels of severity (unknown, minor, or life threatening for example). These levels correspond to the overall risk that was reported and relies on factors such as: whether medical treatment was sought, whether the injury was described as being sustained by a vulnerable population and whether that injury was reversible.

The categorization of consumer products was carried out using the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) coding manual. The categorization of cosmetic products was based on the function of the product using the CPSP's Notification of Cosmetics guidelines.

The information in this Annual Surveillance Report reflects the information provided in the incident reports submitted to the CPSP by industry and consumers (including media articles, governmental organizations, fire services, police, coroners, etc.); it does not capture all incidents in Canada. Reports submitted to the CPSP express opinions or observations of the individuals who wrote them and may not always identify a health or safety concern with a particular product or include a thorough description of the incident. The CPSP acknowledges that a given event may be due to an underlying condition, product misuse or coincidental factors. The CPSP takes a risk-based approach and does not validate the claims of every report received.

The CPSP reviews reports on an ongoing basis thus the statistics in this Annual Surveillance Report should be considered dynamic and subject to change.

Consumer products

Total reports received in 2021 from consumers and industry

2,738 consumer product reports were received between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, of which 35 mentioned a death and 973 mentioned a non-fatal injury

Figure 1. Number of consumer product reports received in 2021 from consumers and industry
Figure 1. Number of consumer product reports received in 2021 from consumers and industry
Figure 1: Text description
Month reports received Number of incident reports received
Incident reported by consumer Incident reported by industry Grand total
January 101 104 205
February 113 88 201
March 92 148 240
April 75 258 333
May 69 105 174
June 101 116 217
July 80 102 182
August 101 127 228
September 72 111 183
October 64 93 157
November 75 91 166
December 60 392 452
Grand total 1,003 1,735 2,738

In 2021, the CPSP had an average of 228 reports received per month. This is higher than the 2020 average of 166 report per month and exceeds the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 of 195 reports per month. This spike in reporting is mostly explained by batch reporting as indicated by the spike in April and December. Batch reporting is when industry submits reports of multiple incidents at a single time. These multiple incidents may or may not be related and may have occurred in previous years. The product types that are most associated with the batch reporting-related increases are:

  • Beds or bedframes;
  • Desks, dressers, chests, bureaus, or buffets; and
  • Other or not specified.

Top 10 consumer products reported

The CPSP received a total of 2,738 consumer product incident reports in 2021, covering 322 different product types. The majority (94%) of these product types had 25 or less incident reports submitted per product type, accounting for 54% of the total number of cases received. By comparison, the 11 most reported product types accounted for 39% of all reports received. Note that there are 11 product types listed in this category because the last two product types occupy the 10th rank as they have the same number of reports (52).

Figure 2. Number of reports received by the CPSP over the last 5 years for the 2021 top 10 reported product types
Figure 2. Number of reports received by the CPSP over the last 5 years for the 2021 top 10 reported product types
Figure 2: Text description
Product type Year
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Electric ranges or ovens 114 101 142 99 167
Toys 43 60 91 129 153
Exercise equipment (excluding weight lifting or gymnastic equipment) 6 4 4 5 145
Telephones or telephone accessories 271 155 78 89 129
Chairs 26 22 16 45 108
Beds or bedframes 5 8 4 4 79
Laundry soaps or detergents 61 67 34 55 61
Computers (equipment and electronic games) 45 47 40 46 56
Thermostats (for heating or cooling systems) 107 54 47 44 54
Desks, dressers, chests, bureaus, or buffets 21 14 7 31 52
Vaping products 9 24 54 19 52

The figure above shows the number of reports that the CPSP has received over the last 5 years for the top 10 consumer product types reported in 2021. New product categories compared to 2020 are:

Details on this year's top 10 most reported consumer products are below.

Note: Totals do not always add up to 100% due to rounding

Electric ranges or ovens
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 73
From industry: 94
Total: 167

The top hazards reported included:

  • 25% (42 of 167) overheating,
  • 22% (37 of 167) fire, and
  • 14% (23 of 167) sharp edge or point.

