The CPSIA

According to Overlawyered, "In 2007, Mattel discovered excessive levels of lead in some of its imported Fisher Price toys. It immediately recalled millions of toys and self-reported the violation. Nevertheless, it has been hit with class action lawsuits. And if you ever had any doubt that the CPSIA was an overreaction and unnecessary to protect consumer safety, Mattel last week paid $2.3 million in fines for the violation of pre CPSIA law." More via CNN, ABA Journal.

Comments

[Michael Shaw]

It is more than a bit ironic that this record fine came under a law dating back to 1978--and that same law proscribed the lead charm that killed CPSIA poster child Jarnell Brown.

Given that lead in paint is essentially the only meaningful hazard mentioned in CPSIA, no better proof is needed that CPSIA is a complete and horrific waste.

Just another milestone in the miserable career of Henry Waxman, our Congress' true-life version of revenge of the nerds.

For more realism on regulatory matters, check out my blog--
http://ecologic.typepad.com