Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #2043

Question

Why did Vernier stop recommending its products for children under age 13?

Answer

CPSIA (the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) is a new federal law intended to regulate the manufacturing of children�s toys. The CPSIA was hastily crafted in response to a few incidents of lead poisoning in cheap toys made overseas. In fact, it was called the �Toy Bill� as it made its way through Congress. Unfortunately, the law was written so broadly, that we, along with all other makers of educational equipment, have been swept up in its wake.

We are confident that our products are safe. Vernier has been manufacturing sensor technology for over 28 years, and safety is a priority to us. We test to industry standards with regards to EMI and ESD, and adhere to environmental and material usage directives that are accepted in countries throughout the world. Unfortunately, the law�s testing, labeling, and tracking requirements are so extensive and complicated that we are unable to implement the changes immediately. Our goal is to comply with the law, but with the sweeping changes in process, documentation, and tracking needed for all our products, the deadlines are impossible to meet.

We are working with our trade association, the Hands-On Science Partnership, and our Congressmen, to have the law opened up for revision or to obtain an exemption for science education products. In the meantime, we must comply with the existing law, and we are therefore recommending that our products be used only by students ages 13 and over. For students ages 12 and under, we recommend that teachers perform the experiments as demonstrations.

Created by: rjohnson on August 06 2009
Last updated by: rjohnson on August 27 2009