Consumer Product Safety Program Annual Surveillance Report: 2017
On this page:
- Executive Summary
- Consumer products
- Cosmetics
- Conclusion
- How to report an incident involving a consumer product or cosmetic
- Contact us
Executive summary
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 as well as those that are imported.
Within Health Canada, the CPSP promotes, monitors, verifies, and enforces compliance with the CCPSA and the FDA. It reviews reports submitted by industry 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 identify issues that are a risk. This allows the strategic assignment of program resources towards products that pose the greatest risk to Canadians. When reviewing incoming incident and injury reports, the CPSP uses a triage-based approach to identify product-related health and safety issues 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 first publicly available Annual Surveillance Report. This report presents a summary of all incident data reported to the CPSP between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 that meet the definitions of a consumer product or cosmetic set out in legislation administered by Health Canada:
- A consumer product is a product, including its components, parts or accessories, that may reasonably be expected to be obtained by an individual to be used for non-commercial purposes, including for domestic, recreational and sports purposes, and includes its packaging; and
- A cosmetic includes any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes.
This Annual Surveillance Report includes all incident reports for products that are sold within the Canadian marketplace, regardless of whether or not the incidents and injuries described in those reports happened domestically (80%) or internationally (20%).
The data has been divided by incidentsFootnote 1pertaining to consumer products, regulated under the CCPSA and its regulations, and cosmetics, which are regulated under the FDA and the Cosmetic Regulations. 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 or the Cosmetic Regulations. 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.
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 CPSP’s Notification of Cosmetics guidelines.
The information provided in this Annual Surveillance Report reflects information as it was described in the incident reports submitted to the CPSP by industry and consumers (including governmental organizations, fire services, police, coroners, etc.) and does not capture all incidents in Canada. Reports submitted to the CPSP express opinions or observations of the individuals who wrote them. They might not always identify a health or safety concern with a particular consumer product or cosmetic or include a thorough description of the incident. 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. Information reported to the CPSP may concern incidents that occurred outside of Canada.
The CPSP receives 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 2017 from consumers and industry
2,395 consumer product reports were received between and , of which 21 mentioned a death and 811 mentioned a non-fatal injury
Figure 1. Number of consumer product reports received in 2017 by consumers and industry
Text Description
| Month and Year Report Received |
Number of Incident Reports Received | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Incident - Consumer | Incident - Industry | Grand Total | |
| 2017 | |||
| Jan | 113 | 119 | 232 |
| Feb | 87 | 120 | 207 |
| Mar | 73 | 118 | 191 |
| Apr | 62 | 97 | 159 |
| May | 68 | 107 | 175 |
| Jun | 80 | 124 | 204 |
| Jul | 91 | 121 | 212 |
| Aug | 79 | 106 | 185 |
| Sep | 71 | 113 | 184 |
| Oct | 119 | 109 | 228 |
| Nov | 110 | 122 | 232 |
| Dec | 76 | 111 | 187 |
| Grand Total | 1029 | 1367 | 2396 |
Oct 2017 saw 67% more consumer reported incidents than Sep 2017 due to an increase in the number of incidents reported pertaining to bassinets, barbecue brushes and dishwashers. See the embedded hyperlinks for more details on those product categories from that timeframe.
Top 10 consumer products reported
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.
Telephones or accessories
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 11
From industry: 249
Total: 260
The top hazards reported included:
- 52% (136 of 260) excessive heat/overheating,
- 20% (52 of 260) fire, and
- 8% (20 of 260) smoke.
67% (175 of 260) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 33% (85 of 260) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 81% (69 of 85) were minor,
- 13% (11 of 85) were moderate,
- 5% (4 of 85) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown, and
- 1% (1 of 85) was life threatening or disabling.
The most common injury types reported were burns, electric shocks, and irritations or allergic reactions.
Electric ranges or ovens
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 78
From industry: 31
Total: 109
The top hazards reported included:
- 30% (33 of 109) excessive heat/overheating,
- 24% (26 of 109) fire, and
- 16% (17 of 109) sharp edge or point.
84% (92 of 109) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 16% (17 of 109) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 76% (13 of 17) were minor,
- 12% (2 of 17) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown,
- 6% (1 of 17) were moderate, and
- 6% (1 of 17) were fatal.
The most common injury types reported were cuts, burns, bruises and poisoning (from fire-related carbon monoxide exposure).
Thermostats
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 98
From industry: 0
Total: 98
The top hazards reported included:
- 33% (32 of 98) excessive heat/overheating,
- 27% (26 of 98) fire, and
- 19% (19 of 98) combustion.
99% (97 of 98) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining single reported injury was a minor electric shock.
