LOVE INTRODUCES TWO-BILL PACKAGE TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM LEAD POISONING

Measure Would Ban Toys, Products, Jewelry That Contains Lead, Mercury or Cadmium

(BLACKWOOD) - On the heels of a series of highly publicized toy recalls across the nation, Assemblywoman Sandra Love has introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of toys and costume jewelry that contain lead and mercury to protect children from these metals which can be toxic if swallowed.

"Exposure to lead and mercury has been linked learning, growth and behavioral problems in children yet many toys marketed to young children still contain these dangerous metals," said Love (D-Gloucester).  "We must do all we can to protect the welfare and safety of our children by ensuring that toys purchased anywhere in New Jersey from gumball machines to large toy stores, do not contain lead or mercury."

Love's first measure (A-2875) would ban the sale, distribution, import or manufacture of any product or toy intended for children under six years of age which contain or are composed of lead, mercury or cadmium.  A second complementary measure (A-2877) would further protect children from lead poisoning would ban any jewelry made with lead or mercury.

"The health and safety of New Jersey children are at risk as toys with dangerous levels of lead are shifted from store to store," said Love.  "It's time that these harmful products are taken down from store shelves for good - we must do all we can to protect the safety of New Jersey children."

The Safety Commission issued recalls for 61 toys in 2007, 19 of which were for lead hazards.  In 2006, the agency issued 40 toy recalls of which three were related to lead.

Love said that she crafted the legislation to prohibit the sale of jewelry and accessories made with mercury or lead after learning of the death of a four-year old Minneapolis boy who died of lead poisoning after swallowing a charm bracelet given away with a pair of athletic shoes.

Although the federal government has guidelines in place, companies are not forced to act until they discover that a product contains more lead than is allowed. 

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