LANSING – In a move to better protect Michigan's children from toys containing toxic lead, State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) today voted for a plan that would limit the amount of lead that can be applied to children's toys sold in Michigan.
"Lead poisoning can be devastating to a child's development, and we must do everything we can to protect our children from being exposed to it," LeBlanc said. "Limiting the amount of lead in our children's toys is the best way to protect them from this toxic substance. We cannot allow our children to be harmed by the toys they play with every day."
A recall was announced earlier this month for the popular "Thomas & Friends" wooden railway toys because the red and yellow paint used to coat the toys contained lead. In 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 17 children's products – involving 2.6 million units – due to the level of lead the products contained.
Chronic exposure to lead can result in long-term effects such as brain damage, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems, including violent behavior.
Michigan currently has no state laws that regulate the amount of lead in children's products. The House Democrats' three-bill package would limit the amount of lead that can be applied to children's toys sold in Michigan to 0.06 percent. The plan also establishes civil fines for those who violate these limits, starting with $100 per item. Beginning with the third offense, the fine would be $1,000 per item, up to $50,000. The plan also would limit the amount of lead in children's jewelry and lunch boxes.
"Lead poisoning is completely preventable, we just need to take action," LeBlanc said. "We have a responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of our children, and that's what this plan will do."