Toy Companies Settle Case with 38 States(2)

Beth Janicek

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 395

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I recently wrote about toxic levels of lead in children’s toys, and it is important to note that the potential dangers to children from too much lead exposure are hearing loss, headaches, delayed growth, and brain and nerve damage if the problem goes undetected and untreated.  

 

In a related issue—this week the Texas Attorney General’s office announced they settled a case dealing with lead in children’s toys.  An investigation began in 2007 after the Product Safety Commission recalled about 2 million of Mattel and Fisher-Price toys made in China.  The 16-month investigation looked into whether Mattel manufactured toys in China with excessive lead paint.  As a result of this investigation a settlement has been reached, and Texas is one of 38 states that will receive settlement money from the big toy companies.  The agreement also includes stricter standards on surface coating lead levels, effective for toys made after Nov. 30.  In addition Mattel has also agreed to notify the states’ attorney generals if high levels of lead are found in any of its products. 

 

Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott said, “Today’s agreement protects young Texans by helping to ensure that popular children’s toys do not contain excessive, unlawful amounts of lead.  Exposure to excessive levels of lead can cause serious health problems, particularly among children. The agreement reached today requires two of the nation’s most popular toy manufacturers to strictly comply with federal regulations that limit lead in toys.”