CPSC & Congress Speak Out, Take Action on Heavy Metals in Children's Jewelry

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 11, 2010, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum issued a statement at the APEC Toy Safety Initiative Dialogue in Hong Kong, China, warning manufacturers against the use of cadmium, antimony and barium in lieu of lead in children's products. Tenenbaum followed this statement with a written warning to parents on January 13, 2010, advising that they "not allow young children to be given or play with cheap metal jewelry."

Backing up the rhetoric with action, Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) introduced H.R. 4428: The Children's Toxic Metals Act with a proposal to ban the manufacture, sale and distribution of children's jewelry containing cadmium, barium or antimony. A similar bill is expected to be introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY).

These actions come in the wake of concern prompted by an Associated Press investigation showing that some children's jewelry sold by major retailers in the United States contain high levels of cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal.

Chairman Tenenbaum's Statement to Manufacturers: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2010/01/cpsc-chairmans-statement-on-cadmium-in-childrens-products/

Chairman Tenenbaum's Statement to Parents: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2010/01/guide-for-parents-the-dangers-of-heavy-metals-in-childrens-jewelry/

Text of H.R. 4428:  http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h4428ih.txt.pdf

SGS has a global network of accredited testing laboratories offering a wide range of services including analytical testing and consultancy for chemical and non-chemical parameters in a comprehensive range of toys and consumer products for worldwide markets.  For more information on how SGS can help, call 800-777-TEST or e-mail [email protected].

About SGS Consumer Testing Services

SGS Consumer Testing Services is a division of the SGS Group, which is the world's leading verification, testing and certification company. The company's comprehensive testing, product inspection, process assessment and technical services cover the entire supply chain from product development to retailing for electrical products, wireless products, soft line products, hard line products and food products. SGS' global network and expertise provide a single consolidated source that can help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers reduce risk, improve efficiency and product quality, and ensure compliance to both national and international standards. SGS Group has more than 50,000 employees and over 1,000 offices and laboratories in 140 countries. For more information about SGS Consumer Testing Services, visit www.us.sgs.com/cts  

SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services

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