62% (104 of 167) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 38% (63 of 167) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 57% (36 of 63) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 35% (22 of 63) were minor, and
  • 8% (5 of 63) were moderate.

Toys
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 63
From industry: 90
Total: 153

In order to accurately and easily communicate the large variety of toys available in the Canadian market (including more than 30 different NEISS product types), all toys were grouped together here, including:

  • blocks, stacking toys or pull toys;
  • building sets;
  • dolls, plush toys, and action figures;
  • infant and toddler play centres;
  • toy guns with projectiles; and
  • toy vehicles (excluding riding toys).

The top hazards reported included:

  • 27% (42 of 153) small part,
  • 19% (29 of 153) toxicologicalFootnote *, and
  • 11% (17 of 153) sharp edge or point.

63% (97 of 153) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 37% (56 of 153) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 46% (26 of 56) were moderate,
  • 36% (20 of 56) were minor,
  • 9% (5 of 56) were severe,
  • 7% (4 of 56) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 2% (1 of 56) were fatal.

The most common injuries reported were cuts, bruises and irritation or allergic reactions.

Exercise equipment (excluding weight lifting or gymnastic equipment)
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 5
From industry: 140
Total: 145

The top hazards reported included:

  • 86% (124 of 145) detached part,
  • 10% (15 of 145) struck by or against, and
  • 1% (2 of 145) broken part.

90% (130 of 145) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 10% (15 of 145) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 87% (13 of 15) were minor,
  • 7% (1 of 15) were moderate, and
  • 7% (1 of 15) were fatal.

The most common injuries reported were bruising or did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

Telephones or telephone accessories
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 16
From industry: 113
Total: 129

The top hazards reported included:

  • 35% (45 of 129) fire,
  • 19% (25 of 129) explosion, and
  • 18% (23 of 129) excessive heat.

64% (83 of 129) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 36% (46 of 129) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 61% (28 of 46) were minor,
  • 20% (9 of 46) were moderate,
  • 13% (6 of 46) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 4% (2 of 46) were severe, and
  • 2% (1 of 46) were life threatening or disabling.

The most common injuries reported were burns and irritations or allergic reactions.

Chairs
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 11
From industry: 97
Total: 108

The top hazards reported included:

  • 43% (46 of 108) instability,
  • 36% (39 of 108) collapse, and
  • 16% (17 of 108) broken part.

50% (54 of 108) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The other 50% (54 of 108) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 52% (28 of 54) were minor,
  • 37% (20 of 54) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 9% (5 of 54) were moderate, and
  • 2% (1 of 54) were severe.

The most common injuries reported were bruising or did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Bed or bedframes
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 3
From industry: 76
Total: 79

The top hazards reported included:

  • 63% (50 of 79) collapse,
  • 25% (20 of 79) instability, and
  • 5% (4 of 79) broken part.

62% (49 of 79) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 38% (30 of 79) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 63% (19 of 30) were minor,
  • 33% (10 of 30) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 3% (1 of 30) were moderate.

The most common injuries reported were cuts, sprains/strains or did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Laundry soaps or detergents
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 2
From industry: 59
Total: 61

The top hazards reported included:

  • 97% (59 of 61) toxicologicalFootnote *,
  • 2% (1 of 61) sharp edge or point, and
  • 2% (1 of 61) no hazard.

2% (1 of 61) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 98% (60 of 61) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 43% (26 of 60) were severe,
  • 27% (16 of 60) were moderate,
  • 13% (8 of 60) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 8% (5 of 60) were fatal,
  • 7% (4 of 60) were life threatening or disabling, and
  • 2% (1 of 60) were minor.

The most common injuries reported were poisonings and irritations or allergic reactions.

Computers
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 37
From industry: 20
Total: 57

The top hazards reported included:

  • 19% (11 of 57) excessive heat,
  • 19% (11 of 57) toxicological,Footnote *
  • 12% (7 of 57) fire, and
  • 12% (7 of 57) combustion.

70% (40 of 57) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 30% (17 of 57) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 47% (8 of 17) were minor,
  • 29% (5 of 17) were moderate, and
  • 24% (4 of 17) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

The most common injuries reported were irritations or allergic reactions and burns.

