Pryor: Toys Laced with "Date Rape" Chemical Unacceptable and Preventable

Press Release

Pryor: Toys Laced with "Date Rape" Chemical Unacceptable and Preventable

Senator Mark Pryor today said a government watchdog agency failed to protect a 20-month-old Arkansas boy who was comatose after he swallowed toy beads laced with a powerful "date rape" drug. He is working to pass sweeping reforms to the Consumer Product Safety Commission so it can more effectively prevent dangerous products and toys from entering the marketplace.

The CPSC yesterday recalled 4.2 million sets of Aqua Dots, a highly popular craft set that contains a chemical coating on beads that turns into the date rape drug, gamma hydroxyl butyrate, when ingested. Two American children went into unresponsive, comatose conditions from the Aqua Dots, but have since recovered.

"Millions of parents are asking how this could happen. The truth is the agency charged with their children's safety is hamstrung by a lack of resources and outdated regulations. The current situation is completely unacceptable, especially when it's preventable." Pryor said. "My legislation adds multiple layers of protection to stop toxic toys from harming our children."

Pryor said he believes the CPSC Reform Act of 2007 puts several new safeguards in place that could have prevented the tainted Aqua Dots product from harming children. First, the legislation requires all toys be tested by an accredited third party as well as certification by the manufacturer that the product meets safety standards. Second, it expedites the recall process and allows the CPSC to disclose information for public review when the agency becomes aware of a potential problem. Hospitalization reports surfaced earlier this week and Australia issued a recall on the toy before the American public was notified by the CPSC. Third, Pryor's legislation bans the sale of a recalled product, including on Internet sites where Aqua Dots are still available. Fourth, it allows the CPSC to prescribe the remedy in the public's best interest. In the U.S., parents are offered the opportunity to exchange the beads for free. In Australia, parents can receive a full refund. Fifth, the legislation increases information sharing among foreign and domestic governments.

In addition, Pryor's legislation authorizes additional funding for the agency to increase staff levels, improve antiquated testing facilities and increase CPSC agents at U.S. ports of entry. Additionally, it proposes an increase in civil and criminal penalties, a ban on all children's products that contain lead and whistleblower protections for manufacturers' and importers' employees.

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