Posts Tagged ‘CPSC’
McDonald’s recalls 12 million toxic Shrek glasses
McDonald’s is recalling 12 million drinking glasses it is selling to promote the new “Shrek” movie because painted designs on the cheap collectables contain the toxic metal cadmium.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission warned consumers to immediately stop using the glasses; McDonald’s said it would post instructions on its website next week regarding refunds.
The glasses, which are being sold for about $2 each as part of a promotional campaign for the movie Shrek Forever After, were available in four designs depicting the characters Shrek, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots and Donkey…
The CPSC noted in its recall notice that “long-term exposure to cadmium can cause adverse health effects.” Research has shown it can cause problems to the kidneys and can cause bone softening.
In the case of the Shrek-themed glassware, the potential danger would be long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium, which could leach from the paint on to a child’s hand, then enter the body if the child puts that unwashed hand to his or her mouth.
Though the amount of cadmium leaching from the paint is only a fraction above limits – which the CPSC is still developing – McDonalds is cooperating in the recall from the gitgo. Fortunately.
You may not see much of a political flap over this. The glasses weren’t made in China.
Must Libraries test books for lead content – or just ban children?
“Put on your rubber gloves!”
Daylife/Reuters Pictures
Librarians across the United States are making noise about new federal restrictions on lead that could take books out of the hands of children. Children’s books are covered by federal regulations on lead in items made for children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act requires all products, including books intended for children younger than 12, to meet new standards calling for lower lead content…Paper, ink, covers and glues would need to pass lead content standards.
“While we understand the process the CPSC must carry out in order to ensure this law is properly enforced and that the safety of our nation’s children is protected, we believe the commission is wasting time and resources by zeroing in on book publishers and libraries,” said Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association Washington office.
“It is our hope that this matter will be resolved soon, so that libraries can continue their efforts to serve children without the threat of closing their doors.”
Well, the CPSC postponed a lot of the crap regulations. This could give politicians a chance to write sensible legislation. What are the odds of that happening?
