"The American Academy of Pediatrics—a non-profit professional organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub-specialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults— opposes efforts to undercut the strong lead protections contained in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

“The recommendations issued by Commissioners Nancy Nord and Anne Northup to Congress reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of lead and the dire threat it poses to children’s health. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes permanent, irreversible brain damage. It simply makes no sense to allow lead in children’s products. Chewing, mouthing and handling can all result in exposure to lead over time, depending upon the product and the circumstances. It is unreasonable to ask the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make subjective determinations of risk for every child’s toy or product.

“No parent would knowingly give their child even small amounts of lead. Our nation should not allow manufacturers to do so.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.