Toy makers agreed with California Attorney General to reduce lead levels

On December 4, Mattel and other leading toymakers settled a California lawsuit, brought under Proposition 65, which was approved by voters in 1986, to limit lead levels in toys.  A Los Angeles City Attorney noted that there is "no safe level of lead" in explaining the resolution of the case in the wake of a recall of numerous toys, lunch boxes, jewelry and novelty items.  The manufacturers agreed to pay $1.8 million dollars in fines and fees, with about half dedicated to a fund to test toys for lead toxicity.