As holiday shopping ramps up, so do injuries tied to consumer products, from toys to clothes to electronics.
In 2024, 15 million Americans went to the ER because of consumer products — an 18 percent increase over previous years, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“People can be surprised by the products that are hazardous,” said Deb Dickerson, a human factors engineering expert at Virginia Tech. “The most problematic in 2024 were injuries from fires, furniture and TVs falling on people, and chemical poisonings.” Dickerson, who studies how warning labels and product design can unveil hidden hazards, shares timely advice to keep your loved ones safer this season.
Look for — and understand — warning symbols
Those little icons on toys, batteries, or chemical products aren’t just there for decoration. “I look at warning labels on products to make sure they do a good job of conveying the meaning — and sometimes they don’t,” said Dickerson.
“For instance, a flame with an ‘O’ inside? That means ‘oxidizer,’ a chemical that makes fire worse. In my study, the average person didn’t understand that, but not knowing can turn a spark into a blaze.”
Watch for products with weak regulation
“In 2025, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a record number of recalls for products, most of which come from other countries and are being sold online,” said Dickerson. “It’s a way some products skirt the regulatory requirements of the United States, and consumers get products that are harmful.”
One example: children’s pajamas that failed flammability tests. If you’re buying online, especially from unfamiliar sellers, do a quick safety check. The Consumer Product Safety Commission posts recalls regularly.
Take user manuals seriously (even if they’re boring)
Nobody wants to read a 20-page manual on Christmas morning. But Dickerson urges consumers to at least scan for warning icons and follow usage instructions.
“Sometimes it’s not easy to figure out what a symbol means, but you can get information about products online or from YouTube videos,” Dickerson said. “Designers don’t put warning labels on products for fun. If it’s there, it’s for a reason.”
Virginia Tech
