SAFETY GAME

Every week seems to bring a new recall of toys contaminated with lead paint, sending parents into toy boxes in search of dangerous trains and figurines. Lead is hazardous, but as there are increasing calls for tougher regulations, the risk from tainted toys – and the government’s ability to do something about it – should be kept in perspective. Improved testing by the toy companies and consistent safety standards are likely to be the most useful.

In the past six weeks, more than 20 million toy items have been recalled by Mattel Inc., the world’s largest toy maker. The toys, which were made in China, were recalled either because they contained lead paint or small magnets that could become dislodged and swallowed.

The spate of toy problems follows recalls of tainted pet food, toothpaste, shrimp and other products from China, prompting calls for better screening of products from the country that produces 80 percent of toys sold in the United States.

A report prepared for President Bush suggests that government agencies, especially those responsible for border protection and inspections that already burdened with increased responsibilities since Sept. 11, may not be the best route to increased consumer safety. Instead, the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety suggests more accountability.

Toy companies are already headed this way. Mattel, Walt Disney Co., Toys “R” Us and others have already said they will increase their testing of toys. Having this work done by the companies that stand to lose the most through recalls makes more sense than seeking more federal funds to update and staff government testing facilities.

The role for lawmakers is to ensure that adequate standards are in place and enforced. It is then up to the American companies to ensure the products they sell meet them.

A review requested by Sen. Susan Collins will help determine if the government needs to do more. She has asked the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to review whether the Consumer Product Safety Commission has adequate authority and resources.

This, coupled with the working group’s suggestion of third-party certification and increased reporting to the public of why products are voluntarily recalled, will help lawmakers determine how best to ensure the safety of products, whether they are made here or abroad.

Industry analysts warn, however, that pointing fingers overseas denies homegrown problems. Design flaws, such as the recent trend to include small magnets in toys, have caused more injuries and recalls than lead paint from China. If swallowed, magnets can puncture or block organs. These problems often originate with U.S. designers, not manufacturers in other countries.

Clear safety standards and penalties for violating them, along with better testing in the United States and where the products are made, could help solve both problems.