Is That Fabulous New Toy Safe?

Maybe it's because I have four kids or maybe it's because I'm a sap when it comes to children. This morning I read an editorial that I think is worth addressing. Something we should really think about and not take as a given, child toy safety.

This week in New York City the American International Toy Fair is going on. The convention hall has over 20,000 attendees, 100,000 products with over 7,000 that the world has never seen before. Let's face it, toys are big business. One issue that is on everyone's mind is Toy Safety legislation. Last year, Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, giving new authority and resources to what many have considered a shockingly understaffed agency.

The law has been described as providing the safety net that consumers assumed they already had. Although the law was designed to take toy safety more seriously, at this time the Commission has not yet implemented all aspects of the legislation. Last month they decided to delay for a year enforcement of the some aspects of the Act. In the past few years millions of toys have been recalled - some because of lead paint, others because of small choking hazards. I think toy safety is a topic to really keep looking into.

The author of the editorial I read suggested that the Obama administration take a close look at what is going on and act immediately. Maybe even look to replace the commissions acting chairperson. I am not taking a position on that but do think this entire toy safety issue is something we should not overlook. Go ahead and read the editorial yourself and see what you think. Here's the link http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/opinion/18wed3.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss.

 
If you want to read about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act here is the link on the CPSC site. http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML

Art Kosieradzki