Washington Injury Law Blog

As a Kirkland Washington personal injury lawyer I often see cases where a child is injured by a defective product. In the news recently you may have heard that children’s toys can contain scary levels of dangerous chemicals. Washington Governor Christine Gregoire took a big step this week and passed a strong new toy safety  law which limits the amount of dangerous chemicals contained in toys. The new toy law is called the Children’s Safe Products Act.

Testing has found some toys made in China and other countries can at times have high levels of lead, cadium, or phthalates. These chemicals are often found in the paint or outer coating of the toys, which is what comes in regular contact with kids skin or mouth.

The new safety rules include:

• Limit total lead to 90 parts per million by July 1, 2009, 40 ppm by July 1, 2010, if achievable. (Federal standards limit the lead in surface paint on toys to 600 ppm)

• Limit total cadmium to 40 ppm by July 1, 2009.

• Limit six specific phthalates to 1,000 ppm by July 1, 2009.

• Set limits that apply to children’s toys; cosmetics and jewelry marketed to children under the age of 12; products used for teething babies; and car seats that are made or sold in Washington.

Hopefully, the flow of toxic toys in Washington will be significantly reduced by this new toy safety law.

Source:  Seattle PI, April 2, 2008