You may have noticed an article or 2 in the local paper regarding lead in books. This is a reaction to the finding of lead in toys produced in China over the last 2 years. Congress passed the law stating that all toys must be certified "lead free," the agency that wrote the regulations for the bill, Consumer Product Safety Commission interpreted toys to include books.
Hence our involvement.
Lead is a very serious public health issue, especially in children.
it can have long term health effects in minute amounts.
We are taking the matter very seriously. However the issue is much bigger than our county and even the state of Maryland.
The original deadline to certify items as "lead free" was February 12, 2009. Working with the CPSC, the ALA (American Library Association) negotiated a one year extension of the deadline for library materials.
At this time, I am/we are awaiting further guidance from state and national agencies as to the best way to respond before we take any action locally.
thanks
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