Ill. Enacts ‘Model’ Lead Labeling Law for Kid-Friendly Products

Following a special investigation by the Chicago Tribune into toy safety, Illinois signed into law this week one of the nation's toughest warning label provisions.

The legislation signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday requires that toys, children's jewelry and baby items containing even small amounts of lead be labeled, according to a Tribune article.

State law had already barred the sale of toys containing more than 600 parts per million of lead. But this new legislation, drafted by Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, requires more stringent labeling beginning on Jan. 1, 2010.

The new law should serve as a model for other states and "will give parents critical information they need to make informed decisions about consumer products to protect their children from lead poisoning," Madigan said in a statement.