CPSC launches new burn data system.

Ever since CPSC revised its children's clothing flammability standard, there have been outcries that children are not being protected from accidental injury caused by fire. The data showed, however, a dramatic drop in burn injuries related to children's clothing.

Now, CPSC will have an excellent data collection tool to get accurate counts on burns related to children's clothing. The agency has a cooperative effort with the American Burn Association and Shriners Hospitals for Children, called the National Burn Center Reporting System.

This system will collect information on burn reports from approximately 115 burn centers throughout the nation. These centers will report incidents that involved the ignition, melting or smoldering of clothing worn by children.

At the same time, CPSC is working cooperatively with the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) to attempt to retrieve and preserve the clothing involved in such burn injuries. The NASFM has recommended that a committee consisting of the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and NASFM develop a protocol for use by "first responders" across the country. (15)

(15) News from CPSC, "Clothing Related Burn Injuries to Children are Focus of New Data Collection Tool; New CPSC System is Cooperative Effort with American Burn Association, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the National Association of State Fire Marshals," CPSC's Office of Information and Public Affairs, July 1, 2003.