February 18, 2010

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has formed a task group to consider whether established limits and test methods under ASTM F963/CPSIA should be updated to further strengthen the current U.S. safety standards.

The action comes in response to recent tests that found cadmium – a known carcinogen that can hinder brain development in the very young – in children’s jewelry sold in the United States.  Even though children's jewelry and other children's products are not produced by the toy industry and are not subject to the same strict standards already in place for toys, the TIA is "committed to an ongoing, constant and thorough review of any issue that can enhance the U.S. toy safety network."  In addition to reviewing current standards, the task group of experts will encourage and offer assistance to other children's product industries in order to "help enhance the safety of all children's products."