The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved new third-party testing requirements for phthalates in children’s toys and child care articles, according to a recent news release. The approval was unanimous with a 5-0 vote.
Phthalates are a certain type of chemical which is used to increase the flexibility of plastics and other materials in various products. The new requirements are an effort to ensure compliance with federal phthalates limits. In 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) banned the use of three phthalates in concentrations over 0.1 percent, permanently; and temporarily banned the use of three others phthalates in concentrations of over 0.1 percent, for child products that can be chewed, mouthed, or sucked.
Since February 2009, it has been illegal to manufacture or sell products that violate the aforementioned standards. The new testing regulations are expected to help ensure compliance with these standards. All manufacturers, private labelers, and importers have until December 31, 2011, to set up a third-party testing program. The only parts or pieces that will be tested and must be certified are those that would contain phthalates.
One would expect that of all consumer products, those intended for children would be the safest but sometimes, child products such as toys, cribs, and care articles are the most dangerous. They often contain defects that increase the risk of a serious child injury.
It is a child product manufacturer’s job to ensure production of a safe product. If your child has suffered an injury due to a defective or unsafe product, an experienced Maryland child injury lawyer can help. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can help you understand your legal rights and will work diligently in pursuit of fair compensation for the losses and damages your child has suffered. Call today for a consultation at 877-228-4878.
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