A Little Good News

“Who brings good news may knock boldly.” – James Howell

I thought I’d start off the week with a little good news. In my January 12 and January 26 blogs, I mentioned the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. This Act would have made life hard, if not impossible, for authors and publishers of children’s books as well as small and home based businesses producing items for children. Libraries around the country discussed the possibility of banning children under the age of 13, after February 10.

I am happy to say that a one year stay of enforcement has been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) . They haven’t repealed or relaxed the law. If a product is found to contain too much lead, the CPSC will still prosecute (as they should). However, it does mean that those who know their children’s products do not contain lead or phthalates (the stuff added to plastic) will not have to pay the big bucks for third-party testing. At least for the present.

I won’t pretend I understand all the ramifications of the act or the one year stay. However, for now, I believe libraries will be able to continue allowing young children through their doors. Authors, publishers, bookstores and other businesses can continue writing, producing and selling non-toxic books and products without endangering our children or incurring the National Debt.

For an excellent, in depth article on the this Act of 2008 from someone that understands the subject matter much better than I do, visit Holly Jahangiri’s blog, Do I Have to Spell it Out.

Thanks for stopping by.


Tags: James Howell, CPSC, libraries, Jahangiri,