Toxic Toys

Recently, in New Jersey, Governor Jon Corzine's administration proposed rule changes that threaten to prevent the public from accessing key environmental information about the state's most potentially hazardous facilities.  Advocates say the environmental information that would be withheld would block public access to information that estimates how many people may be in harm's way if a toxic chemical disaster occurred at 12 sites regulated by the state, as well as additional information for 85 New Jersey sites under federal oversight.

Since our last Dispatch on toxic toys, several states have moved comprehensive legislation against toxics in children's toys and products.

Our Dispatch and conference call last week highlighted ways in which states can fight toxic toys.    In case you missed it, the audio of the call can be found here.  Within a few days, several  states came forward with additional bills protecting the health of our children, including:

Back in May, when testing of baby bibs imported from China revealed high levels of lead, retail giant Wal-Mart claimed to recall the product. The vinyl portion of the bibs exceeded the lead levels set by Illinois for children's products. A spokeswoman for Wal-Mart said, "We at Wal-Mart are committed to working... to develop industry standards for the elimination of vinyl in children's products." Wal-Mart pulled the product from its shelves nationwide, but only provided refunds or replacements to customers in Illinois.