PRODUCT SAFETY LETTER View the entire issue in PDF format.

CPSC LEAD PAINT TEST GUIDE INCLUDES INFO ON COMPOSITE TESTS CPSC’s April 26 test method for lead in paint allows for composite testing of different paints, but with precautions.

U.S., EU, CANADA AND JAPAN SIGN PACT ON ANIMAL TESTS Three nations and the EU April 27 signed a memorandum of cooperation committing them to seek more reduction of animals in product toxicity tests.

NHTSA WILL SEEK SAFETY SEAT SIDE-IMPACT RULES Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood April 24 ordered the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop side impact standards for child safety seats.

EU IS ON PACE FOR 2,000+ RAPEX REPORTS IN 2009 The 178 RAPEX notices received from EU members states in March puts Europe on track to break the 2,000-report mark this year.

CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS LAW UNDER PREEMPTION REVIEW The California Department of Toxic Substances April 28 promoted its action against children’s and religious jewelry with violative lead levels as 736,000 ppm.

COMMISSIONERS EYE DRAFT ATV ENFORCEMENT STAY CPSC members were slated to vote by May 1 (after the PSL deadline) on a draft Federal Register notice for an enforcement stay related to youth ATVs and CPSIA lead content.

CPSC BRIEFS Briefs on hair dryers, floor cleaners, play sets, athletic cups, fitness machines, robes, cribs, coats, popcorn machines, raincoats, magnets, CPSC meetings.

STANDARDS & TESTING BRIEFS Briefs on treestands, shoes, safety markings, amusement rides, fire tests, switches, signs, circuit breakers, lampholders, wiring, vents, chimneys (2 briefs), drills, smoke detectors, welders, cable TV, water heaters, wiring boards, motors, reciprocating saws.

RESEARCH & JOURNALS BRIEFS Briefs on bike helmets, booster seats, cell phones (2 briefs), music players.

FOREIGN & INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS Briefs on conformity assessment, nanotech, travel adapters, digital thermometers, cribs, pajamas, children's jewelry, hair care, pens, clamps, bikes, RAPEX.