Leo Gerard On Toxic Imports

As a follow-up to my earlier post from today, check out United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard explaining to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette how passing free trade deals at the same time we are deregulating our domestic marketplace endangers Americans:

The problem, Mr. Gerard said, is that when trade opens up, companies find the cheapest source for manufacturing, often going to countries that do not have the same regulations as the United States.

Lead has been found in not only toys, but also in imported construction products.

"We found red lead in tubes and pipes brought in from China," he said. He said red lead is particularly dangerous because it leeches into water very easily.

Dr. Needleman said lead often is used in paint for children's toys because it makes colors brighter. Mr. Gerard said the paint also was 30 percent to 40 percent cheaper than lead-free paint.

You can see what the Steelworkers are doing on this issue at www.stoptoxicimports.org

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