Thermostats
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 41
From industry: 13
Total: 54

The top hazards reported included:

  • 37% (20 of 54) fire,
  • 28% (15 of 54) excessive heat, and
  • 15% (8 of 54) overheating.

100% (54 of 54) of the reports did not mention an injury.

Desks, dressers, chests, bureaus or buffets
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 1
From industry: 51
Total: 52

The top hazards reported included:

  • 75% (39 of 52) sharp point or edge
  • 15% (8 of 52) tip over, and
  • 6% (3 of 52) instability.

17% (9 of 52) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 83% (43 of 52) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 91% (39 of 43) were minor,
  • 7% (3 of 43) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 2% (1 of 43) were severe.

The most common injuries reported were cuts or did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Vaping products
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 24
From industry: 28
Total: 52

The top hazards reported included:

  • 42% (22 of 52) toxicological,Footnote *
  • 13% (7 of 52) excessive heat, and
  • 10% (5 of 52) overheating.

44% (23 of 52) of the reports did not mention an injury.

The remaining 56% (29 of 52) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:

  • 38% (11 of 29) were severe,
  • 28% (8 of 29) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 24% (7 of 29) were minor, and
  • 10% (3 of 29) were moderate.

The most common injuries reported were poisonings and burns.

All consumer products reported that mentioned a death

In 2021, there were 35 incident reports related to 22 different product types, which mentioned at least one death.

Riding power lawn mowers and garden tractors
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 8
Total: 8

Of the 8 reports mentioning death:

  • 2 were described as overturning/roll overs of the products that ejected, pinned or crushed the consumers;
  • 1 involved a collision with a motor vehicle;
  • 1 involved a tractor running over someone who was on a trailer being towed and fell off;
  • 1 involved someone running over someone on the mower who fell off;
  • 1 involved running over someone while the lawn mower was mowing in reverse;
  • 1 involved a garden tractor being repaired that backed up and ran over the victim; and
  • 1 involved who was riding a lawn tractor that overturned in a waterbody.

Laundry soaps or detergents
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 5
Total: 5

The 5 reports mentioning death were described as being due to:

  • poisonings,
  • irritation or allergic reaction, or
  • unknown injury type from ingestion of the product.

Woodburning kits
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report identified 5 deaths involving electric shocks associated with Lichtenberg generators (unknown whether homemade or pre-built).

Baby bouncer seats (excluding jumpers)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 2
From industry: 0
Total: 2

Of the 2 reports mentioning death:

  • 1 report involved a death from asphyxia, and
  • 1 report involved 4 deaths with an unknown injury type.

General purpose household cleaners (excluding abrasives, ammonia, pine oil and toilet bowl products)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 2
From industry: 0
Total: 2

The 2 reports mentioning deaths were poisonings involving misuse of multiple substances, 1 of which was a household cleaner of an unknown type.

Acids (excl. drain cleaners and battery acids)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved the inhalation of hydrogen sulfide resulting from the combination of an acid and another chemical by the consumer.

Aerosol containers
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved the insertion of a foreign object into the body.

Antifreeze
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death was a poisoning involving accidental methanol ingestion, likely antifreeze.

Baby baths or bathinettes
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved an infant left unattended in an infant insert/bath who drowned after the insert upended.

Toys (Baby exercisers)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved an infant being placed on their belly in a baby gym and then suffocated.

Baby strollers
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a toddler asphyxiating after their neck was trapped between parts of the stroller.

Batteries
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a toddler ingesting a button battery resulting in internal caustic burns and blood loss.

Bed rails
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved someone becoming entrapped between the bed rail and mattress.

Car seats (for infants or children)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved an infant asphyxiating while travelling in a rear-facing car seat.

Caustics (including lye)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a person who had a heart attack after ingesting a caustic substance.

Christmas tree lights
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death was a person who died in a fire that potentially involved a Christmas light string.

Elevators or other lifts (excluding escalators, hoists, jacks, forklifts and automotive lifts)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a person who fell while using a stair climbing supportive device.

