Dear Neighbor,

Millions of toys continue to be recalled worldwide for lead contamination and other dangers. Lead exposure is extremely harmful to children and can cause brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches.

It is frustrating that the Consumer Product Safety Commission requests, but does not require, retailers to remove dangerous toys and other hazardous products from store shelves. That is why I, once again, supported legislation to provide more stringent controls over the lead content in jewelry sold in New York State (A.8077). The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate, but unfortunately was vetoed by the governor who said more needed to be done to address his concerns about how to effectively enforce this measure.

I will continue to work with the governor’s office and retailers on ways to improve this measure and eliminate lead in jewelry. In addition, I am determined in my efforts to remove lead from toys, so our families and children remain healthy and protected.

I have listed Web sites to find needed information about recalled products and to sign-up for e-mail alerts on product recalls. Up-to-date information helps keep our families secure, and I encourage you to take every step and help ensure the products your family uses are safe.

1. www.recalls.gov

   A one-stop federal government Web site to find the latest information on recalled products and sign up for e-mail alerts for product recalls for:

   • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
   • U.S. Food and Drug Administration
   • U.S. Department of Agriculture
2. www.oag.state.ny.us/consumer/consumer_issues.html

   NYS Attorney General Web site, or call 1800-771-7755

3. www.consumer.state.ny.us

   NYS Consumer Protection Board, directs you to important product recall & warning information, or call 1-800-697-1220

4. www.cpsc.gov

   U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or call 1-800-638-2772

   • Recalls by date, company and product description
   • Sign-up for e-mail alerts for specific products: Infant/child, sports/recreation, outdoor, household, specialty

Keeping Children Safe. Assemblywoman Gunther voted for laws to keep dangerous sex predators off our streets (Ch. 7 of 2007); create the crime of predatory sexual assault (Ch. 107 of 2006); expand the criminal DNA database (Ch. 2 of 2006); and eliminate the statute of limitations for serious sex crimes (Ch. 3 of 2006).

The sex offender registry is available at www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/.