Texas Attorney General Abbott Urges Congress To Strengthen Federal Laws, Protect Children From Unsafe Products

Expresses support for congressional consumer product safety measure, warns parents of toy risks

December 13, 2007 -- AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott this week urged Congress to protect children by passing H.R. 4040, a proposed federal statute that would lower acceptable lead levels in toys and improve oversight across the industry. Several U.S. toy manufacturers issued voluntary recalls of their toys recently due to potential lead-related dangers. The recalls were announced in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which tests consumer products to ensure they meet U.S. safety regulations.

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“Texas children not only are the future of our state – they’re our greatest resource,” Attorney General Abbott said. “If passed, H.R. 4040 would toughen standards and increase accountability across the toy industry. We encourage Congress to act quickly and protect our communities from unsafe consumer products.”

H.R. 4040, the principal bill under consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes new federal caps on lead levels in consumer products. It lowers the acceptable lead levels found in children’s products and requires products to undergo mandatory third-party testing and safety certification. Because even small doses of lead can affect a child’s neurological system, Attorney General Abbott urged lawmakers to adopt the House proposal.

The proposed legislation also would grant states authority to enforce heightened federal product safety statutes. Attorney General Abbott encouraged federal lawmakers to adopt the new law in order to promote new state-federal government partnerships to enforce consumer safety laws.

In 2007, U.S. manufacturers have recalled millions of toys due to high levels of lead paint and choking hazards. In light of such recalls, Texans are understandably concerned about the safety of children’s items, including toys, clothing, cribs and car seats. Safety concerns also surround other imported consumer goods, including electronics, lighting fixtures (including Christmas lights), household chemicals and food products.

With the holiday season upon us, the Office of the Attorney General reminds Texans to take advantage of the many resources available to them to ensure safe holiday purchases. Below is a list of government agencies that regulate and provide information on a wide array of consumer products. Most of these agencies also accept consumer complaints about items that could endanger public health and safety.

Consumers also are encouraged to be careful before purchasing used items at garage sales or flea markets, in classified ads or through online auctions. Most retailers are quick to remove recalled items from store shelves, but third parties might inadvertently resell dangerous items.

The Office of the Attorney General wishes all Texas families the very best this holiday season.

Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC)
Provides information about dangerous and recalled consumer goods and household items, including toys; children’s cribs; car seats; smoke detectors; electronics; sporting goods; lawnmowers; gas grills; and many others
www.cpsc.gov
Consumer hotline: (800) 638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Provides information about dangerous and recalled foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other health-related items
www.fda.gov
General information: (888) 463-6332

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Provides information about auto safety technology, including alerts and/or recalls on dangerous vehicles and components such as defective tires, etc.
www.nhtsa.gov
General information: (888) 327-4236

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Provides information on food contents and nutritional value, including an online search tool for the profiles of 13,000 common foods
www.usda.gov

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Provides information about toxic products, such as asbestos, pesticides, and pollution
www.epa.gov

General information for Texans: (214) 665-6444

For more information on Attorney General Abbott’s consumer protection efforts, contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011 or visit the agency’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

Source: Texas Attorney General