LANSING – State Representatives Lisa Wojno (D-Warren) and Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) today announced that the House passed a plan limiting the amount of lead that can be applied to children's toys sold in Michigan.
"It is unacceptable that Michigan has the sixth-highest lead poisoning rate in the country," said Wojno, the lead sponsor of one of the bills in the plan. "Michigan must send a strong message we will not tolerate products that can harm 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.
"It's a sad statement about our society when 'The Little Engine That Could' becomes a little engine that could poison," Miller said. "This plan allows us to be vigilant in protecting our children from the harmful effects of lead."
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.