In response to some instances of toys containing lead paint that lead to sickness in children and several recalls, the United States Congress amended consumer protections laws with the ASTM F963-07 to prevent companies from using this potentially dangerous substance in certain products.

Identification

ASTM F963-07 refers to the legal code that regulates the testing and amount of potentially hazardous chemicals in child's products, specifically lead and other hazards (such as choking danger), but not the quality of the product, according to the ASTM International.

History

The ASTM F963-07 went into effect on February 10, 2009 and replaced the 16 C.F.R. § 1303.1 standard, which limited the amount of lead in the paint on toys to a concentration of 0.06 percent, reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Features

The ASTM F963-07 lowered the limit on lead in paint on toys to 0.009 percent on August 14, 2009. Between February and August manufacturers merely had to test paint for concentrations above 0.06 percent. Since the limit on lead in all types of paint is now so low, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) feels testing is no longer necessary.

Exceptions

ASTM F963-07 only applies to consumer products. Items like the stilts that painters use are not considered a consumer product, and thus exempt from testing.

Warning

The ASTM F963-07 also applies to packaging if it is meant for reuse, such as a container for building blocks. In addition, state laws that go beyond the ASTM F963-07 are not superseded, reports the CPSC.

Source:

ASTM International: ASTM F963-07

Consumer Product Safety Commission: FAQs For Section 101: Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule

Resource:

Bridget Eng Calhoun and Laura Walther: Complying With Tougher Lead Bans for Children's Products