Toy Injury - Lead Content in Toys Moves States to Take Action
In response to toy injury and death, more than 25 states are considering tainted toy measures to address the risks revealed by the high-profile national recalls of toys found to contain dangerous levels of lead. No longer are states simply relying on the federal government to protect their children from injury due to dangerous foreign toys. As Orlando injury lawyers, handling product liability cases, we believe all reasonable measures should be taken on both a state and national level to protect our children.
Maryland, for example, would hire inspectors to monitor toys for lead content under a bill headed for approval in the House of Delegates. That chamber agreed unanimously on a preliminary version of a bill to hire two state inspectors to monitor toys coming into Maryland for lead problems. If approved, the bill would fine companies $10,000 for selling tainted toys. Already, toys imported to Maryland must carry certification they don't exceed federal lead limits for children, but sponsors of the bill say Maryland needs to do more to keep kids safe from lead paint in toys.
This action comes as many states call for federal authorities to beef up inspections of toys to prevent lead problems. Congress is considering legislation directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission to improve toy monitoring, but supporters of state legislation believe states should not simply wait for Congress to act. We certainly agree. Of course, the toy industry does not. The Toy Industry Association has taken the position that the federal government alone should regulate toy safety. Fortunately, dozens of states appear determined to help keep dangerous toys away from innocent children.
