U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) hailed the passage today of the landmark Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which provides the toughest lead standards in the world for children’s products. The Act also strengthens the oversight of toys and children’s clothing by the Consumer Product Safety Commission – oversight which had withered on the vine during the years of the Bush Administration.

Last year, Castor joined the advocacy group Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) to alert shoppers of hidden toy hazards and unveil “Trouble in Toyland,” the group’s 22nd annual toy safety survey. The report stated that while progress had been made over the last two decades, researchers still found lead-laden and dangerous toys on store shelves. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled popular toys, including Barbie and Polly Pockets, for poorly designed magnets that fell out. Other toy hazards reported in the PIRG annual survey included toys containing other toxic chemicals, excessively loud toys, and strangulation hazards. The Consumers Union also dubbed 2007 the Year of the Recall.

At that time Castor joined Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-CA) in introducing a bill to prohibit the import of all toys that are not certified safe by the CPSC. This strong provision is included in today’s legislation.

This year, dangerous toy and product recalls occurred at an even swifter rate. The New Direction Congress worked hard to develop new protections for children and families and a more effective Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Act approved today. The Act (in part)

- bans lead beyond a minute amount in products intended for children under 12 years of age;
- prohibits the use of dangerous phthalates in children’s toys and child care articles;
- mandates pre-market testing by certified laboratories of children’s products for lead and noncompliance with a wide range of safety standards;
- requires manufacturers to place distinguishing marks on products and packaging to aid in recall of products; and
- requires the CPSC to provide consumers with a user-friendly database on deaths and serious injuries caused by consumer products.

The legislation also responds to recent reports of potential conflicts of interest at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The bill bans industry-sponsored travel by CPSC Commissioners and staff and includes other provisions that will help ensure the CPSC has the resources and authority to protect American consumers. The legislation will restore the five-Member Commission, authorize significant budget increases, and provide expedited rulemaking.

“Toys with lead and other dangerous chemicals are now banned. Our children and families deserve to be protected from and advised about imported toys and products that threaten their health. By passing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, we are moving in a new direction today to make sure that toys are safe for all kids to enjoy,” said Castor after the legislation was approved today. “I am proud to support the strongest product safety reforms in recent history and safeguard the health of children in the Tampa Bay area and across the country.”

“I want to thank Congresswoman Kathy Castor and the New Direction Congress for completing a strong Product Safety Reform Act and for her strong leadership in helping Florida consumers,” said Brad Ashwell, of the Florida PIRG. "The bill is a huge victory for America's littlest consumers."

Congresswoman Kathy Castor represents Florida’s 11th Congressional District, which covers parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties. More information on the Congresswoman’s work is available online at /