Local lawmakers defied calls from toy industry representatives to let state or federal officials draft changes to what levels of chemicals are allowed in children’s products.
County Executive Daniel McCoy signed Local Law J, known as the Toxic-Free Toys Act, Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 7. The law bans the sale of children’s products containing benzene, lead, mercury, antimony, arsenic, cadmium and cobalt within the county. Enforcing regulations falls on the county health commissioner, with an initial $500 fine for an infraction that increases to $1,000 for additional violations.
“No one wants to expose our children to toxic chemicals and we can’t take baby steps in addressing the problem,” said McCoy in a statement.
McCoy admitted the law “isn’t perfect,” but said it is a “giant step” protecting children. He hoped the law would spur other communities nationwide to enact similar bans, which is also the hope of advocates who haven’t gained traction statewide or nationally.
“We believe today’s action will inspire other communities to follow suit and that manufacturers nationwide will begin to realize that consumers will not buy children’s products secretly made with toxic chemicals,” Saima Anjam, of Environmental Advocates of New York, said in a statement.
Department of Health officials will work with the county Department of Law to craft rules and regulations, which becomes effective one year from the law’s filling with Secretary of State’s Office.
Industry lobbyists and opponents have said enforcing the law would require a substantial expense to ensure children’s toys and products meet the strict regulations. Advocates, however, claim simply having a law on the books will lead most retailers into adherence.
