Markey Pushes for Toy Database
Seeks Public Access to Death, Injury Risk Reports
A recent report found that 35% of children’s toys contained lead, many of them at higher levels than what’s legally allowed. Congressman Edward Markey is pushing for the creation of a toy database so parents can see which products are unsafe before buying them at the store.
– Allison Goldsberry
Recent toy recalls have parents on edge, and a report released yesterday contains even more bad news for children’s toys. Thirty-five percent of 1,200 toys tested contained lead and other toxic chemicals, with half of those toys containing higher levels than legally acceptable.
Congressman Edward Markey (D-Malden) introduced an amendment today calling for the creation of a publicly searchable database containing information on unsafe products that pose a risk of serious injury or death.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce took the amendment under consideration along with legislation to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), responsible for protecting consumers from dangerous products.
“The searchable database I’m proposing will empower the public by enabling mothers and fathers to find out whether a product they may be considering for their child could pose a risk- without waiting the months or years it could take for the CPSC to take action,” said Rep. Markey.
“Instead, I want to give them access to specific reports from doctors, hospitals, manufacturers, or other individuals about injuries or risk of injury from faulty or unsafe products,” Rep. Markey continued.
According to the report, several popular toys were found to contain three to six times the legally allowed amount of lead, including Dollar Store animal figurines, Circo baby shoes, and a Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Pack.
Last weekend State Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) helped organize a free lead test for toys at the Somerville Public Library for Medford and Somerville residents. Due to demand, the number of products tested had to be limited.
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Facts about lead, including recent toy recalls, from the US Environmental Protection Agency