Product Safety, Information, and Behavior

Abstract

The primary objective of this article is to promote a reevaluation of the adequacy of information-based solutions to product safety problems. The perspective that is introduced serves to redirect the current conceptual and empirical approach to the issue of consumer safety. Thus far, most of the attention has been placed on the resolution of consumer problems via labels and warnings. However, these are not a complete solution to the problem. Labels are often ignored or unavailable at the time of usage, and the representation of hazard information in memory is often inadequate. To achieve a more complete understanding of product safety, the extent to which consumers actively control their actions must be examined. Solutions to the safety problem still in evidence require far greater attention to the reasons for and the dimensions of product consumption. These issues are discussed, and the significance of this expanded view is addressed both in terms of policy initiatives and basic consumer research.