The Assembly unanimously passed a bill recently to help protect New Jersey children from harmful substances by prohibiting the sale of certain children’s products containing lead, mercury or cadmium.
Early exposure to these metals can be associated with developmental delays and other negative effects on a child’s organs, immune system, digestion, etc. To limit childhood exposure to lead, mercury and cadmium, the bill (A-1459) would prohibit the sale, manufacture or distribution of any product containing these substances that is solely or primarily designed to care for, come into contact with, or be used by a child under the age of six.
The measure stipulates that any children’s product discovered to contain these metals must be recalled and disposed of in a proper manner.
Upon the bill’s passage, Assembly sponsors Paul Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester), Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) and Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex) issued the following joint statement:
“This bill is a commonsense measure that will protect our kids from the harmful effects of lead, mercury and cadmium. No child should be exposed to toxic substances in their toys or any other product intended for their use. By banning the sale of children’s products with these substances, we can safeguard the health and well-being of children throughout our state.”
The legislation now heads to the Senate.