A message from the acting chairmen of the CPSC, Nancy Nord on the bill just passed by congress:

I appreciate and applaud the fact that Congress has given the Consumer Product Safety Commission many of the additional authorities and enforcement tools I requested last year. In addition to these new tools, the bill also contains many new missions and mandates for the agency–responsibilities that are not funded by the bill. Therefore, the next step for Congress will be to pass an appropriations bill that will fund these new requirements.

I intend to see to it that all the provisions in the legislation are implemented fully, fairly and in the way that best serves consumers. I look forward to continuing to work with Congress to secure the resources necessary for the CPSC to implement the bill and to further our goal of protecting American families.

I bet you feel alot better! Its a decent bill, but it really doesn’t go quite far enough in my opinion. I for one will still not be trusting toys that are Made in China with my children.

August 7, 2008
Learning Pots & Pans Toys (Fisher Price) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08362.html

August 6, 2008
BongoCheeta Girls Jackets (Kids with Character) Strangulation Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08356.html

Drawstring Hoodies (Request Jeans) Strangulation hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08357.html

Hooded Sweatshirts (Raw Blue Sportswear) Strangualtion Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08358.html

August 5, 2008
Cribs (Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards) Fall Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08350.html

Davenport Cribs (Baby Appleseed) Fall Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08351.html

July 29, 2008
Wooden Toys (Earthentree) choking and strangulation
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08347.html

July 25, 2008
Stuffed Toy Dogs (Daiso) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08597.html

July 24, 2008
Bright Starts Ring Rattles (Kid II) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08343.html

Classic Horseshoe Magnet (Dowling Magnets) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08344.html

“Sky Scrambler” and “The Sharper Image” Wireless Indoor Helicopters (Innovage) Fire & burn hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08341.html

U-shaped Magnets, Bar Magnets, Magnet Sets and Magnet Needle Sets (Pacific Science Supplies) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08345.html

July 22, 2008
It’s My Binky’s Personalized Pacifiers (It’s My Binky) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08336.html

July 17, 2008
SLA90 Youth All-Terrain Vehicles (SunL Group ATVs) Safety Defects
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08333.html

July 10, 2008
Children’s Charm Craft Kits (Action Products) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08327.html

Children’s Necklaces with ballet Shoes Charms
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08326.html

“Faded Glory” Lip Gloss, Locket and Bracelet Sets (FAF) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08329.html
July 3, 2008
“It’s a Girl Thing” Barcelets, Necklaces and Phone Charms (Bead Bazaar USA) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08324.html

LaJolla Boat Bed and Pirates of the Caribbean Twin Trundle Beds (Bayside Furnishings) death of a cihld
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08323.html

July 1, 2008

Redcat Racing FM Remote Controlled Vehicles (Redcat Racing Co) Remote Control Defect
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08318.html

Taggies Sleep’n Play Infant Garments (Rasti & Rashti) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08317.html

June 27, 2008
Children’s Sun Block Jackets and Hoodies (Coolibar Inc) strangulation Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08316.html

June 26, 2008
2nd Nature Built to Grow Cribs (Stanley Furniture) Entrapmet Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08314.html

“Thunder Wolf” Remote Controlled Indoor Helicopters (Westminster Inc) - Fire Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08315.html

June 24, 2008
Jardine Cribs (Jardine Enterprises) entrapment & Strangulation hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08312.html

Nordstrom’s Cadence-Lea and Trio-Lea Girl’s Sandals (Meyeworld) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08311.html

Playground Tire Swings (Miracle Recreation) fall hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08587.html

June 19, 2008
“Hip Charm” Key Chains (Walmart Stores) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08307.html

June 12, 2008
Playsafe Spinning Quad Merry-Go-Rounds (Pacific Cycle) fall hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08305.html

Infant and Toddler Shortalls (Sara Lynn Togs) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08304.html

June 10, 2008
Adventure Play Sets and Create N Adventure Play Sets (Backyard Leisure) fall hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08299.html

Camouflage Pajama Sets (The Children’s Place) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08302.html

June 5, 2008
Animal Tracking Explorer Kit (MindWare) Skin & Eye Irritant
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08298.html

