Canada Introduces Strictest Standards for Lead in Children’s Products

The Canadian government is imposing strict new health standards that would effectively ban the use of lead in toys and other products that children put in their mouths. The new regulations would limit the amount of lead in toys, pacifiers, bibs and other products intended for children under the age of three to 0.009 percent, the strictest standards worldwide. The current standard for U.S. products is 0.03 percent for children under the age of 12, although that limit will drop to 0.01 percent in 2011. Canada’s current standard is 0.06 percent. While Health Canada officials say reputable companies usually attempt to restrict the use of lead in products, they say the increasingly complex international supply chains involved in the production of many modern goods can introduce unknown risks. Ingestion of even low levels of lead can cause permanent physical and cognitive damage. “As a mom,” said Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, “I’m proud that our new, tough regulations will make Canada a world leader in strict lead reduction in consumer products, especially toys.”