Here’s more news from the CPSC that came in Friday afternoon.
The CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) has stated that it cannot change or delay implementation of the 2/10/09 lead limits. However, it has noted the following:
• That the CPSC is currently investigating wood, cotton, wool and certain metals and alloys that have consistently tested below 300ppm lead. Until it makes its final ruling on these materials, the Commission will not prosecute manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers selling children’s products made of these materials unless knowingly have more than 600ppm lead.
Product classes whose lead content is consistently below 300ppm lead (the August 2009 limit) include:
– ordinary children’s books printed after 1985
– dyed or undyed textiles (not including leather, vinyl or PVC), and non-metallic threads and trim, unless they have undergone further treatment that may impart lead, are ornamented by rhinestones, metal and other objects, or have metal or plastic fasteners that may contain lead.
• That the new lead limits do not apply to component parts that are inaccessible during normal and reasonably foreseeable use and abuse. Paint and similar coatings are not considered to be barriers making underlying components inaccessible. Until inaccessibility guidance is finalized, the Commission will accept a manufacturer’s determination that a part is inaccessible if based on reasonable interpretation.
Special thanks to Steve Berger and the other folks at CHA who made it easy for many of us to write Congress asking for a 6-month delay of the 2/10/2009 implementation of the new lead and phthalate minimums. The Congress is discussing this issue today.