Government also working to protect children from dangers of noisy toys
Ottawa - The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) commends the Government of Canada on the recent introduction of Bill C-36, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). C-36 builds on the efforts of similar legislation from the last session of parliament in updating Canada's consumer and product safety legislation.
"We are pleased that the government is continuing its efforts to modernize Canada's product safety regime," said CASLPA Executive Director Ondina Love. "This legislation will give the government the tools it needs to be proactive in ensuring that the goods Canadians use are as safe as possible."
This legislation will have a particular effect on ensuring the safety of children's toys, especially through a general prohibition on the sale of unsafe products and requirements for manufacturers and importers to submit test results. However, it is important to remember that proper toy safety extends beyond dangers that can cause immediate harm. CASLPA is very supportive of the continued commitment and progress that the government has made to reduce the risks associated with excessively noisy toys.
The Hazardous Product Act currently bans toys emitting noise levels exceeding 100 decibels. Audiologists warn that this level is too high. As a point of comparison, the International Standards Organization uses a level of 85 decibels as a guideline - a level that is much safer for children's small ears.
"With a toy that emits 100 decibels of sound, children run the risk of causing irreparable hearing damage during the normal course of play," says Dr. Chantal Kealey, Director of Audiology at CASLPA,. "A comprehensive approach would see the Hazardous Products Act revised so that the acceptable noise level in toys is lowered to a safe level to protect the hearing health of our children. We are very happy that the government continues to work in that direction."
CASLPA has been involved in an ongoing public awareness campaign to increase the awareness of the dangers of noisy toys.
CASLPA, with more than 5,500 members, is the only national body that supports and represents the professional needs of speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel inclusively within one organization. Through this support, CASLPA champions the needs of people with communications disorders. Visit CASLPA at www.caslpa.ca.
