To the editor:
USA TODAY's disturbing article "Safety first for holiday toys" removed any doubt that store shelves will once again be lined with hazards for children this holiday season.
Even more damning, the Ecology Center's report on toxic toys, referred to in the article, is consistent with other recent findings by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and Consumers Union.
A federal law was enacted this past summer to remedy the very hazards these studies show are still posing a threat. Yet many of the tough new measures won't take effect until 2009 or later. Meanwhile, the Bush-controlled Consumer Product Safety Commission hasn't been doing all it should to enforce the law.
Given this state of affairs, it is incumbent upon the U.S. toy industry to voluntarily withdraw all toxic toys before they end up in the hands and mouths of America's children.
Andy Hoffman
Attorney and policy analyst
Center for Justice & Democracy
New York, NY
The Center for Justice & Democracy is the only national consumer organization in the country exclusively dedicated to protecting our civil justice system. If you'd like more information, please contact us.
