USA Today on chemical product safety regulation in the U.S. and E.U.:
U.S. and European Union product safety officials are hammering out ways to work more closely on toy safety issues…
U.S. rules allow five times more lead and lead paint in toys than in Europe, says Helen Kearns, a spokeswoman for Kuneva. Kuneva is urging that the U.S. bring its product safety rules up to Europe’s often-higher standards — which she says would facilitate trade and improve safety. But there are hurdles.
Europe has banned some chemical phthalates in plastic toys, and there’s legislation pending in California that would do the same. Supporters of such bans say the chemical is linked to cancer and birth defects. The CPSC isn’t convinced a ban is needed. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has until Friday to sign or veto the measure.
The full article available from USA Today.