A list by agency of 51 federal health and safety regulations proposed or adopted since 2005 that could make it more difficult for consumers to sue businesses for faulty products:

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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

2005

— June 22: proposed, designated seating positions and seat belt anchorage.

— Aug. 19: proposed, roof crush strength.

— Sept. 12: proposed, rearview mirror.

2007

— Feb. 6: adopted, door locks & door retention.

— April 6: adopted, electronic stability control.

— May 4: adopted, head restraints.

— July 12: final, tire pressure monitoring.

— July 24: adopted, test procedures for installing child restraints to a child restraint anchorage system.

— Sept. 5: adopted, occupant head protection in interior impact.

— Sept. 11: adopted, side impact.

— Sept. 25: proposed, occupant crash protection.

— Oct. 9: proposed, electric-powered vehicles.

— Oct. 9: proposed, brake hoses.

— Nov. 2: adopted, occupant crash protection, fuel system integrity.

— Nov. 21: proposed, school bus passenger seating.

— Dec. 4: adopted, cargo carrying capacity.

— Dec. 4: adopted, lamps, reflective devices.

— Dec. 20: proposed, platform lifts for motor vehicles.

2008

— Jan. 23: supplemental proposed, child restraint systems.

— April 30: adopted, changes in vehicle identification number requirements.

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Consumer Product Safety Commission

2006

21. March 15, adopted, mattress flammability standards.

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Federal Railroad Administration

2006

— Oct. 11: adopted, continuous welded rail.

— Oct. 12: proposed, railroad operating standards.

— Oct. 27: adopted, occupational noise exposure.

2007

— Aug. 1: proposed, passenger equipment safety standards.

— Sept. 4: proposed, electronically controlled pneumatic brake systems.

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Federal Railroad Administration/Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

2008

— April 1: proposed, improving safety of railroad tank cars.

— April 16: interim, enhancing rail transportation safety.

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Food and Drug Administration

Drug regulation:

2006

— Jan. 24: adopted, prescription drug labeling.

— Aug. 1: adopted, over-the-counter allergy medicine.

— Aug. 29: proposed, skin bleaching drug products.

— Dec. 12: proposed, over-the-counter drug labeling.

— Dec. 26: proposed, over-the-counter analgesics.

2007

— March 6: adopted, over-the-counter dandruff products.

— March 29: adopted, over-the-counter laxatives.

— Aug. 27: proposed, sunscreen labels.

— Dec. 19: adopted, over-the-counter contraceptives.

2008

— Feb. 1: adopted, lip protectant over-the-counter drug products.

— Jan. 16: proposed, labeling changes for approved drugs, biologics and medical devices.

Food regulation:

2006

— March 29: adopted, dietary sweeteners.

— May 22: adopted, soluble fiber.

— July 25: adopted, raw fruits and vegetables.

— Dec. 13: adopted, dietary supplements.

2007

— Jan. 5: proposed, calcium content claims.

— Jan. 12: adopted, lean meat claims.

— Feb. 6: proposed, soluble fiber, expand the use of health claims.

— Sept. 17: interim, dietary sweeteners, adds a noncarcinogenic sugar.

— Nov. 27: proposed, fatty acids.

2008

— Feb. 25: interim, soluble fiber, additions to list of eligible sources.

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Department of Homeland Security

2006

— Dec. 21: proposed, rail transportation security.

2007

— April 9: interim, chemical facilities.