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FY 1984 PRIORITIES

Chain Saws . Each year , an estimated 28 , 000 medically attended injuries occur from chain saw " kickback " ( the sudden rearward and upward travel of a chain saw when it bucks , kicks or unexpectedly jumps toward the operator ) . In FY 1984 , the Commission will continue work toward development of a mandatory product safety standard designed to address the kickback hazard , and work with industry on a voluntary standard as an alternative . In addition , the agency will work on strategies to address non - kickback injuries ( estimated at 95 , 000 per year , but generally less serious than kickback injuries ) , and will conduct an information and education program to inform consumers how to use chain saws safely .

Chlorocarbons . Long - term animal testing of two chemicals ( perchloroethylene , widely used in dry cleaning , and dichloromethane , used as a paint remover and solvent ) will be completed in FY 1983 . Preliminary indications are that both compounds may cause cancer . In FY 1984 , CPSC will continue work to analyze the potential risk to consumers from exposure to these chemicals , and , if appropriate , will develop remedial strategy options .

Gas Heating Equipment . Gas heating systems account for the majority of carbon monoxide deaths in the home - - about 290 deaths each year . In addition , gas - fired heating systems account for a . : 14811114 . 1111 . number of tire - related deaths und injuries . In FY 1984 , the Commission will work with voluntary standards groups ( for example , the American National Standards Institute ) to improve the sately of these products , and will conduct an outreach program to increase consumer awareness of potential hazards .

Indoor Air Quality - Combustion Products . The Commission is concerned about possible health problems caused by pollutant emissions from fuel - fired appliances . Pollutants include carbon monoxide , nitrogen oxides , and formaldehyde . Studies indicate that living in homes with gas stoves may have increased the incidence of respiratory disease and lung dysfunction in children . In FY 1984 , the Conmission will continue to conduct tests to measure consumers ' exposure to pollutants from these sources , and will seek the aid of appliance and heater manufacturers to develou appropriate remedial strategies .

Juvenile Sports Equipment . Each year , there are over 900 , 000 medically attended injuries of children from the ages of 5 through 14 associated with baseball , football and soccer activities . Between 1973 and 1980 , there were over 60 deaths of children in this same age group which were associated with these sports . In FY 1984 , the Commission will conduct a detailed analysis of injuries , test protective equipment , and develop proposals to improve safety in the juvenile sports area . Proposals to improve safety may include information and education efforts , rule changes , and equipment improvements .

Particleboard / Plywood / Paneling . Formaldehyde emissions from these pressed wood products may constitute a serious health risk . Both acute and chronic health hazards are of concern . In FY 1984 , the Commission will complete exposure and risk assessments , and will seek industr assistance to develop and implement a voluntary standard designed to reduce formaldehyde emissions .

Poison Prevention Packaging . The Poison Prevention Packaging Act provides al thority to issue regulations requiring child - resistant packaging for certain products to protect children from serious injury or illness . In FY 1984 , CPSC will investigate and develop proposals , if appropriate , to require child - resistant packaging for certain camphorated products , petroleum distillates and topical drugs to prevent ingestion injuries from these products .

In addition , the Commission estimates that by FY 1984 as much as 20 percent of child - resistant packaging may be " dual purpose " closures ( that is , closures which can be used in child - resistant or non - resistant mode ) . CPSC is concerned that increased usage of dual purpose closures may lead to increased accidental ingestion of dangerous chemicals by children . In FY 1984 , the agency will continue to monitor market data and ingestion data , and , if necessary , will develop regulations regarding the use of dual purpose closures .

Sutely for Older consumers . Oldei consumer ' s may have physical disabilities which Iliakt : it MOTU ditticult for them to prevent or react lo accident situations . In FY 1984 , the Commission will undertake a major outreach effort to reach America ' s 14 million older consumers . The hazards of fire , scalds and falls will be addressed .

Snoldering Ignition . Fire is the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States , and the second Teading cause of accidental death in the home . Upholstered furniture fires cause more deaths than any other product under CPSC jurisdiction . It is estimated that 1 , 150 deaths , 4 , 200 injuries and 24 , 600 fires occur annually as a result of cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture . Mattress and bedding fires , which cause an estimated 1 , 000 deaths annually , are also a serious safety problem .

In FY 1984 , the Commission will continue its cooperative efforts with industry to improve the resistance of upholstered furniture to cigarette ignition . The agency will also conduct an informa tion and education program to warn consumers of the fire hazard . In addition , CPSC will analyze injury data associated with mattress and bedding fires , and will develop remedial strategies for the hazard .