Heading Off Dangerous Toys At The Ports

CPSC Putting Inspectors At Some Of The Busiest, Checking Toys, Other Goods

(CBS)  Some 25 million toys were recalled last year due to high lead content and other safety problems.

Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is hoping to intercept many of those toys and other potentially hazardous goods before they reach store shelves.

Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen reports the CPSC will announce it's stationing full-time inspectors at some of the nation's busiest ports, including New York, Houston, Seattle, and Long Beach, Calif.

It is, Koeppen says, "an aggressive move aimed at protecting consumers from dangerous products."

In Long Beach, Koeppen watched as inspectors pulled aside an incoming shipment of brightly-colored toy cars.

Brighter colors tend to have higher lead content, an inspector explained.

The CPSC inspectors will be working side-by-side with Customs agents, looking for banned items.

"The CPSC can now actually stop, examine, and then either release or hold products," points out the agency's top spokesperson, Julie Vallese. "The CPSC is now out there flexing its muscle, doing what it can and trying to stop volatile products before they come into the marketplace."

In addition to toys, Koeppen says, the new inspections will target cigarette lighters, fireworks, and electronics -- many of them coming from China.

Officials acknowledge inspections can only go so far, and what they're finding represents just the tip of the iceberg -- but add it's better than nothing.

"You can't inspect your way to safety," Vallese concedes. "What you can do is build, by utilizing all the different resources at your disposal."

Congress may take consumer safety a step further, Koeppen observes. The Senate is set to vote this week on a bill that would institute sweeping changes, such as a ban on lead in all children's products, and increased funding for the CPSC.

[usbrit-2009]

"Brighter colors tend to have higher lead content, an inspector explained."

Now I have a Ph.D. in chemistry specializing in coatings and I sincerely doubt that I could tell what paints have lead in them just by looking at them. Maybe they have a comparison chart?

Also; My 12 year-old is a nut about Disney''s Cars toys. One of those, "Sarge" was recalled last year because of lead paint. "Sarge" is camoflage green - not what I''d call a "bright" color.

This whole inspection thing reeks of window-dressing.

[bhu89ijn]

Why are the taxpayers having to pay? What needs to happen is to fine and fine big like they do American companys. Then if these companys want to ship next time charge them to inspect before they ship. If they do not pass the inspection then they are ban from ever shipping items into America.
America is a big buyer and we need to show our muscle as we do with everthing else.
EMAIL YOUR SENATORS AND LET THEM KNOW TO FINE THESE COMPANYS AND CUT OFF THOSE WHO WILL NOT ABIDE.

[johnstossel]

Toys from China suck!!!

[jomeme]

My Grand children (8)received money Savings accounts
clothes. No TOYS FROM CHINA 2007. In 2008 NO TOYS from CHINA!!!!!!!

[frankbowers]

Why is the American TAXPAYERS HAVING TO PAY FOR THIS this should be borned by the makers and buyers and mostly by the makers? This ia total failure of the system and is abuse of tax payers monies. In reality they should be checked prior to being put on the ship or what ever to come here in the country of origin.
Frank Bowers of Austin, Tx

[olebd]

Here''s a great idea. Make the frickin'' products in the U.S.! No muss, no fuss.