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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

CPSC Chief Balks at Would-Be Lead Standard

Speaking yesterday to the National Retail Federation, Nancy Nord, head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said a new federal standard limiting lead in children's products "might prove to be overly broad," according to BNA news service (subscription).

The limit on lead is contained in a product safety bill currently being considered by Congress. The bill would require CPSC to set a standard limiting lead in children's products to trace amounts (100 parts per million for the content and 90 parts per million for paint or coatings).

Americans need a strict federal standard on lead in children's products for two reasons. First, as we have known for decades, lead is dangerous. Children and fetuses are particularly susceptible to the effects of lead. Even at low levels, lead exposure can lead to reduced IQs, learning disabilities, or behavioral problems.

Second, American consumers have recently been facing big problems with lead contaminated products and are increasingly concerned. In 2007, CPSC announced 106 recalls of lead-contaminated children's products totaling 17,126,810 individual items — a 500 percent increase from 2006.

Considering the gravity of the situation, one would think Nord would want strong federal action — perhaps even preferring to err on the side of over-protection. Sadly, Nord, an appointee of President Bush and former lobbyist for corporate interests, does not seem interested in seeing that her agency fulfills its mission of protecting the public.

On a related note: What the heck happened to the CPSC reform bill, which includes the lead standard and other important provisions? The House bill (H.R. 4040) passed in December and the Senate bill (S. 2663) passed in early March.

Despite overwhelming support in both chambers, the conferencing process, where the differences between the two bills will be reconciled, is in its infancy. Leadership from both parties only got around to naming conferees in early May.

Democratic leaders had hoped to finalize the bill before last Christmas. But at the rate Congress is going, they'll be lucky to finish it by this Christmas. Meanwhile, CPSC continues to announce recalls of lead-contaminated children's products (here and here, for recent examples).

Yet Congressional leadership continues to leave consumers without a strong product safety regulator. Truly disappointing.