Nov. 29 Canada: Harper Government Takes Action to Protect Children from Lead Exposure

From: Health Canada

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced new regulations and amendments to an existing regulation under the Hazardous Products Act that will restrict the amount of lead in a variety of consumer products, including children’s toys.

The Government of Canada will reduce lead levels significantly through regulatory limits for products intended for use in play or learning by children under three years of age, as well as some consumer products that are likely to come into contact with the mouth (i.e. baby bottle nipples, soothers, beverage straws, mouthpieces of musical instruments, and sports mouthpieces).

As well, amendments to the Surface Coating Materials Regulations have reduced the amount of lead in consumer paints and other surface coating materials, including those applied on children’s toys and furniture.

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