Thousands Die Annually From Portable Generators: CPSC Reviews Safety Standards
A joint investigation by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, and NBC News has uncovered a worrying trend: thousands of people die annually due to portable generator use, highlighting a lack of regulation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), responsible for protecting consumers, is now reviewing potential new standards for these devices.
The investigation found that deaths and injuries related to fireworks have also been on the rise in recent years, according to a CPSC report. Currently, the CPSC's safety standards for portable generators focus mainly on carbon monoxide (CO) safety technology, requiring generators to have an integrated CO safety shutoff. This feature automatically stops operation if dangerous CO levels are detected inside enclosed spaces. Generators lacking such sensors do not meet safety recommendations and receive poor safety ratings.
The CPSC's data on product-related deaths and injuries, along with other investigations, can provide valuable insights for local reporters. For instance, checking for delinquent property tax payments in their coverage area can yield watchdog story ideas. Similarly, business reporters can investigate health code violations in local establishments, such as sports stadiums and major businesses, by filing open records requests.
The IRS also tracks migration data using tax return information, revealing net migration and movement patterns in specific areas. Meanwhile, Meta's ad library stores information and ads for political campaigns and businesses, allowing users to search by topic, location, and time period. Nearly any federal court record in the U.S. is available through PACER, although users must pay for records. As these data sources show, thorough investigative journalism can help uncover crucial issues and hold authorities accountable.
