Thanks to a lack of proper federal standards, many states are implementing their own legislation for regulating hazardous levels of heavy metals in things like children’s toys. Children are at particular risk of personal injury from these substances since their bodies are still developing. Even adults are at risk when they are exposed to such elements for a prolonged period of time. These toxic substances have even been linked to breast, lung and kidney cancer, high blood pressure and muscular degeneration, according to this article .
As it stands, the CPSC only dictates that products contain cadmium levels of less than 75 parts per million when it comes to surface coatings. They’re working on developing a more strict standard, but it’s taking time. And with the recall of McDonald’s Shrek glasses this summer due to high levels of cadmium, some states don’t want to wait around for the federal government to take action. The EPA has used it’s authority to require manufacturers who use cadmium to provide reports to determine whether the products pose a threat or should be banned outright.
Until their are strict regulations in place, it’s important that you know how to keep you and your family safe from toxic substances. As a South Carolina personal injury attorney , I wanted to remind you to carefully monitor your child’s toys, especially if they’re at the age where they’re constantly teething on items. Cheap metal jewelry, charms, and hair clips are commonly coated with lead or cadmium. You can check the CPSC’s website to determine whether a suspicious item has been recalled.