XRF NEEDS BETTER SRMs AND METHODS, SAY CPSC STAFF Unavailability of standard reference materials (SRMs) and of standard analytical methods limit the usefulness of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology for lead detection, according to a CPSC report made available August 17.

GAO MAKES THREE RECOMMENDATIONS ON IMPORTS The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) August 14 report on CPSC’s import safety activity has three recommendations for the agency: ensure speedy CPSIA implementation, enhance its ability to target problem shipments, and update its strategic plan.

BATH SEAT AND BABY WALKER NPRs SET FOR RELEASE CPSC members were slated to vote August 20 as PSL went to press on issuing notices of proposed rulemaking on baby bath seats and infant walkers.

NORTHUP AND ADLER GIVE FEW CLUES INTO MINDSETS CPSC watchers will have to wait until future votes or other activity to learn more about the regulatory mindsets of Commissioners Anne Northup and Robert Adler – who just joined the agency the week of August 17.

TENENBAUM, NORD AND MOORE COMMENT ON CIVIL PENALTIES CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum and Commissioners Nancy Nord and Thomas Moore, explained their reasons for voting for or against an interim final rule on factors CPSC considers when assessing civil penalties

CPSC BRIEFS Briefs on new commissioners, toys, tracking labels, phthalates, bicycles (2 briefs), amplifiers, table saws, coffee makers, remote switches, bike trailers, plush figures/magnets, bassinets, cloth books, ceiling fans, DVD players, CPSC meetings.