Is toy safety still an issue?
Congress generated considerable publicity this summer when it passed a law regulating the lead content of toys and other children’s products. But there is something to remember as this year’s holiday shopping season begins — the main provisions of the law do not take effect until next year.
What made Congress’ action necessary was a record 112 recalls in 2007 of toys and other products geared for children. Extremely high lead content was the reason. One recall included more than 600,000 accessories for Barbie dolls.
Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning, which can cause learning and behavioral disorders, as well as illnesses and even death.
There have been 64 recalls this year based on high lead content in children’s products, showing that while the danger is receding, it still remains.
The Associated Press reports that most of this year’s recalls were of products manufactured by companies in China, Vietnam, India, Peru, Taiwan and Korea.
A much lower limit on the content of lead in paint used for children’s products will take effect next summer, and first-ever limits on lead content within toys will be phased in beginning in February.
So what are shoppers to do in the meantime? They cannot perform chemical analyses of products, but they can stay informed about recalls and related news. Two good places to start are the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission
(www.cpsc.gov) and the nonprofit Chicago-based group Kids in Danger (kidsindanger.org).
Tags: Toy Safety
