Senate OKs nation's strictest toy safety rules

Despite last-minute intensive lobbying efforts by the toy industry, the state Senate on Friday approved the strictest toy safety rules in the nation with a 40-9 vote.

The legislation dramatically reduces the amount of lead, cadmium and plasticizing chemicals called phthalates allowed in children's products made and sold in the state. The chemicals can cause developmental problems, and are regulated by weak federal standards, if any at all.

The measure passed unanimously in the House, but its fate was uncertain in the Senate after the national Toy Industry Association committed $50,000 to lobbying, and lawmakers proposed changes to the bill late in the process.

Minor changes were made to the bill increasing the range of toys exempt from the standards, and they are expected to be approved by the House. The legislation then goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it.

Toy makers and sellers were concerned that with the state's adoption of a unique set of standards, manufacturers would not sell their items here. In the debate Friday one lawmaker even warned that Christmas could be canceled here.

Supporters urged approval in the name of safety, pointing to the millions of toys recalled last year because of unsafe lead levels.

"It's a great win for children's health," said Ivy Sager-Rosenthal of the nonprofit Washington Toxics Coalition, a lobbyist for the bill.