Diapers
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 7
From industry: 67
Total: 74
The top hazards reported included:
- 95% (70 of 74) toxicologicalFootnote *, and
- 2% (2 of 70) presence of foreign object.
4% (3 of 74) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 96% (71 of 74) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 63% (45 of 71) were moderate,
- 34% (24 of 71) were severe,
- 1% (1 of 71) was minor, and
- 1% (1 of 71) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The most common injuries reported were irritations or allergic reactions to the product.
Light bulbs (excl. Christmas tree light bulbs)
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 39
From industry: 26
Total: 65
The top hazards reported included
- 31% (20 of 65) fire,
- 15% (10 of 65) excessive heat,
- 9% (6 of 65) sharp edge or point, and
- 9% (6 of 65) combustion.
91% (59 of 65) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 9% (6 of 65) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 50% (3 of 6) were minor, and
- 50% (3 of 6) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
All injuries were due to burns.
Laundry soaps or detergents
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 6
From industry: 51
Total: 57
The top hazard reported was toxicologicalFootnote * (96%, 55 of 57).
Only 3% (2 of 57) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 96% (55 of 57) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 49% (27 of 55) were severe,
- 36% (20 of 55) were moderate,
- 13% (7 of 55) were life threatening, and
- 2% (1 of 55) was fatal.
The most common injuries reported were irritations or allergic reactions, and poisoning.
Dishwashers
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 38
From industry: 14
Total: 52
The top hazards reported included:
- 31% (16 of 52) fire,
- 17% (9 of 52) combustion,
- 17% (9 of 52) excessive heat/overheating, and
- 13% (7 of 52) sharp edge or point.
88% (46 of 52) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 12% (6 of 52) reported injuries were all minor and were either cuts or electric shocks.
Manual cleaning equipment (incl. barbecue brushes)
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 46
From industry: 5
Total: 51
98% (50 of 51) of reports mentioned wire barbeque brushes.
The most common concern was sharp edge or point (96%; 49 of 51).
18% (9 of 51) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 82% (42 of 51) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 36% (15 of 42) were severe,
- 27% (14 of 42) were minor,
- 24% (10 of 42) were moderate, and
- 7% (3 of 42) were life threatening or disabling.
The most common injuries reported were cuts and ingestion of foreign objects due to breakage or detachment of bristles from the product.
Pressure cookers or canners
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 0
From industry: 48
Total: 48
The top hazards reported included:
- 63% (30 of 48) explosion, and
- 8% (4 of 48) sharp edge or point.
31% (15 of 48) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 69% (33 of 48) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 61% (20 of 33) were minor,
- 31% (10 of 33) were moderate,
- 3% (1 of 33) was severe, and
- 3% (1 of 33) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The most common injuries reported were burns, electric shocks and cuts.
Computers
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 9
From industry: 36
Total: 45
The top hazards reported include:
- 38% (17 of 45) excessive heat/overheating,
- 22% (10 of 45) fire, and
- 16% (7 of 45) smoke.
91% (41 of 45) of the reports did not mention an injury.
The remaining 9% (4 of 45) of the reports mentioned injuries, of which:
- 75% (3 of 4) were minor, and
- 25% (1 of 4) were moderate.
The most common injuries were burns.
All consumer products reported that mentioned a death
For the 2017 year, multiple product types had an incident report that mentioned at least 1 death.
Desks, dressers, chests, bureaus, or buffets
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 5
Total: 5
The 5 reported deaths were described as being due to asphyxia, being struck by the product and unknown injuries. All 5 of the deaths were described as being caused by entrapment, tip over or instability of the product.
Coal or wood-burning stoves
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 2
From industry: 0
Total: 2
The 2 reported deaths were described as being due to asphyxia and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by fires.
Baby carriers or slings (backpacks)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to positional asphyxiation caused by an upper airway obstruction.
Bassinets or cradles
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as having an undetermined cause and injury.
Bicycles and accessories
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to a brain injury caused by a fall.
Electric ranges or ovens
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a stove-top fire.
Electrical wire or wiring systems
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to burn injuries caused by a fire.
House repair or construction materials
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to undetermined injuries caused by a fall from great heights.
Laundry soaps or detergents
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to poisoning from the inhalation of laundry detergent chemical fumes as expelled via a laundry machine.
Liquid room deodorizers or fresheners
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to a fatal allergic reaction to the product.
Other cookware
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being carbon monoxide poisoning associated with a gas fryer.
Personal protection devices (i.e., medical alert buttons)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 1
From industry: 0
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to an electrical malfunction of the device, which prevented it from sending out an emergency alert when the consumer fell and suffered a brain injury.
