FTC: Support from Researchers

C. Lee Peeler
Associate Director for Advertising Practices
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Federal Trade Commission
Sixth Street & Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20580

Dear Mr. Peeler,

The decision to bring a gun into the home for self-protection should be well informed. The message conveyed by some advertisements for firearms is that the purchase of a handgun will increase the safety and security of the consumer and his or her family. This message is at odds with the best available epidemiologic evidence which suggests that guns are rarely used for protection in the case of home invasion and, more important, that bringing a gun, especially a handgun, into the home for self-protection will, on average, increase the risk of a homicide, suicide, and unintentional injury occurring in the home. The increased risk of fatal injury is borne almost entirely by the gun owner and his or her family and friends.

As researchers, we believe that the decision to acquire a firearm should not be based on misleading claims about the efficacy of keeping a gun in the home. Therefore, we the undersigned, ask that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) thoroughly investigate the truthfulness of advertisements which suggest to consumers that the purchase of a handgun, on balance, reduces rather than increases the risk of serious injury and death.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

(75 health professionals co-signeed this letter.)