What role does the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) play?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of consumer products in the marketplace. Its primary functions include researching product safety issues and establishing safety standards to protect consumers from hazards associated with a wide range of products, including toys, appliances, and other household items. Through rigorous testing, assessments, and oversight, the CPSC can identify potential risks and implement regulations to mitigate them, thereby safeguarding consumers and enhancing public health.

This focus on research and standard-setting is crucial because it helps minimize accidents and injuries related to defective or dangerous products. By establishing clear guidelines for manufacturers, the CPSC ensures that products meet safety benchmarks before they are sold to the public, promoting a safer shopping environment for consumers.

The other options do not align with the CPSC's mission. Setting prices for consumer goods is typically handled by market forces and not regulated by a safety commission. Promoting sales of consumer products and conducting marketing campaigns are also outside the scope of the CPSC's responsibilities, which center primarily on consumer protection rather than sales or marketing strategies.