Some interesting reading for us as parents and consumers:
“As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They’re banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we’ve seen in decades. I’d like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren’t originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there’s always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. It won’t even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can’t sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can’t even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children’s items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you’ll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you’d better start buying now because it’s all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren’t certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
buy cialis brand trebuchet ms;” rel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html” target=”_blank”>http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. You can find out how to contact your representative here and your senator here.”
-authors: Winklepots and Chichiboulie
As of now, the CPSC is granting a one year stay until 2/10/10, so that it can review the bill and make the necessary clarifications that it was previously lacking. While there are still some items that aren’t off the hook, and being the gov’t, they could change their minds at purchase prozac online a moment’s notice, most items are currently exempt for the testing and certification requirements. Mostly items that were never in danger of containing lead to begin with (ie clothing and books). So, we’re not completely out of the woods yet, but hopefully, within the next year, the CPSC can see the big picture and not assume that a one-size-fits-all is the correct solution. It’s important to protect our children, but really, in the end this stupid law is hurting more than helping. Let’s hope the proper amendments are made.
Thanks for sharing Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act with us.
In the end, the small guys gets screwed. Thanks for sharing this. will visit your blog again for updates on this issue.
You brought up a great point on lead poisoning. We need to take action ourselves. I’ve been researching the toxins in our environment and it’s overwhelming. The dangers in simple things like deoderant, lotions, soaps, are insane. It’s not a coincidence that autoimmune conditions are at an all time high, and practically unheard of in third world countries. I’m excited about a new toxin-free line of personal care, skin care, hair care and nutritionals that just came out. It’s incredible. No pressure at all, just check for yourself at mytrivani.com/laurie
Pretty cool stuff!
Thanks very much for providing information about The CPSIA Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Really we are unaware of such types of laws. we should know better about consumer product, child protection and basic laws.
Excellent post i am sure that i will come back here soon
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Your Welcome!
I am trying to keep up with what’s going on with it!
Thanks for sharing that! I’ll be sure to check it out!