The date-rape drug in Aqua Dots.Lead paint on Thomas the Tank Engine.
Cancer-causing drugs in plastic ducks.
In the past year alone dozens of toys have been recalled, mainly because of lead paint.
Toys are no laughing matter any more, and State Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, has had enough. Mason said today he will introduce legislation to crack down on toxic toys. His bill will be similar to one in Maine that restricts the sale of children’s products with unsafe levels of hazardous chemicals.
“It’s time to do something about the toxic toys that are flooding the market. The way I see it we have two choices: hope that Chinese manufacturers will clean up their act or do something at the state level to protect our kids,” he said.
Mason’s bill seeks to remove from the market toys with chemicals that could pose risks to a child or developing fetus. It would call on the Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to publish a list of prohibited chemicals and require manufacturers of children’s products that contain those chemical to, where possible, replace those chemicals in their products. The bill does exempt use of chemicals for products not designed for children or expecting mothers such as chemicals used in industrial or manufacturing purposes, in transportation vehicles and components and fuels.
"Parents have enough to worry about around Christmas as it is. They shouldn't be wondering if the toys they are putting under the tree are going to harm their children," Mason said.
Mason hopes to introduce his bill in early January. The 2007-2008 legislative session reconvenes on Jan. 15.
Can someone tell Cory that the Feds all read have laws on this.
ReplyDeleteColt, the feds have dropped the ball on protecting our greatest investement, our children. With only one aging inspector crammed in a small office, the current administration has tossed our childrens' safety right out the door. I think we should have a Wisconsin law like Maine does.
ReplyDeleteCory, I don't know you but get it done. I am tired of second guessing even the bibs which were labeled toxic lollipops because of pvc that may have been in the bibs for softness and flex.