Exercise equipment (excluding weight lifting or gymnastic equipment)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death was a child who died in an accident involving a treadmill.

Hoists, lifts, jacks or jack stands
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a vehicle rolling over someone when a winch failed.

Portable gas or LP heaters
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a fire caused by excessive gas vapor.

Sports and recreational activity, not elsewhere classified
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a non-functional parachute.

Swimming pool equipment (excluding chemicals, diving boards and swimming pool slides)
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a death

From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1

The 1 report mentioning death involved a failure of a self-closing and self-latching pool gate for pool stairs that allow a child to access the pool and drown.

Top 10 consumer products reported that mentioned a non-fatal injury

Of the 2,738 reports received by the CPSP over the course of 2021, 973 mention a non-fatal injury. This table displays the top 10 consumer product types that contributed to the majority of those injuries.

Totals do not always add up to 100% due to rounding.

Electric ranges or ovens
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 10
From industry: 53
Total: 63

43% (27 of 63) of the injuries reported were described as burn, of which:

  • 52% (14 of 27) were minor,
  • 41% (11 of 27) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 7% (2 of 27) were moderate.

35% (22 of 63) of the injuries reported were described as cut, of which:

  • 64% (14 of 22) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 23% (5 of 22) were minor, and
  • 14% (3 of 22) were moderate.

10% (6 of 63) of the injuries reported were described as an unknown type, of which:

  • 83% (5 of 6) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 17% (1 of 6) were minor.

8% (5 of 63) of the injuries reported were described as an electric shock, of which:

  • 80% (4 of 5) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 20% (1 of 5) were minor.

2% (1 of 63) of the injuries reported were an other injury type of unknown severity.

2% (1 of 63) of the injuries reported were a bruise of unknown severity.

2% (1 of 63) of the injuries reported were a minor irritation or allergic reaction.

The most common hazards reported were sharp edge or point, overheating and excessive heat.

Laundry soaps or detergents
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 1
From industry: 54
Total: 55

51% (28 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as poisonings, of which:

  • 61% (17 of 28) were severe,
  • 18% (5 of 28) were moderate,
  • 18% (5 of 28) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 4% (1 of 28) were life threatening or disabling.

45% (25 of 55) of the injuries reported were described as irritation or allergic reaction, of which:

  • 44% (11 of 25) were moderate,
  • 32% (8 of 25) were severe,
  • 12% (3 of 25) were life threatening or disabling,
  • 8% (2 of 25) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 4% (1 of 25) were minor.

2% (1 out of 55) of the non-fatal injuries were described as severe cuts.

2% (1 out of 55) of the non-fatal injuries were described as an other injury type of unknown severity.

The most common hazard reported was toxicological.Footnote *

Toys
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 21
From industry: 34
Total: 55

25% (14 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as cuts, of which:

  • 57% (8 of 14) were moderate,
  • 29% (4 of 14) were minor, and
  • 14% (2 of 14) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

18% (10 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as bruising, of which:

  • 50% (5 of 10) were moderate,
  • 20% (2 of 10) were minor,
  • 20% (2 of 10) did not have sufficient detail and was classified as unknown severity, and
  • 10% (1 of 10) were severe.

13% (7 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as asphyxia, of which:

  • 57% (4 of 7) were minor,
  • 29% (2 of 7) were moderate, and
  • 14% (1 of 7) were severe.

13% (7 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as irritations or allergic reactions, of which:

  • 57% (4 of 7) were minor, and
  • 43% (3 of 7) were moderate.

11% (6 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as an other injury type, of which:

  • 67% (4 of 6) were moderate,
  • 17% (1 of 6) was severe, and
  • 17% (1 of 6) were minor.

7% (4 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as burns of minor severity.

5% (3 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as foreign bodies, of which:

  • 33% (1 of 3) was severe,
  • 33% (1 of 3) was moderate, and
  • 33% (1 of 3) was minor.

4% (2 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as fractures, of which:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were severe, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) were moderate.

2% (1 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as poisonings of moderate severity.

2% (1 of 55) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as an unknown injury type of moderate severity.

