Toy Safety, Paints & Finishes

These headlines from US and Canadian Newspapers say everything that a parent does not want to hear.
With headlines like these beaming out at us over the last year where do parents look for toys for their young ones with some certainty that the toys they buy will not only be money well spent, but more importantly, they will not poison, choke or hurt their children in normal play.

At WoodJits we know exactly where our toys come from, how they're made, who makes them and from what components.

The majority of our products are toys and we take toy safety seriously. As required, all these products meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission rules, including the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008. The most recent third-party tests (Feb. 2009) have reconfirmed all previous tests with respect to lead and heavy metals.

The materials used in these products are below the detectible lead level of 10 ppm. The current US federal standard is 600 ppm. (and other companies are complaining about the potential drop to 90 ppm). While lead is never added to these products no claim is made that they are completely "lead-free". Lead is a trace background element and cannot be 100% eliminated. Do not believe any claims of products being lead-free, it cannot be guaranteed.

Although it is currently unnecessary to test for phthalates these products have been tested and passed all of those tests as well.

As parents we not only warrant them to meet the world's toughest safety legislation backed by government inspection we won't provide you with a toy that we ourselves are not willing to risk with our own families.
We also support Fair Trade which means a Fair Price, Fair Labour Conditions and Environmental Sustainability.

·	All these products are made in the USA, none come from China, Asia or anywhere offshore
·	All the wood used is of the highest grade, locally grown and harvested according to the Best Forestry Management Practices and Government Licenced where required.
·	There are No Sharp Edges. All parts are also sanded or routered to prevent splintering
·	Only Certified Non-Toxic Paint is used, paint may be randomly tested.
·	Product parts sizing Exceeds government requirements for the age group intended

If you have any questions please contact us and we'll answer your queries to the best of our ability.

"Lead Paint Prompts Mattel to Recall 967,000 Toys"


"Toy Testers warn Parents to be Vigilant"


"Playing Games with Toy Safety"

Finishes
There is great concern about the components of finishes. As noted above, we hear about things like lead in the paint of imported Chinese products. Again there are standards that are supposed to be followed. Our products use a variety of finishes, depending on the specific product line. Some products have no finish, while others have whey or beeswax-based coatings. Urethanes and lacquers are also used depending on the required appearance. Lead is illegal as a component in consumer coatings in Canada and the United States and bought in paint products occasionally have third-party testing for lead and other heavy metals, just to be sure suppliers provide what is expected.
The specific finishes used on each product are listed with the product as you browse the site. The coatings used are:

Dye Stains: These are water/alcohol based stains, specially made for dip finishing, which is the least wasteful application process. These are in a variety of colors and are primarily used on the NameTrain line. Typically overcoated with urethane to prevent bleeding when wet.
Enamel: A lot of the round parts have a hard, colored coating. This is a tumbled-on enamel, a solvent-based finish. Most of the colored wheels and colored rattle parts are finished this way.
Lacquer: Nitrocellulose lacquer is an age-old spray finish that provides a hard, shiny, paint-like coating. It can be clear or opaque bright colors. Historically used for Montgomery Schoolhouse products, though some are being shifted to other coating types. Lacquer is a petroleum-based finish.
Nothing at all: Yes, no finish at all, as seen on the new Schoolhouse Naturals line. With an enormous number of queries about all finishes, why not try a line that has had all of the finish concerns removed.
Tung oil: A centuries-old finish, made from the oil in the nut of the tung tree. This version is all natural, with pure polymerized tung oil, a citrus-derived solvent and beeswax. Used on some rattle parts and on the finished natural classic trucks.
Urethane: Another dip finish, more specially called oil-modified urethane varnish, not a polyurethane. It is a clear finish, using a mineral spirit solvent. This finish takes a little extra time to cure and products may retain an odor until unwrapped — especially during the busy season.
Whey: Utilizing a byproduct of the cheese-making process, this was developed by the University of Vermont and now produced by Vermont Natural Coatings of Hardwick, VT. Used on the oval rattle ends and an increasing number of other rattle parts.

As with other materials, these finishes are purchased as locally as possible. Nearly all are produced in Vermont.

Age Grading
Just as we have an obligation to only market safe products, it is always important to remember that appropriate use goes hand-in-hand with safe design and construction. Whenever necessary, the products are marked with the intended age of the child who may be using it. Giving a more advanced product to a younger child, no matter how "advanced" you perceive that child to be, can be a hazard. A marking of age 3+ is typically an indication of small parts hazards. It could be a problem for younger children who may be putting things in their mouth. Always monitor younger children when they are playing around older friends and siblings. What is okay for one child may not be okay for the next.

Our commitment regarding all the products we represent is that :