CPSIA- NATURAL Toymakers CASUALTY of LEAD-LADEN Chinese IMPORTS? KPAX 12-13-08

Natural toymakers led the charge in ensuring safety and providing an alternative. But will they inadvertantly end up the casualty of new CPSIA lead testing laws spawned by the lead-laden Chinese imports of 2007?

Video from a report by KPAX- Missoula, Montana- Saturday, December 13, 2008

Copyright KPAX8 Missoula, Montana
All rights reserved

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http://www.kpax.com/Global/story.asp?S=9517503

New rules could hurt Missoula toy maker

Posted: Dec 13, 2008 11:08 PM

Updated: Dec 27, 2008 11:06 PM

This could be the last holiday season children receive homemade toys after toy makers all over the country recently found out legislation has been passed that could put them out of business.

Back in 2007, there were toy recalls ranging from dangerously high levels of lead or other chemicals, small parts breaking off causing children to choke, and magnetic parts causing health risks and even death. Almost all of these cases dealt with toys made in China and the recalls were a major concern for parents all over the United States.

Anna Rummel sells her hand made toys in Missoula and told us that as a parent, she was thrilled to find out recently passed the legislation would increase stricter testing of toys, until she realized it may put her out of business.

"It's sad because this industry, the people in the natural toy industry, are the ones that fought to create an alternative to lead and toxic toys."

The legislation passed in August requires all toys to be tested but the testing can be as pricey as $4,000 per toy. The new rules could make it hard or even impossible for Rummel and others to keep making their toys.

"I wouldn't be able to get any of the toys I currently carry, So I would close my shop because I've hand selected these toys for the last several years" commented Walking Stick Toys owner Erica Hickey.

She added that a few manufacturers have already announced they are closing their business. If the legislation is not amended Hickey will have until August of 2009 to clear out her shop.

But, both Hickey and Rummel say they wont give up on this issue because they think it's important for children to have hand made toys.

- Allyson Weller reporting from KPAX in Missoula, Montana

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