Finally!
The House passed a bill to ban lead and phthalates from toys and children's products and gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission more funding, authority, and the right to impose penalties on manufacturers who violate this law.
And, last but certainly not least- this bill requires third party testing of toys for safety before they hit the marketplace.
It's about time. Now we just have to wait for the Senate to approve the bill, and for the president to sign it into law. The New York Times article I cited says that the president has "problems" with provisions in the bill-- which ones, exactly? The one that bans lead, a dangerous neurotoxin, from coming into contact with children via products? Or would it be actually making the CPSC a force in toy and product safety? Or maybe he has a problem with requiring folks other than manufacturers to test for safety? I'm not sure. But at least he hasn't threatened a veto. Who wants to be the guy who vetoes a toy safety bill?
By the end of this week, we should hear of the Senate's overwhelming support for this bill. Stay tuned--
4 comments:
hooray! it is sooo about time. i wonder when we can expect these 'new and improved' toys on the shelves?
hopefully before my children are grown!!
What a super blog! And, I especially appreciated this information about the latest legislation surrounding lead in kids' products.
This is a subject of real interest to me, as one of the chief ways in which children (and adults) are in danger of being exposed to lead is through their dining and serving ware. Imported ceramics and vintage ceramics frequently contain lead. People are often upset when they realize this and hurry to their cupboards to see if their pottery pieces might be serving up lead to their families.
The company I work for has been making lead-free pottery in Virginia since 1977, so the subject of lead is something we know quite a bit about as it's been so important to our customers.
After reading your thoughtful coverage of recent legislation, I thought you might like to see this article we've written about lead in pottery and how important it is to us to offer a safe choice for American Families:
http://www.emersoncreekpottery.com/non-toxic-eco-friendly-pottery-housewares.shtml
Thank you for the education you are offering to folks looking for safe, green choices. Our kids are worth so much more than the health dangers the US is importing for consumption.
Miriam
Miriam,
Thanks for your kind thoughts about the blog and your important comments about lead in dishware. I too have been worried about this, particularly because so much of it is made in China. I tested some of our pottery and it came back okay, but I don't know how reliable the tests are.
When I am in the market for new dishes, I will certainly check out your site. Thanks so much for the information!
Books at Bedtime!
I know, I keep thinking, what about all the toys on shelves now? When will this happen? I'll try to find out---
Thanks for your comment!
Katy
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