The most common hazards reported were small part, toxicological,Footnote * and sharp edge or point.

Chairs
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 5
From industry: 49
Total: 54

59% (32 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

20% (11 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as bruises, of which:

  • 91% (10 of 11) were moderate, and
  • 9% (1 of 11) were minor.

7% (4 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as cuts, of which:

  • 75% (3 of 4) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 25% (1 of 4) were minor.

6% (3 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as sprains/strains, of which:

  • 33% (1 of 3) were minor,
  • 33% (1 of 3) were moderate, and
  • 33% (1 of 3) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

4% (2 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported were as poisonings of moderate severity.

2% (1 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported were a brain injury of unknown severity.

2% (1 of 54) of the non-fatal injuries reported were an other injury type of unknown severity.

The most common hazards reported were collapse, instability, and broken part.

Telephones or accessories
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 7
From industry: 39
Total: 46

89% (41 of 46) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as burns, of which:

  • 66% (27 of 41) were minor,
  • 17% (7 of 41) were moderate,
  • 12% (5 of 41) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity, and
  • 5% (2 of 41) were severe.

4% (2 of 46) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as irritation or allergic reactions of moderate severity.

2% (1 of 46) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as a minor electric shock.

2% (1 of 46) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as other injury of life threatening or disabling severity.

2% (1 of 46) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as an unknown injury of unknown severity.

The most commons hazards reported were fire, explosion and excessive heat.

Desks, dressers, chests, bureaus, or buffets
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 0
From industry: 43
Total: 43

67% (29 of 43) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as minor cuts.

23% (10 of 43) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as unknown, of which:

  • 90% (9 of 10) were minor, and
  • 10% (1 of 10) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

5% (2 of 43) of the non-fatal injuries were described as bruising, of which:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were minor, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

2% (1 of 43) of the non-fatal injuries were described as a severe brain injury.

2% (1 of 43) of the non-fatal injuries were described as other injury of unknown severity.

The most common hazards reported were sharp point or edge, tip over and instability.

Diapers
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 1
From industry: 37
Total: 38

87% (33 of 38) of the non-fatal injuries reported were described as irritation or allergic reaction, of which:

  • 64% (21 of 33) were severe,
  • 30% (10 of 33) were moderate,
  • 3% (1 of 33) were life threatening or disabling, and
  • 3% (1 of 33) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

5% (2 of 38) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as asphyxia, of which:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were severe, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) were minor.

3% (1 of 38) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as severe bruising.

3% (1 of 38) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as an other severe injury.

The most common hazard reported was toxicological.Footnote *

Bed or bedframes
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 1
From industry: 29
Total: 30

57% (17 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries reported did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown, of which:

  • 88% (15 of 17) were minor, and
  • 12% (2 of 17) were moderate.

20% (6 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as cuts, of which:

  • 67% (4 of 6) were of unknown severity, and
  • 33% (2 of 6) were minor.

7% (2 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as bruising, of which:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were of unknown severity, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) were minor.

7% (2 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as sprains/strains, of which:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were of unknown severity, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) were minor.

3% (1 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries were a moderate brain injury.

3% (1 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries were another injury type of unknown severity.

3% (1 of 30) of the non-fatal injuries were a fracture of unknown severity.

The most common hazards reported were collapse and instability.

Vaping products
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 15
From industry: 14
Total: 29

55% (16 of 29) of the non-fatal injuries reported were classified as poisonings, of which:

  • 50% (8 of 16) were severe,
  • 31% (5 of 16) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity,
  • 13% (2 of 16) were moderate, and
  • 6% (1 of 16) were minor.

38% (11 of 29) of the non-fatal injuries were classified as burns, of which:

  • 55% (6 of 11) were minor,
  • 27% (3 of 11) were minor,
  • 9% (1 of 11) were moderate, and
  • 9% (1 of 11) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

7% (2 of 29) of the non-fatal injuries did not have sufficient detail and were classified as an unknown injury type of unknown severity.

The most common hazards reported were toxicologicalFootnote * and explosion.

