As a parent, my child’s safety is the most important thing I could ask for. However, lately it feels as though I need to be extra cautious when making a purchase for my children. Is this pacifier safe? Is this stroller on the recall list? Where can I find the most up to date information on recalls?
There have been numerous recalls in the news lately involving children’s products including Discovery Lamps, Britax “Blink” umbrella strollers, Generation 2 Cribs, Disney jewelry, and more. Problems range from combustion to risk of finger amputation and suffocation to lead poisoning. In light of these recent recalls, safety officials have taken a step toward raising safety.
Inez Tenenbaum, chairman for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has firmly warned manufacturers of children’s products to make safety a top priority or face penalties including fines or lawsuits. She stated, “If you resist our efforts to recall children’s products, be forewarned: This commission stands ready to be creative in the use of our enforcement authorities.”
According to the Kansas City Star, it was her strongest warning to industry officials since taking over as chairman less than a year ago. She went on to say that 2008 laws gave the CPSC new powers, “and we are not afraid to use them.” Her warning followed questions from Congress about the delay in informing the public about defective product recalls. Congress questioned the 6 month lag in recalling over 2 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs that were linked to four infant deaths due to suffocation.
Tenenbaum hopes to impose new crib safety rules by the end of 2010, which haven’t been changed in over 25 years.
Hopefully her warning will be taken to heart by children’s products manufacturers. Child safety is extremely important and parents need to feel safe that our purchases will not result in injuries to our children.
Perfect post. Thanks!
Perfect post. Thanks!