CPSC to continue enforcing interim metal jewelry testing policy
29 Dec '06
2 min read
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously approved (2-0) an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) that could lead to a ban of children's metal jewelry that has more than 0.06 percent of total lead. An ANPR is the first step in CPSC's three step rulemaking process.
"Lead is toxic to children and reducing lead poisoning in children is a priority for CPSC," said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.
Lead can accumulate in the body. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral and growth problems and learning disabilities.
Since 2004, CPSC has conducted more than a dozen recalls of children's metal jewelry due to the lead poisoning risk. These recalls involved more than 165 million units.
Products intended for children are banned under federal law (Federal Hazardous Substances Act) if they contain hazardous levels of accessible lead.
To help manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers keep children's metal jewelry with hazardous levels of lead off store shelves, CPSC announced an interim enforcement policy in February 2005, which involves a two-step testing process.
That process uses total lead content as a screening tool but focuses on accessible lead levels. Current rulemaking could result in a simplified approach, eliminating the test for accessible lead.
CPSC will continue enforcing the interim metal jewelry testing policy while current rulemaking is pending. Parents are advised to check CPSC's Web site for previously announced recalls of metal jewelry. In addition, parents should not allow their children to mouth any metal jewelry.
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