Solid room deodorizers or fresheners
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to carbon monoxide poisoning associated with an incense stick that started a fire.
Swings or swing sets (excl. portable baby swings)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1
The reported death had an undetermined cause and injury.
Tables (excl. baby changing tables, billiard or pool tables and television tables or stands)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1
The reported death was described as being due to asphyxiation associated with an entrapment.
Toilet bowl products
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned a death
From consumers: 0
From industry: 1
Total: 1
The reported death described as being due to poisoning associated with ingestion of the product.
Top 10 consumer products reported that mentioned a non-fatal injury
All of the non-fatal 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 rely on factors such as: whether medical treatment was sought, whether the injury was sustained by a vulnerable population, and whether that injury was reversible.
Telephones or accessories
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 6
From industry: 79
Total: 85
80% (68 of 85) of the injuries reported were described as burns:
- 88% (60 of 68) were minor,
- 7% (5 of 68) were moderate, and
- 4% (3 of 68) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
8% (7 of 85) of the injuries reported were described as irritations or allergic reactions:
- 57% (4 of 7) were moderate, and
- 43% (3 of 7) were minor.
5% (6 of 85) of the injuries reported were described as electric shock:
- 83% (5 of 6) were minor, and
- 17% (1 of 6) were moderate.
The remaining 5% (4 of 85) of injuries reported did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The top hazards reported were excessive heat, fire, and toxicologicalFootnote *
Diapers
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 4
From industry: 67
Total: 71
96% (68 of 71) of the injuries reported were described as irritations or allergic reactions:
- 34% (23 of 68) were severe,
- 64% (43 of 68) were moderate,
- 1% (1 of 68) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown, and
- 1% (1 of 68) was minor.
The remaining 4% (3 of 71) of injuries reported did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The top hazard reported was toxicologicalFootnote *.
Laundry soaps or detergents
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 3
From industry: 51
Total: 54
72% (39 of 54) of the injuries reported were described as irritations or allergic reactions:
- 54% (21 of 39) were severe,
- 41% (16 of 39) were moderate, and
- 5% (2 of 39) were life threatening or disabling
26% (14 of 54) of the injuries reported were described as poisoning by ingestion of the product:
- 43% (6 of 14) were severe,
- 36% (5 of 14) were life threatening or disabling, and
- 21% (3 of 14) were moderate.
The remaining 2% (1 of 54) of the injuries reported were described as moderate burns.
All 54 incidents reported a toxicologicalFootnote * hazard.
Toys
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 11
From industry: 32
Total: 43
The following information is presented in a slightly different format than other products, in order to accurately and easily communicate the large variety of injuries associated with different toys products such as:
- dolls, plush toys, and action figures;
- blocks, stacking toys or pull toys;
- building sets; and
- infant or toddler play centres (excl. jumpers, bouncers and exercisers).
91% (39 of 43) of the injuries reported were all minor or moderate in severity:
- 49% (19 of 39) were described as cuts,
- 15% (6 of 39) were described as asphyxia,
- 15% (6 of 39) were described as bruises,
- 8% (3 of 39) were described as burns,
- 5% (2 of 39) were described as irritations or allergic reactions,
- 5% (2 of 39) were described as being due to the presence of a foreign object, and
- 3% (1 of 39) was described as poisoning.
The remaining 9% (4 of 43) of injuries reported did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The most common hazards reported included sharp edge or point, small part, toxicologicalFootnote *, entrapment, and pinch or shear.
Manual cleaning equipment (specifically barbecue brushes)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 38
From industry: 3
Total: 41
49% (20 of 41) of the injuries reported were described as cuts:
- 65% (13 o 20) were minor,
- 30% (6 of 20) were moderate, and
- 5% (1 of 20) severe.
44% (18 of 41) of the injuries reported were described as being due to ingestion of a piece of the product:
- 67% (12 of 18) were severe,
- 17% (3 of 18) were life threatening or disabling, and
- 17% (3 of 18) were moderate.
The remaining 7% (3 of 41) mentioned a bone fracture from tripping on the product and unknown injuries.
The most common hazard reported was sharp edge or point.
Pressure cookers or canners
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 0
From industry: 33
Total: 33
73% (24 of 33) of the injuries reported were described as burns:
- 54% (13 of 24) were minor,
- 42% (10 of 24) were moderate, and
- 4% (1 of 24) severe.
18% (6 of 33) of the injuries reported were described as electric shock:
- 83% (5 of 6) were minor, and
- 17% (1 of 6) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
6% (2 of 33) of the injuries reported were described as minor cuts, and the remaining 3% (1 of 33) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The top hazards reported were explosion and electrical hazard.
