MNN - Mother Nature Network

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted this week to lower lead limits for children's products. The commission lowered the maximum acceptable lead content from 300 parts per million to 100 parts per million — making it one of the world's lowest limits for lead in toys.  

 

The new policy will go in to effect on Aug. 14 and it will be retroactive, meaning toys that are already on stores shelves must comply with the new regulation. After the vote, CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said, "Consumers can rest assured that lead should be virtually nonexistent in toys and other children's products."

 

Some bigger manufacturers, such as Hasbro, have been testing their toys to the lower 100 ppm limit. Mega-retailer Wal-Mart began requiring suppliers to comply with the 100 ppm limit last year. Hopefully, the new regulation won't lead to a new series of toy recalls, but it will lead to safer toys and greater peace of mind for parents.