Lower Lead Limit for Children's Toys Approved
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to require producers, importers, sellers, and distributors to lower the level of lead in toys, furniture, and other items intended for children under the age of 12.
As part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, a response to dozens of recalls of lead-tainted children's toys and items, the Commission has been tasked with gradually lowering the allowable amount of lead to 100 parts per million, reports OMB Watch.
The threshold level of 100ppm was to be implemented by the end of August 2011 if found to be technologically feasible.
With a number of products meeting this standard, OMB Watch reports that a majority of the Commission felt that all manufacturers will be able to lower lead in toys after August 14.
However, third-party testing requirements have been put on hold until the end of the year.
Even though lead levels have been slowly reduced since 2008, lead can still be found in a variety of products, including paint and furniture, as well as in soil, water and dust.
Because of the devastating health risks associated with lead ingestion by minors, authorities suggest testing young children for lead, reports The Daily News Online. They also suggest that, in order to help protect against exposure, parents wash hands and toys often, and damp-dust homes frequently.
It is also wise to keep an eye on the list of lead-in-toys recalls so that you can remove any items from your home as quickly as possible.
Related Resources:
- Children's products, including furniture, face stricter lead standard (Furniture Today)
- Where Lead Can Be Found (FindLaw)
- Limits on Lead in Toys, Kids' Products Take Effect (FindLaw's Common Law)