Based on testing provided by HealthyToys.org, up to one third of 1,500 popular children's toys tested in 2008 still contain medium or high levels of chemicals of concern. Unknowingly, we can expose our children to chemicals associated with learning disabilities, reproductive problems, and cancer.

Need for action is clearly shown by the rash of children's products recalls over recent holiday seasons. We cannot assume that every product on the shelf is safe for our kids. The Michigan Legislature took a good first step in December 2007 when they passed bills limiting the amount of lead in children's products to 600ppm. However, the studies show that blood lead levels below the limit set by the Centers for Disease Control can still cause impairment in children. And it's not just lead. Of the approximately 80,000 chemical compounds in commercial use today in the United States, less than half have had a full battery of tests for human health impacts.

Recent federal action has taken us another step closer to creating a safer world for our children. The new Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, which went into effect in February 2009, create federal standards for lead and six types of phthalates. These new standards, however, fail to address the increasing number of chemical risks faced by our children. This new legislative session provides the opportunity to take comprehensive action to address toxic chemicals.

• Eliminating the worst chemicals from children's products
• Requiring the state to create and update a comprehensive list of chemicals of concern
• Requiring manufacturers to disclose the presence of chemicals of high concern in children's products
• Creating tax incentives, state assistance and partnerships for the development and use of safer chemicals and products.