Mini Chef Complete Toy Kitchens (eStyle Inc) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08582.html

June 3, 2008
Children’s Jewelry (Daiso Seattle LLC) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08579.html

May 29, 2008
Makit & Bakit Jewelry Sets and Suncatcher Sets (QuinCrafts) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08294.html

“Sky Champion” Wireless Indoor Helicopters (TWIE) fire & burn hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08293.html

May 28, 2008
Little Tikes Chit ‘N Chat Toy Cell Phones (Kids Station Toys) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08290.html

Boy’s Hooded Zip Fleece Sweatshirts (Adio Footwear) strangulation hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08288.html
May 22, 2008
Floopy Friends Horse Toys (Toy Investments Inc) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08285.html

Tinker Bell Wands (Disney Store) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08282.html

Basic Beat Shaker Guiro Instruments (Antigua Winds Inc) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08280.html

Magnets (American Scientific LLC) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08284.html

Pirates of the Caribbean Sleeping Bags (Disney Store) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08278.html
May 20, 2008
Cowboy on a Horse Little Rider Toys (Master Toys & NOvelties INC) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08272.html

Lil’ Snugglers Children’s Blankets (Douglas Co.) strangulation
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08268.html

May 15, 2008
Tumble Tower Infant Rattles (Manhattan Group) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08268.html

May 12, 2008
Children’s Rain Ponchos (Daiso LLC) strangulation hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08571.html

May 8, 2008
Deluxe bottle and Food Warmers (Munchkin) fire hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08263.html

May 6, 2008
Playground Swing Sets (Playworld Systems) defective clevises - fall hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08568.html

May 1, 2008
Children’s Storage Bins (Lowes) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08260.html

April 29, 2008
Character-themed lapel pins (Nintendo) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08257.html

April 24, 2008
Infant Santa Outfits (Avon) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08563.html

Basketball and Flower Tables (Avon) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08562.html

April 22, 2008
Beco Baby Butterfly Carriers (Beco Baby Carriers) fall hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08253.html

April 18, 2008
“Hip Charm” Key Chains (Walmart) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08250.html

April 16, 2008
Western Rider Push Toys (Santa’s Toy Corp.) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08249.html

April 10, 2008
Hillbilly Teeth (FUNTASTIC) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08247.html

Flower Writers; Christmas Writers; Easter Writers and Spooky Writers Seasonal Writing Pens (Michaels Stores) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08248.html

April 9, 2008
Interchange Robot Toys (OKK Trading) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08246.html

April 8, 2008
Little Builder Children’s Board Book Sets with Toys (Dalmation Press) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08245.html

Fun ‘N Games Magnetic Dart Boards (Henry Gordy), magnets
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08244.html

April 7, 2008
Cuddly Cousins Plush Insect Toys (Greenbrier International/Dollar Tree)choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08243.html

April 3, 2008
Children’s Sunglasses (StyleMark) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08239.html

Imaginarium Multi-Sided Activity Centers and Jungle Activity Centers (Toys “R” Us) choking
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08242.html

Washington state has passed the most stringent toy standards in the nation. The Children’s Safe Products Act regulates lead (90ppm - .0009% by weight), phthalates (1000ppm - 01% by weight), cadmium (40ppm - .0004% by weight), in most toys, children’s cosmetics, jewelry and car seats. Manufacturers who ignore the regulations will be fined - up to $5000 per violation on the first offense and up to $10,000 thereafter!

Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed some portions of the bill. One would have required the state to set up a website with information on dangerous chemicals in children’s products and their (safer) alternatives. The Department of Ecology also no longer has a deadline to come up with a list of chemicals which pose the greatest threats to children, nor do manufactures have a deadline to file notices indicating which products contain them. He also, bizarrely eliminated the introduction which stated in part that exposure to certain metals and plasticizers are “linked to long-term health impacts, such as birth defects, reproductive harm, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer.”

Additionally the Department of Ecology has been instructed to prepare rules clarifying that the bill does not apply to internal electronic components that are inaccessible (chip boards, wiring, etc), determine how Washington will fit in with national, international and other state standards so that the standards can protect the most children possible, and to draw up a list of potential chemical hazards in children’s products.

