I really hope this law doesn't pass. I'd rather it not be a crime to buy used books. I can make sure my children don't eat them. I think its ironic the EPA would be causing more harm to us by banning all books previously published than saving us from lead exposure.
I think this legislation also bans home made items being sold, such as baby blankets, hand made toys, etc. (Having trouble getting the link to work, but here's the address: http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/ )
The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned
---
Oh, how I wish this were a joke! But it is a grim and looming,
almost Orwellian, reality.
Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of
all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and
under) is to be PROHIBITED. Every single book printed prior
to the ruling is affected, whether new or used. New books in
production are required to include a "lead-free" certification
and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale.
What does this mean to the homeschooling family?
Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be
canceled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply
with the new ruling. Complete book inventories will have to be
destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books!
Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to
close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army.
Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the
ruling. Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process
anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.
No more library sales. Libraries will not be permitted to give
away or sell book donations. It is unsure yet, however, how
the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling
doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or
giving them away). The key word, however, is "distribution" --
libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves.
(The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has
since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included
in "children's toys".)
Just how serious is this new law?
Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply.
No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to
compliance. And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manu-
facturing stage. At the time of this article there is no clause
to be able to grandfather-in older books or even rare out-of-print
books. It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead.
I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books
from the 1950s and '60s. My punishment for selling a book after
February 10th? Up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail. And yes, it is
a felony charge. For selling a SINGLE book.
(Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a
reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly
violating Federal law.)
So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that
sells children’s books? Or that homeschool curriculum business?
Or your EBay business selling children's items?
ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:
1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at
888-531-9070. http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30,
2009. Or email: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov
2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact informa-
tion, just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/
3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue! The top 3 in
each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.
http://change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia
4) Sign the petition.
http://ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html
5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Write
about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and
encourage them to do the same.
---
For the complete story, read the following links:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index
page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and
other rulings
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html#summaries
Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory require-
ments -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current
inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/summaries/101brief.html
Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be
included in the testing of lead based products
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/101faq.html
Effective Date: Lead content limit of 600 ppm becomes effective 180
days after enactment. An advisory opinion regarding the application
of the new lead limit to inventory existing at the effective date
can be found on our web site at
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf
Getting the Lead out: There is no lead in children's books
http://news.bookweb.org/news/5695.html
There is no lead in Children's books: From a Pediatrician
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/childhealth/3955/is-there-lead-in-baby-books/
---
16 comments:
Um that seems rather HARSH rather quickly dont you think
I wonder if this is more of an outcry from companies who are losing money because people are recycling items................
something to think about
That is just crazy. Really hope it doesn't pass
Grrrr. All I will say to that.
And the insanity continues. I defend a government's right to protect its citizens. However, there IS such a thing as buyer beware. The potential impact of such a law is too great. Additionally, where is the government getting the money to enforce such a law?!?!? And, what would happen to the books that cannot be sold? Does the EPA have to get involved in the destruction of said books? Or, do they all just end up in the landfills? Is it asking too much that our government use a little common sense? (Forget I asked that...)
The law has already passed... It's not enforced through the EPA, but the U.S. Consumer Products and Safety Commission. Apparently, sellers who sell 'one of a kind items' are exempt, which means that if you aren't selling a shelf full of the same toy, you are fine. This will keep Salvation Army, consignment stores, and yard sales all legal. Vendors and manufactures have the option of getting old stock certified, but this would be costly for smaller businesses. I can't believe that there is no sort of grandfather clause for items manufactured before a certain date. I see a few law suits in the future challenging this.
love locat2007's comment. how true our government needs to get it's nose into things it needs to worry about such as cutting out pork barrell spending
maybe lead in books is why so many have illness's
I have tons of books.. what are they going to do come to everyone's homes and take books? stupid.. everything in and around us is harmful.. to some point.. they have lost their minds.
and thinking a bit more.. they can't recycle or burn the books.. or let them lay in a land fill they are to HARMFUL.. so what are they going to do lock them all in a vault? still shaking head..lol
This is so ridiculous, the goverment has gone too far
It's a sad day when we take BOOKS away from our children? Why are they not looking into the health concerns of all these computers and video games? At least our children learn from books and continue to use their imagination. Instead our government would rather encourage our children to go blind and loose brain cells while playing their video games, lovely isn't it?!!!!
Actually- video games do require imagination and critical thinking. Video games can be just as valuable as books. Your brain is constantly establishing neural pathways regardless of the activity you engage in.
My beef is that government is taking away our right to exercise our common sense! I'd rather it be "buyer beware" and allow myself to make the choice.
Companies producing lead free products could advertise them as such if they could prove they were, but don't require all items being sold to have been tested. Educate people about the dangers of lead and perhaps companies wanting to stay marketable will produce lead free toys, knowing people are looking to buy them.
As for me, I know my children are past the stage where non food items go into their mouths. I should have the right to buy old, out of print books or used Legos from garage sales.
Parents should protect their children themselves and not ask the government to do it. You can make choices that make your home healthy without the government telling you what you can and cannot own. When ever you ask government to do something for you, you are giving up a bit of your freedom. (Not to mention some of your tax dollars!)
I'm hoping this law is amended, or I'll be trying to find back alley book sales!
This is crazy I am going to everything I can to stop it.
This is incredible. I've never heard of anything so stupid in my life. Talk about overkill.
This was one of the big discusions at our library today. They always sell used books and they are afraid if this passes they will be loosing a great way to earn the library some money.
Welcome to the world of "National Rights of a Child," if it passes ... Joining parentalrights.org is another way to fight this kind of nonsense.
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