Hobbies And Interests
Lead Limit
The CPSIA places much tighter restrictions on the amount of lead a child's product may contain. Any toy containing more lead than the limit established by the act (300 parts per million total lead content by weight of any part of the toy) will then be deemed a hazardous product and will not be able to be purchased publicly. All toys and products attempting to become available to consumers must first be tested for lead, ensuring that no new products will be placed in stores that have enough lead to be deemed hazardous. Toys are tested for lead by using x-ray fluorescence technology for measuring lead in paint or other surface coatings on the toy.
Third Party Testing
Before any toys can be distributed to stores, they must undergo mandatory testing conducted by a third party. This is done to ensure that the toy complies with all rules, bans, standards, or regulations provided under the CPSIA. A sample that is identical to the product is sent to the third party and undergoes a test to ensure its readiness for consumers. Testing ensures that toys do not cause internal harm with prolonged contact and do not contain toxic substances. In addition, the toy's electronic cords, straps and elastics must be safe to hold without fear of being shocked.
Tracking Labels
Tracking the exact location of the toy is critical to ensuring a product is returned that doesn't adhere to all regulations. The manufacturer of the product needs to place permanent marks of the location and date of creation on the product and its packaging. Doing so clarifies the specific source of the product by referencing those marks.
Mandatory Toy Safety
A special commission was set up in conjunction with this Act in order to periodically review and revise the rules to provide the highest level of safety. In relation to toys, the commission looks at safety requirements related to internal harm or injury hazards caused by the ingestion or inhalation of magnets in children's products, by toxic substances and by battery-operated toys. Small parts, metal jewelry, cribs, baby bouncers and walkers are also mentioned under the new regulations.
Consumer Reports
According to the CPSIA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will establish and maintain a database on the safety of consumer products and children's toys. The CPSC has an official website dedicated to its findings at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html where this database is publicly available, searchable and accessible. This allows for transparency and allows the public to find out which toys are the most reliable and which ones are unsafe.