Chairs (excl. high chairs, patio chairs, recliners, or rocking chairs)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 6
From industry: 11
Total: 17
35% (6 of 17) of the injuries reported were described as bruises, all of which were minor in severity.
24% (4 of 17) of the injuries were described as cuts:
- 75% (3 of 4) were moderate, and
- 25% (1 of 4) were minor.
17% (3 of 17) of the injuries were described as fracture, or sprain/strain:
- 67% (2 of 3) were moderate, and
- 33% (1 of 3) were minor.
Of the remaining 24% (4 of 17) of injuries 1 was described as electric shock and 3 did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The top hazards reported were sharp edge or point, broken part, detached part, collapse, tip over, and instability of the product.
Electric ranges or ovens
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 8
From industry: 8
Total: 16
50% (8 of 16) of the injuries were described as cuts:
- 75% (6 of 8) were minor,
- 12% (1 of 8) were moderate, and
- 12% (1 of 8) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
44% (7 of 16) of the injuries were described as burns:
- 86% (6 of 7) were minor, and
- 24% (1 of 7) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The remaining 6% (1 of 16) of the injuries were described as a minor bruise.
The most common hazards reported were sharp edge or point, and excessive heat/overheating.
Drinking glasses
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 2
From industry: 10
Total: 12
67% (8 of 12) of the injuries were described as cuts:
- 75% (6 of 8) were moderate,
- 12% (1 of 8) were minor, and
- 12% (1 of 8) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
25% (3 of 12) of the injuries were described as burns from hot liquid:
- 67% (2 of 3) were moderate, and
- 33% (1 of 3) were minor.
The remaining 8% (1 of 12) of the injuries were minor and were described as being due to the presence of a foreign object.
The most common hazards reported were sharp edge or point, and explosion.
Tableware and accessories (excl. Drinking glasses)
Number of reports received in 2017 that mentioned an injury
From consumers: 3
From industry: 9
Total: 12
58% (7 of 12) of the injuries were described as burns:
- 71% (5 of 7) were minor, and
- 29% (2 of 7) were moderate.
16% (2 of 12) were minor injuries described as cuts.
The remaining 25% (3 of 12) of injuries were described as being due to poisoning, asphyxia or the presence of a foreign object.
The most common hazard types reported were sharp edge or point, and explosion.
Find out more about consumer products.
Cosmetics
Total reports received in 2017 from consumers and industry
164 cosmetic reports were received between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017, of which 103 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 2. Number of cosmetic reports received in 2017 from consumers and industry
Text Description
| Month and Year Report Received |
Number of Incident Reports Received | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Incident - Consumer | Incident - Industry | Grand Total | |
| 2017 | |||
| Jan | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Feb | 8 | 8 | |
| Mar | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Apr | 12 | 1 | 13 |
| May | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| June | 10 | 3 | 13 |
| Jul | 27 | 2 | 29 |
| Aug | 14 | 2 | 16 |
| Sep | 12 | 3 | 15 |
| Oct | 14 | 14 | |
| Nov | 19 | 19 | |
| Dec | 12 | 4 | 16 |
| Grand Total | 144 | 20 | 164 |
Top 10 cosmetic products reported
62% of the cosmetic reports received between January 2017 and December 2017 mentioned injuries. The top 10 products reported are also the top 10 products associated with the description of an injury. As with consumer 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 sustained by a vulnerable population, and whether the injury was reversible.
Moisturizers
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 26
From industry: 5
Total: 31
Of the 31 reports, 51% (16 of 31) mentioned an injury.
Of the 16 injuries:
- 94% (15 of 16) mentioned irritations or allergic reactions, and
- 4% (1 of 16) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
Injury severity:
- 50% (8 of 16) were moderate,
- 37% (6 of 16) were minor, and
- 13% (2 of 16) were serious.
The moisturizing products included:
- 58% (18 of 31) facial moisturizers (including lips, eyes), and
- 42% (13 of 31) body moisturizers.
Cleansers
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 20
From industry: 6
Total: 26
Of the 26 reports, 46% (12 of 26) mentioned an injury.
Of the 12 injuries:
- 92% (11 of 12) mentioned irritations or allergic reactions, and
- 8% (1 of 12) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
Injury severity:
- 75% (9 of 12) were moderate, and
- 25% (3 of 12) were minor.
The cleanser products included:
- 81% (21 of 26) body cleansers
- 12% (3 of 26) face cleansers,
- 4% (1 of 26) genitals cleanser, and
- 4% (1 of 26) hair cleanser.
