Recalls.gov
This Web site leads to all federal recalls, including consumer products, food, medicines, cosmetics and environmental products. Reporting agencies include the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The mission of the AHRQ is to improve the quality, efficiency, safety and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. Of interest is the section for consumers and patients, which has information on health plans, health insurance and on quality of care.
Household Products Database
Health and safety information on household products, including Material Safety Data Sheets prepared by manufacturers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA regulates food, drugs, medical devices, biologics, animal feed and drugs, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products. The site has information on recalls and product safety, FDA activities, laws and regulations, and current news. There is an A-Z index for searching.
The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
CFSAN is one of six centers within the FDA. It deals with cosmetics, food labeling, plant and dairy foods and beverages, seafood, and special nutritionals, such as dietary supplements and infant formula.
American Association of Poison Control Centers
For poison emergencies: 1-800-222-1222
Along with a listing of poison control centers, the Web site has a rumors section which deals with internet hoaxes and urban legends. There are links to relevant Web sites on toxicology, chemicals and pharmacology.
National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF)
NCAHF is a consumer organization dealing with health misinformation, fraud and quackery.There are links to its allied Web sites, such as Quackwatch, a guide to quackery and fraud run by Stephen Barrett, M.D. and Barrett’s Diet Scam Watch
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
Ways to work with your provider and others to make the health care system safer. Also available in Spanish.
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors in Children (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
Fact sheet to help parents help their children avoid medical errors. Also available in Spanish.
Be an Active Member of Your Health Care Team (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Guidelines on how to play an active role in reducing the risks related to using medications.
Buying Medicines and Medical Products on the Internet (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Tips and warnings for consumers about purchasing medical products online.
Five Steps to Safer Health Care (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
What you can do to get safer health care. Also available in Spanish.
How to Spot Health Fraud (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Guidelines on how to identify fraudulent health care products and product claims.
Preventing Infections in the Hospital–What You Can Do (National Patient Safety Foundation)
Fact sheet with tips on how you can help protect yourself from infections in the hospital.
Speak Up: Help Prevent Errors in Your Care (Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
Advice on how you can make your care a positive experience. Individual brochures are available for ambulatory care, behavioral health care, health care networks, home care, hospitals (English and Spanish), laboratory services, and long term care.