After months of wrestling with details, US lawmakers have finally reached a decision about how to keep kids’ toys safe. Lawmakers agreed upon the ban of a group of chemicals in children’s products. The news could not have come soon enough as yet another toy recall has also been reported this week.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall due to a choking hazard on Kids II infant rattles. Imported from China by Kids II Inc, the rattles are shaped like a bumble bee complete with attached antenna. It is the tip of the antenna that can easily detach posing a potential choking threat to babies.
The soft body rattle with yellow head and striped green body are labeled model No. 8534 and data code PA8. The CPSC has advised parents to keep the rattle away from children and contact Kids II for a replacement. Consumers can also call Kids II at 1-877-325-7056 for more information.
Speaking of protecting children from potentially harmful toys, the heated debate in Washington, D.C, finally came to a close on Monday. Congressional negotiators agreed on the semantics of a ban outlawing a group of chemicals in toys and children’s products that consumer groups have been saying can have serious health effects.
The group of chemicals in question is phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics in children’s toys and also used in shampoo and shower curtains. Phthalates have been banned from use in children’s products in Europe since 1999 and California took a stand in 2007. The chemicals are linked to reproductive problems including early onset of puberty and genital defects. Financing large scale efforts to stop the ban, chemical groups claim other untested chemicals may be used instead. The broader consumer safety update, however, would also impose more stringent standards on testing for other children’s products including jewelry, strollers, and cribs. The new legislation is expected to pass; despite the fact President George Bush opposes the ban.
Tags: toy recall
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on Thursday, July 31st, 2008 at 10:58 am and is filed under Baby Safety.
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