Protect Your Family from Buying
Hazardous Products Online or at Yard Sales

Hundreds of hazardous products have been banned or recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) over the years because a defect or hidden hazard made them dangerous and sometimes deadly to consumers. Although these products have been removed from store shelves, they may still be in use in people’s homes or may be available at a yard sale, auction or through the popular Internet online auctions. Of particular concern are children’s products and toys, tools, exercise equipment and household items.

Consumers need to do a "Recall Double Check" when selling or shopping at yard sales or at any non-retail store location. Check before you sell and check before you buy or use items purchased. To determine if any product has been recalled or is banned, look it up on CPSC’s web site at www.cpsc.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Two of the most popular online auction sites, eBay.com and Amazon.com Auctions are now providing links from their sites to information about the dangers of recalled products and links to the CPSC website. Recalled products are not allowed on these online auctions. The CPSC is urging other online auction sites to consider a similar ban.

However, if you are considering purchasing items from places other than retail stores, or have obtained used items from other sources, such as yard sales, newspaper ads or donations, it is your responsibility to check if they are safe.