Canada will clamp down on toxic materials used in children’s jewelry, toys, clothing and accessories. Their use involves reasonably foreseeable contact with the mouth of a child and may therefore, pose lead exposure risk. Strict limits will be imposed on the amount of lead and cadmium used. These will especially apply to clothing and accessories for children under 14 years of age, toys for children three to 14 years old and products whose primary purpose is to facilitate the relaxation, sleep, hygiene, carrying, or transportation of a child less than four years of age. The definition covers products such as baby baths, backpacks, slings, and carriers.

The term children’s jewelry is defined as jewelry manufactured, sized, decorated, packaged, advertised, or sold in a manner that appeals primarily to children under 15 years of age. Excluded from the scope of this definition are merit badges, medals for achievement, and other similar objects normally worn only occasionally.

Children’s plastic and rubber shoes, sandals and rain gear need special attention as some of these have high levels of chemical threats. These chemicals can cause rashes, asthma, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision. Clothing that promise stain-resistant, waterproof, or odor-fighting performance technologies may utilize toxic chemicals. Polyester frequently contains traces of antimony.