Antiperspirants/Deodorants
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 13
From industry: 0
Total: 13
Of the 13 reports, 100% (13 of 13) mentioned irritations or allergic reactions.
Injury severity:
- 62% (8 of 13) were minor,
- 31% (4 of 13) were moderate, and
- 7% (1 of 13) were serious.
Makeup (non-permanent)
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 12
From industry: 1
Total: 13
Of the 13 reports, 46% (6 of 13) mentioned an injury.
All 6 injuries mentioned irritations or allergic reactions.
Injury severity:
- 84% (5 of 6) were minor, and
- 16% (1 of 6) were moderate.
The non-permanent makeup products were for:
- 43% (6 of 13) the body,
- 29% (4 of 13) the face, and
- 21% (3 of 13) the eyes.
Shampoo
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 11
From industry: 2
Total: 13
Of the 13 reports, 85% (11 of 13) mentioned an injury.
All 11 injuries mentioned irritations or allergic reactions.
Injury severity:
- 64% (7 of 11) were moderate,
- 27% (3 of 11) were minor, and
- 9% (1 of 11) were serious.
Bath Products
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 10
From industry: 1
Total: 11
Of the 11 reports, 45% (5 of 11) mentioned an injury.
All 5 injuries mentioned irritations or allergic reactions.
Injury severity:
- 40% (2 of 5) were moderate,
- 20% (1 of 5) were life threatening or disabling,
- 20% (1 of 5) were minor, and
- 20% (1 of 5) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
Hair Colour – Permanent
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 8
From industry: 0
Total: 8
Of the 8 reports, 100% (8 of 8) mentioned irritations or allergic reactions.
Injury severity:
- 50% (4 of 8) were moderate,
- 38% (3 of 8) were minor, and
- 12% (1 of 8) were serious.
Cosmetic adhesives
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 8
From industry: 0
Total: 8
Of the 8 reports, 88% (7 of 8) mentioned an injury.
Of the 7 injuries:
- 86% (6 of 7) mentioned irritations or allergic reactions, and
- 14% (1 of 7) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
Injury severity:
- 58% (4 of 7) were moderate,
- 14% (1 of 7) were minor,
- 14% (1 of 7) were severe, and
- 14% (1 of 7) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
The adhesive products included:
- 63% (5 of 8) eyelash adhesives,
- 25% (2 of 8) nail adhesives,
- 12% (1 of 8) other facial adhesive.
Conditioners
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 5
From industry: 0
Total: 5
Of the 5 reports, 80% (4 of 5) mentioned an injury.
Of the 4 injuries:
- 75% (3 of 4) mentioned irritations or allergic reactions, and
- 5% (1 of 4) did not have sufficient detail and were classified as unknown.
Injury severity:
- 50% (2 of 4) were moderate,
- 25% (1 of 4) were minor, and.
- 25% (1 of 4) were severe.
Tooth whiteners
Number of reports received in 2017
From consumers: 5
From industry: 0
Total: 5
Of the 5 reports, 20% (1 of 5) mentioned an injury.
The 1 injury mentioned a minor irritation or allergic reaction.
Find out more about cosmetics.
Conclusion
The CPSP monitors reports received and takes appropriate action on unsafe consumer products and cosmetics. When the CPSP receives reports of products that pose a risk, it will triage and evaluate whether those risks require further action to be taken. Those could include activities such as conducting consumer outreach campaigns, compliance and enforcement projects, or standards development activities.
Within the 2017 calendar year, the CPSP received a total of 2,563 consumer product and cosmetic reports from industry and consumers. This number is 30% higher than the number of reports received in 2016.The highest reported product type in 2017 was telephones or accessories, which also had the highest number of reported injuries. Specifically, the number of telephone or accessories reports increased by 78% from 2016. The Program took action on this increased reporting in 2018 by identifying and engaging in enforcement actions on a number of concerns with USB charging cables through a compliance and enforcement project.
Similarly, the number of reports for manual cleaning equipment (including wire barbeque brushes) increased by 750% from 2016. This increased reporting is likely due to the media attention BBQ brushes received over the course of 2016 and 2017; see Health Canada’s postings on this subject for more details and the steps the Program is taking [PDF: 230 KB] in helping to develop a standard.
How to report an incident involving a consumer product or cosmetic
Industry must report health or safety concerns involving a consumer product and are encouraged to voluntarily report health or safety issues involving a cosmetic.
Consumers are encouraged to report any health or safety issues directly to the CPSP involving either a consumer product or cosmetic and can also send a report to the manufacturer, importer or retailer of the consumer product or cosmetic.
Report an incidentContact us
Any questions or comments on this report should be directed to cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca.
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