Larson Calls For Passage of Toxic Metals Legislation In Light of Recall of Millions of “Shrek” Glasses For Children
For Immediate Release: June 8, 2010
Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888
Larson Calls For Passage of Toxic Metals Legislation In Light of Recall of Millions of "Shrek" Glasses For Children
Washington, DC- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) urged Congress to pass legislation that will protect our children from products with dangerous toxins, after the recall of 12 million cadmium-tainted drinking glasses that were marketed to children.
Congressman Larson is a co-sponsor of legislation introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Speier of California, H.R. 4428-The Children's Toxic Metals Act, which will prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of children's jewelry that contains cadmium and other toxic metals.
On Friday, June 4th, under the advice of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), the McDonald's Corporation voluntarily recalled 12 million drinking glasses produced for the "Shrek Forever After" movie. The CSPC conducted tests on the glasses, at the request of Congresswoman Speier, and detected dangerous levels of the cadmium.
Congressman Larson said, "As a parent, it is incredibly important to me that products marketed to children are safe for them to use. Time and again, we have seen a lapse in oversight of children's products place the health and well-being of our children in danger. I applaud my colleague, Congresswoman Speier and the CPSC for their swift efforts to protect our children from the dangers of cadmium. I will continue to fight for stronger standards and safeguards to keep our children safe."
Ranked seventh on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of hazardous substances, cadmium can cause long term adverse respiratory and gastrointestinal effects in children, including kidney and liver damage.