News Rules in Place Concerning Lead in Toys

You may not know it yet, but new rules are now in affect concerning lead in toys. And we all need to keep a close eye on the toys and packages our kids are handling.

Thursday, August 20th 2009, 3:57 pm

By: News 9


Joel Craig, NEWS 9 Contributor

You may not know it yet, but new rules are now in affect concerning lead in toys. And we all need to keep a close eye on the toys and packages our kids are handling.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has new rules for children's products that became effective August 14. The commission has dropped the allowable limit for lead from 600 parts per million to 300 parts per million in any part that is accessible to children, except electronics. The limit is even lower for lead in paint and similar surface-coating materials dropping to 90 parts per million.

The lead paint limit applies to toys and other articles intended for children, as well as certain furniture products. Products subject to these limits cannot be sold, offered for sale, imported or manufactured after August 14 unless they meet the new lower lead limits.

While I'm on toys there are a few things you as the adult need to take responsibility for when bringing toys home. Some packages clearly state for the adult to discard the plastic packaging materials as they aren't part of the toy. Some products clearly state on the front it is not a toy and on the back not to stare into the lights; clearly not for young children. A truck that might be intended to be a collectible is not something for a toddler to push around the floor. Read the package and adhere to the manufacturer's age limits and the printed warnings.

If the product's packaging isn't part of the product, throw it out. Some packaging is printed with inks containing lead as they produce a brighter color.

The biggest toy buying season is just around the corner. Regulations are changing to make toys safer but you have to do your part too.

Learn more about recalled toys and product safety on the U.S. Consumer Product Commision's Web site.

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