After millions of unsafe toy recalls, we are close to real reform for our broken product safety system. A product safety bill is now emerging in the Senate (the House passed legislation before Christmas).
Ask your Senators to vote YES on the CPSC Reform Act and send the bill to the President now!
- Last year, more than 25 million toys were recalled, many for lead paint, known to be dangerous since the 1970s. The recalls continue this year.
- The CPSC knows about dangerous products long before you do, sometimes delaying public notice for months while it negotiates with the companies who manufacture the products.
-
No law requires companies to independently test products for hazards.
- The agency responsible for the safety of more than 15,000 products has only 15 inspectors at ports nationwide and half its original staff.
Manufacturers, importers and retailers all must pitch in to ensure the products on our stores shelves are safe to use. Tell your Senators to pass this legislation and keep our children safe!
Dear Senator [Last Name]:
Let's not delay fixing the broken Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) any longer! Please pass the CPSC Reform Act (S.2045) to give the CPSC the tools and resources it needs to protect our children and families from dangerous products, including unsafe toys! We urge you to vote on this measure promptly when you return from President's Day recess so that we can start to renew our faith in the products we buy every day.
Please address the shortcomings of the CPSC, lower the amount of lead in children's toys and other products, and beef up testing requirements for such items. Make sure the legislation also gives the public more information about product hazards.
It is time to help renew confidence in the products we bring into our homes. 2007 has been The Year of the Recall, but please make 2008 The Year of Reform by voting for a strong product safety bill when you return to Washington next week.
[Your Comments]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
