Feldman Points to Nexus of Infant Sleep and CPSC Diversity Goals

Commissioner Peter Feldman April 9 called for "greater inclusivity when conducting agency information collection activities going forward." His statement (bit.ly/3a7JZCY) was in in response to the vote (PSL, 4/12/21) to seek another round of comments on a planned study of the understandability of infant sleep warnings.

His point about diversity reflects the recent movement in agency planning towards greater attention to understanding and addressing how various segments of the population may have different product safety needs. However, he also cited input on the study from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (PSL, 3/8/21), which suggested focus on such differences. Acknowledging the difficulty of changing parameters "mid study," also wrote:

"I hope that staff will consider expanding, as part of future information gathering on this issue, the type of information AASM noted in its comments. This additional information will empower CPSC to improve warning label comprehension to accurately reflect the entire population."

Commissioners approved the comment solicitation 4-0 April 9. The vote sheet is at bit.ly/2PZ71Fo.