Refrigerators
Number of reports received in 2021 that mentioned a non-fatal injury

From consumers: 2
From industry: 17
Total: 19

42% (8 of 19) of the non-fatal injuries reported were cuts, of which:

  • 50% (4 of 8) were minor, and
  • 50% (4 of 8) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

32% (6 of 19) of the non-fatal injuries reported did not have sufficient detail and were classified as an unknown injury, of which:

  • 100% (6 of 6) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

11% (2 of 19) of the non-fatal injuries reported were classified as electric shock, of which:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were minor, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown severity.

5% (1 of 19) of the non-fatal injuries reported were classified as poisonings of minor severity.

5% (1 of 19) of the non-fatal injuries reported were classified as sprain/strains of minor severity.

5% (1 of 19) of the non-fatal injuries reported were classified as irritations or allergic reactions of minor severity.

The most common hazard reported was sharp edge.

Find out more about consumer products.

Cosmetics

Total reports received in 2021 from consumers and industry

133 cosmetic reports were received between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, of which 67 mentioned a non-fatal injury.

Cosmetics do not have any mandatory incident reporting requirements for industry under either the Food and Drugs Act or the Cosmetics Regulations. All reports received by industry are voluntary.

Figure 3. Number of cosmetic reports received in 2021 from consumers and industry
Figure 3. Number of cosmetic reports received in 2021 from consumers and industry
Figure 3: Text description
Month report received Number of incident reports received
Incident reported by consumer Incident reported by industry Grand total
January 8 1 9
February 8 2 10
March 11 0 11
April 5 1 6
May 7 1 8
June 4 0 4
July 6 1 7
August 4 2 6
September 9 4 13
October 7 0 7
November 24 2 26
December 24 2 26
Grand total 117 16 133

Top 10 cosmetic products reported

50% (67 of 133) of the cosmetic reports received between January 2021 and December 2021 mentioned injuries, and 83% (110 of 133) of the reports received were concerning toxicologicalFootnote * hazards. There are 11 items listed as there were 3 product types tied for 5th place. The top 9 cosmetic product types reported were also the top 9 cosmetic product types mentioning an injury. The 10th most reported cosmetic product type mentioning an injury was straightening, waving and curling products (permanent/semi-permanent), but it was not among the top 10 most reported cosmetic product types overall (with or without mentioning an injury). There were 2 reports of irritations or allergic reactions of unknown severity associated with straightening, waving and curling products (permanent/semi-permanent).

Totals do not always add up to 100% due to rounding.

Antiperspirant / Deodorants
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 32
From industry: 1
Total: 33

Of the 33 reports, 39% (13 of 33) mentioned an injury:

  • 69% (9 of 13) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions,
  • 16% (3 of 13) were described as poisonings, and
  • 5% (1 of 13) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Injury severity:

  • 85% (11 of 13) were minor,
  • 8% (1 of 13) were severe, and
  • 8% (1 of 13) were moderate.

Cleansers
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 14
From industry: 2
Total: 16

Of the 16 reports, 63% (10 of 16) mentioned an injury.

100% (10 of 10) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions.

Injury severity:

  • 60% (6 of 10) were moderate,
  • 30% (3 of 10) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown, and
  • 10% (1 of 10) were minor.

The cleanser products included:

  • 69% (11 of 16) body cleansers,
  • 19% (3 of 16) unknown area of application, and
  • 13% (2 of 16) face cleansers (including eye cleansers).

Moisturizers
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 14
From industry: 2
Total: 16

Of the 16 reports, 38% (6 of 16) mentioned an injury:

  • 83% (5 of 6) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions, and
  • 17% (1 of 6) were described as a cut.

Injury severity:

  • 50% (3 of 6) were minor,
  • 33% (2 of 6) were moderate, and
  • 17% (1 of 6) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

The moisturizer products included:

  • 44% (7 of 16) face moisturizers (including eye and lip moisturizers),
  • 31% (5 of 16) body moisturizers, and
  • 25% (4 of 16) unknown area of application.

