Why did consumer safety become a prominent issue in the latter part of the 20th century?

Consumer safety emerged as a prominent issue in the latter part of the 20th century largely due to publicized drug-related harm incidents. This period saw a significant rise in the media coverage of cases where drugs led to serious health complications or adverse effects. High-profile events, such as the thalidomide tragedy, raised awareness about the potential dangers of pharmaceuticals and ignited public concern over the regulatory processes involved in drug approval and monitoring. As these incidents gained widespread media attention, they prompted consumers to demand greater accountability and transparency from pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies, leading to a more rigorous emphasis on safety standards and practices within the healthcare system.

The other options, while relevant to health care and pharmacology, did not have the same direct impact on consumer safety awareness. An increase in prescription drugs may have contributed to the number of incidents but did not specifically highlight safety issues on its own. Similarly, outbreaks of health pandemics raised concerns about public health but were not solely related to drug safety. The development of medical insurance changed how healthcare was accessed and financed but did not directly relate to drug safety concerns. The convergence of these factors ultimately made public awareness and advocacy for consumer safety a significant focal point in the latter part of the century.