Washington State Children's Safe Product Act

The Washington State Governor recently passed into law the Children’s Safe Product Act which will go into effect in July 2009. This new law requires toy makers to reduce the use of lead to 90 parts per million (a number much lower than the current federal amount of 600). In addition, the law limits the use of lead, cadmium, phthalates and other materials which could affect a variety of children’s products including crib mobiles, toys, and car seats. Under the new law, manufacturers will be required to notify the state regulators if their items contain chemicals of “high concern.” The list of “high concern” chemicals will be generated by the Department of Ecology. It has been estimated that up to 20% of the toys sold in the state could be banned under the new law.

Buyer Beware - Deceptive New "Made In USA" Label

As I was doing research last night for SmartToyChoice.com, I came across a new "Made in the USA" label for a car seat that I thought was incredibly deceptive.

After all the toy recalls China last year, this new label gives the warm and fuzzy feeling that you are buying a nice, safe USA made product - BUT do you notice the small print below the large USA flag? WITH GLOBAL COMPONENTS

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with products made in whole or in part outside the US but the super large US flag and the really small print for the global components seems quite deceptive to me!

Yet Another Recall Affects Our Family

As we finish opening our new toys for the holidays, a recall impacts our toys received LAST Christmas. Today the CPSC issued another recall that will require me to take the fifth toy away from my children this year. My 2 year old's favorite building blocks - the Read To Me Tot Tower by eeBoo was recalled today for a choking hazard. Only 170,000 Tot Towers were part of the recall so it will probably not make the nightly news. It is fortunate that through my work with SmartToyChoice, I knew to remove this toy from his toy chest.

Interview on WVXU

This morning I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Maryanne Zeleznik of WVXU. I had never been interviewed on radio. The opportunity to talk about SmartToyChoice.com was fantastic. But I selfishly really enjoyed the experience! Maryanne was very welcoming and kind, as was everyone I met at WVXU. The interview went very smoothly then I was off to take my kids to their swim lessons. What more could a mom ask for but a chance to talk about helping other parents with toy recalls and a great day at the pool?

The interview will air during Cincinnati Edition this Sunday, December 23rd at 7:00am. If you are in Cincinnati you can tune your radio to 91.7fm. Or listen online at www.WVXU.org during the broadcast or later from the Cincinnati Edition archives.