Bath Products (including bath bombs, salts and oils)
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 8
From industry: 2
Total: 10

Of the 10 reports, 40% (4 of 10) mentioned an injury:

  • 75% (3 of 4) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions, and
  • 25% (1 of 4) were described as unknown injury type of unknown severity

Injury severity:

  • 50% (2 of 4) were minor,
  • 25% (1 of 4) were moderate, and
  • 25% (1 of 4) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown

Conditioners
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 7
From industry: 2
Total: 9

Of the 9 reports, 67% (6 of 9) mentioned an injury.

100% (6 of 6) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions.

Injury severity:

  • 67% (4 of 6) were moderate,
  • 17% (1 of 6) were severe, and
  • 17% (1 of 6) were minor.

Shampoo
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 7
From industry: 1
Total: 8

Of the 8 reports, 38% (3 of 8) mentioned an injury.

100% (3 of 3) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions.

Injury severity:

  • 67% (2 of 3) were minor, and
  • 33% (1 of 3) did not have sufficient detail and was classified as unknown.

Makeup (non-permanent, including henna tattoo)
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 7
From industry: 0
Total: 7

Of the 7 reports, 86% (6 of 7) mentioned an injury.

100% (6 of 6) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions.

Injury severity:

  • 67% (4 of 6) were moderate,
  • 17% (1 of 6) were minor, and
  • 17% (1 of 6) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Fragrance products
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 3
From industry: 3
Total: 6

Of the 6 reports, 67% (4 of 6) mentioned an injury:

  • 75% (3 of 4) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions, and
  • 25% (1 of 4) of the injuries were an other injury type

Injury severity:

  • 75% (3 of 4) were moderate, and
  • 25% (1 of 4) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Hair colour - Permanent
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 4
From industry: 0
Total: 4

Of the 4 reports, 75% (3 of 4) mentioned an injury.

100% (3 of 3) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions.

Injury severity:

  • 67% (2 of 3) were moderate, and
  • 33% (1 of 3) were severe.

Nail Products
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 4
From industry: 0
Total: 4

Of the 4 reports, 50% (2 of 4) mentioned an injury:

  • 50% (1 of 2) of the injuries were described as irritations or allergic reactions, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) of the injuries did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.

Injury severity:

  • 50% (1 of 2) were minor, and
  • 50% (1 of 2) were of unknown severity.

Other or unknown
Number of reports received in 2021

From consumers: 4
From industry: 0
Total: 4

Of the 4 reports, 25% (1 of 4) mentioned an injury.

The only injury was a moderate irritation or allergic reaction.

Find out more about cosmetics.

Conclusion

Within the 2021 calendar year, the CPSP received a total of 2,871 consumer product and cosmetic reports from industry and consumers (1,751 and 1,120, respectively). This is an increase of 36% for all reports compared to 2020 (2,109 reports) and above pre-pandemic values of 2,343 total reports in 2019. In addition, there were notable increases in batch reporting by industry and reports associated with recalls. Recalls tend to increase consumer reporting by increasing awareness of incident reporting mechanisms.

The 11 most reported consumer product types account for 39% of the total number of incident reports received by the CPSP in 2021. The top reported consumer product type in 2021 was 'Electric ranges or ovens', with 167 reports received, over a third of which mentioned an injury. The product type "Exercise equipment (excluding weight lifting or gymnastic equipment)" was new to the top 10, and may be associated with pandemic-related popularity of this product type and/or recalls for these product types.

Finally, the CPSP saw a 9% increase in the number of reports received for cosmetic products in 2021 compared to 2020. Due to the relatively low number of reports received for cosmetic products, it is difficult to make any determinations about the changes in the number of reports received.

How to report an incident involving a consumer product or cosmetic

Industry must report all incidents, as defined by the CCPSA, involving a consumer product and are encouraged to voluntarily report health or safety issues involving a cosmetic.

Consumers are encouraged to report any incident or event where someone is, or could have been, injured by a consumer product or cosmetic directly to the CPSP. Consumers may also send a report to the manufacturer, importer or retailer of the consumer product or cosmetic.

Contact us

Any questions or comments on this report, including any requests for the data used to support this report, should be directed to cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca.

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