LANSING – In a move to better protect Michigan's children from toys containing toxic lead, House Democrats today passed a plan, proposed by State Representative Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw), that would limit the amount of lead that can be applied to children's toys sold in Michigan.
"Lead poisoning is 100 percent preventable and yet our children are being exposed to this poison through their toys," Coulouris said. "This legislation will help protect our children."
A recall was announced earlier this month for the widely 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.
"As a parent, the recent recall of 1.5 million Thomas & Friends products stunned me," Coulouris said. "When 'The Little Engine That Could' becomes the little engine that could poison, there is no greater reminder that we must be extremely vigilant when it comes to protecting our children."
Chronic exposure to lead can result in long-term effects such as brain damage, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems, including violent behavior.
The legislation is part of a three-bill package that also would limit the amount of lead in children's jewelry and lunch boxes. The House Democrats' plan would limit the amount of lead that can be applied to children's toys sold in Michigan to 0.06 percent. Currently, there are no state laws that regulate the amount of lead in children's products. 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 House on Tuesday also passed a bill introduced by Coulouris that would allow the work of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission, housed within the state's Department of Community Health, to continue. The commission originally convened in 2005, with a sunset date set for July 1, 2007. This legislation changes the sunset date to July 1, 2010.
Coulouris noted the efforts of his predecessor, State Representative Carl Williams, in raising awareness about the issue of lead poisoning.
"State Representative Carl Williams worked hard to tackle the problem of lead poisoning," Coulouris said. "I am grateful to continue that fight to protect our children."