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CPSC Takes Step Forward In Effort to Protect Children From Hazardous Metal Jewelry

Commission Approves ANPR, Seeks Public Comment

Staff -- Kids Today, 11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously approved (2-0) an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) that could lead to a ban of children’s metal jewelry that has more than 0.06 percent of total lead. An ANPR is the first step in CPSC’s three step rulemaking process.

"Lead is toxic to children and reducing lead poisoning in children is a priority for CPSC," said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.

Lead can accumulate in the body. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral and growth problems and learning disabilities.

Since 2004, CPSC has conducted more than a dozen recalls of children’s metal jewelry due to the lead poisoning risk. These recalls involved more than 165 million units.

Products intended for children are banned under federal law (Federal Hazardous Substances Act) if they contain hazardous levels of accessible lead. To help manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers keep children’s metal jewelry with hazardous levels of lead off store shelves, CPSC announced an interim enforcement policy in February 2005, which involves a two-step testing process. That process uses total lead content as a screening tool but focuses on accessible lead levels. Current rulemaking could result in a simplified approach, eliminating the test for accessible lead.

CPSC will continue enforcing the interim metal jewelry testing policy while current rulemaking is pending. Parents are advised to check CPSC’s Web site for previously announced recalls of metal jewelry. In addition, parents should not allow their children to mouth any metal jewelry.

CPSC has a long history of protecting children from lead hazards. In addition to this rulemaking on children’s metal jewelry, CPSC banned lead in paint in the late 1970s. The agency spearheaded efforts to remove lead-containing vinyl mini-blinds from the market and banned the sale of metal-cored candle wicks containing lead in 2003.

The ANPR will be published in the Federal Register in the next few weeks. Following publication, the public will have 60 days to provide comments to the Commission. Comments can be submitted to CPSC’s Office of the Secretary at tstevenson@cpsc.gov

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