Posted by Bill on December 28, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Responding to Parents pleas for help, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 4040. Dubbed as the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act, this bill would tighten product safety standards should it become law.
This bill specifically calls for a ban on lead in toys. Please note that such a ban, according to this bill, is simply a dramatic reduction in permitted lead levels in toys. It also provides for mandatory third party testing for certain children’s products.
The bill also requires reform at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is something that has been long overdue. It’s a known fact that the CPSC was neutered years ago and lacked any real authority. This bill would restore some of their authority by improving their ability to recall unsafe products, raise civil penalties for product safety violators, and allow for criminal prosecution in the most severe cases. Read the rest of this entry »
Archived under Product Safety
Posted by Bill on December 14, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Chinese parents, concerned about the health of their children, are increasingly seeking foreign made toys for their children. This interesting news story on MSNBC describes why some parents are shunning toys made in their own country.
In the news story, a mother was quoted saying that some Chinese made toys have “indescribable odors.” As American parents, we too have witnessed the same horrible odors emanating from a newly unwrapped toy.
The problem we face is that it is difficult to find American made toys. Truth in labeling is non existent in reality. A toy made in the USA could have paint that was supplied by a Chinese manufacturer. As is the case with automobiles, as long as it is assembled in the USA, then it’s American made.
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Archived under Product Safety
Posted by Bill on December 14, 2007 at 11:38 am
On Decmember 13th, 2007, yet another toy recall was announced. This recall involves approximately 300,000 toys from Dollar Tree Stores.
I’ve often criticized our Government for wasting money, but allowing lead tainted toys to reach the hands of our children is a display of complete incompetence.
It is becoming evident that our Government can not be trusted to protect our children, so as parents we must take matters into our own hands.
I have been doing some research on testing toys for lead. Consumer Reports has given a thumbs up to three brands. The most affordable of these, is the Homax Household Lead Test Kit. At the time of writing, this kit sells for $5.75 and tests up to four items for toxic levels of lead. Read the rest of this entry »
Archived under Product Safety
Posted by Bill on November 16, 2007 at 10:48 pm
So the title sounds a little crazy right? As a parent, it is easier to spot when your child is in danger if you can see the problem. Unfortunately, we can’t see that danger with excessive amounts of lead in the countless toys being shipped in from China.
In the news today, MSNBC has an article titled “Recalls bring bad tidings for holiday toy sales.” Yes, the poor stores will suffer some losses but make no mention about the children that ingest this lead.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is responsible for safeguarding the public from unseen dangers such as lead. But how aggressive are they in protecting our children from lead poisoning? As news keeps piling in about recalled toys, it appears they are powerless or simply to overwhelmed to protect the public. Read the rest of this entry »
Archived under Product Safety