All in all its not a perfect bill, but I think it is a step in the right direction. Hopefully more states and eventually the federal government will follow suit to protect our children from such dangerous chemicals. New York, Maine, Illinois and other states have stronger toy safety rules in the works.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/357287_toys02.html?source=mypi 

So, I’ve just been having a look at the CPSC’s Toy Hazard Recalls listing. It contains all of the recalls for toys since February 25, 1974 (for a toy chest which apparently could trap a childs head between the front and top of the chest, resulting in at least one death….). It includes the notice on September 2, 1977 when lead was offically banned from paint on all toys and furniture, with only a few exceptions.

The next mention of lead (at least in the titles, its possible theres mentions in the actual articles. I’ll try to determine that over the next few days and post as such), comes on March 4, 1993. It is for a 10,000 puzzles which were imported from Israel, in which the red paint contains lead. From their they become slightly more common, with 3 in 1994 for an art set , toy wagon, and imported crayons all made in China; 1 in 1996 for 32 wooden beads with a cord for stringing , and a set of six spinning tops also all made in China ; 1 in 1998 for decals on pedal cars by Oscar Mayer. And then nothing for nearly 8 years.

In 2006 they crop up again, starting with flashlights fom Little Tikes on March 1st, followed by American Girl children’s jewlery on March 30th, bendable dog and cat toys on August 17th, various “Kool Toyz” from Target on November 15th. And that brings us to the start of 2007, as the recalls continue to trickle in, one after another for the first 7 months of the year (totalling 8 through July) before exploding in August (9), September (10) and October (28).

What of course most people don’t realize is that they didn’t end in October. That they continued on throughout the fall and winter(November: 11; December: 5;  January: 6; February: 6; March: 5) . That they continue even now, with the latest just four days ago.

March 27, 2008
Rock ‘N Ride Plush Rocker Toys (Tek Nek Toys) fall hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08233.html

March 26, 2008
Ring Toss games (Educational Insights) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08553.html

Backyard and Beyond Metal Water Bottles (Downeast Concepts) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08231.html

March 25, 2008
Toy Penguin Figures (Plan Toys) laceration hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08230.html

March 21, 2008
Camouflage Eggs and Spinning Egg Top Toys (Hobby Lobby) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08229.html

March 20, 2008
Toy Puzzle Vehicle Sets (Merchant Media Corp) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08551.html

March 17, 2008
Magtastik and magnetix Jr Pre-school Magnetic Toys (MEGA Brands) magnets
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08223.html

MagnaMan Magnetic Toy Figures (MEGA Brands) magnets
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08222.html

March 13, 2008
Battat Magnabild Magnetic Building Toys or Sets (Battat) magnets
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08221.html

Play Wonder Toy Sundae Sets (Battat Inc) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08220.html

March 12, 2008
X Force Commander Toy Airplanes and Super Famous Toy Cars and Motorcycles (SU Wholesale) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08219.html

March 5, 2008
Infantino Lamb Grabby Rattles (Infantino) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08208.html

Wooden Toy Soldiers with Train (Chadwick-Miller) choking hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml91/91047.html

February 22, 2008
FUN ‘N SAFE Magnetic Dart Boards (Family Dollar) magnets
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08201.html

Children’s Metal Necklaces (Pecoware) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08200.html

Memory Testing Cards (Riverside Publishing) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08546.html

February 19, 2008
Cinderella 12-Volt Electric Ride-on Vehicles (Dumar International USA) fire & burn hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08195.html

February 14, 2008
A Life of Faith Charm Bracelet Sets (Mission City Press) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08194.html

February 12, 2008
Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys (Soft Air USA) Fire & burn hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08190.html

February 8, 2008
Children’s Table and Chair Set (Netshops) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08543.html

February 7, 2008
Transparent Toy Egg Shakers (West Music Company) choking/aspiration hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08188.html

February 6, 2008
Sketchbooks with Colored Spirals (eeBoo) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08184.html

February 5, 2008
Toy Gardening Hand Rakes (Zhongshan Foods) lead
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml08/08183.html