99.99% lead-free: 100% unnecessary

Despite repeated requests for sensible modifications to the stringent restrictions on lead in products that might be used by children, as mandated by the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), no such easing is forthcoming. Instead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has ruled that the lower levels of lead allowed in toys and other children s products sold throughout the United States a hyper-precautionary 0.01 percent will be enforced beginning August 14. This will replace the previously mandated 99.97 percent, already one of the lowest limits in the world.

ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross, who has already written on the backwardness of such a policy, is frustrated by the ruling. It s a ridiculous, counterproductive law that will benefit absolutely no one, he says, noting that it s an unfortunate response to enduring public fears about importing potentially toxic products from China. Unfortunately, he observes, the law will do nothing to increase any child s safety, but it will put an undue strain on many companies especially smaller businesses that won t be able to afford the expensive tests for their products.