The commissioner began his talk by assuring everyone that toy safety is improving. Compared to 172 toy recalls in 2008, there were only 50 toy recalls in 2099, and only 44 in 2010. And unlike the rash of lead-related recalls in 2008 that prompted legislators to draft and pass the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, only 3 of the 44 recalls in 2010 were the result of unacceptable levels of lead. The current plan is to reduce the allowable lead levels even further: from 300 ppm down to 100ppm. This reduction in lead content in children's toys will go ahead, UNLESS it is determined that it is not technologically feasible to do this.  

With lead gone, manufacturers are looking for substitutes, which is why there have been so many Cadmium related recalls recently (particularly in children’s jewelry). As a result, the CPSC is starting to take a closer look at all toxins, and the commissioner urged the industry to bear this in mind.

Most of the remaining infractions were the result of design flaws. Choking hazards are still the most common – and dangerous - infraction, and the commissioner followed with a few comments on the recent controversies surrounding the small parts regulations. There have been a few cases where children have choked on components that actually passed - albeit barely - the curent safety tests. So parents of young children should know that the existing regulations for small parts in infant and toddler toys are NOT fool proof. Always keep a close eye when young children play with smallish components.

The next issue Commissioner Adler touched on was the deadline congress imposed on the Testing and Certification Rule. The challenge is to provide safe toys in a way that is economically feasible. The commissioner assured industry reps that the CPSC will, to the greatest extent it can under the law, provide as much flexibility as possible to manufacturers to meet these rules, while keeping costs down.

The final thing Mr. Adler addressed is the upcoming March 11 launch of saferproducts.com, which effectively gives public access to all Reports of Harm submitted to the CPSC that meet the minimum requirements for publication. Understandably there are a few concerns about such broad unfiltered access. There will be a disclaimer indicating that the government has not verified the accuracy of the claims, and manufacturers will have the opportunity to comment on the claims, but there is certainly the risk of disseminating inaccurate or unfounded information. Nevertheless, if it succeeds and the information can be shared in a responsible way, then it will certainly provide a new point of accountability.