September 11, 2015
Albany, New York County Executive Daniel McCoy has signed into law the Toxic-Free Toys Act. Local Law J bans the sale of children’s products containing benzene, lead, mercury, antimony, arsenic, cadmium and cobalt within the county.
Department of Health officials will work with the county Department of Law to craft rules and regulations deemed necessary to implement the law, which becomes effective one year from the law’s filling with Secretary of State’s Office.
Industry lobbyists and opponents have said enforcing the law would require a substantial expense to ensure children’s toys and products meet the strict regulations. Advocates, however, claim simply having a law on the books will lead most retailers into adherence.