Our Commitment to Product Safety

Dear Critical Thinking Customer:

In consideration of the recent safety issues with materials made in China and the resultant new legislation, we would like to assure you that all products sold by The Critical Thinking Co. are safe for use by children. Our books and hands-on material do not contain lead (certification below). We further certify that our CDs and DVDs incidental concentration levels of lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium are well BELOW the legal limits (certification below).

For books, hands-on materials, CDs and DVDs, The Critical Thinking Company requires documented confirmation from our printers that they contain only non-toxic inks and coating that meets U.S. ASTM safety standards. We take this preventative measure even with our books, despite the fact that books are exempt from toy safety testing.

The well-being of children is our top priority. That’s why we put safety first, from product copy to design to manufacturing. Our products are also subject to safety testing by independent laboratories to ensure they comply with applicable safety standards and laws, including those for lead and heavy metals.

We are fully aware and grateful of the trust you put in us when you purchase a product from The Critical Thinking Company. Our promise to you is to provide quality educational products that build thinking skills, improve the depth of analysis and understanding of content, and are safe for children of all ages and abilities.

Thank you for your trust and continued support.

Sincerely,

Michael O. Baker
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Critical Thinking Company

Company Stance on Recent CPSIA Legislation:
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which governs safety standards in children's products, now poses additional standards on products that have long been considered safe.

Consequentially, enhanced safety testing will make it difficult, especially for smaller manufacturers, to create affordable products. While we would never compromise the safety of our products, we are concerned that this legislation may do more harm to our industry than good to the children we serve.

A classic critical thinking issue, the new legislation is being challenged by toy manufacturers and publishers throughout the United States. As a 50 year old business, we are biased towards less regulation, but we also recognize the importance of safety standards for the vital protection they provide. We believe quality companies deliver quality, safe, and effective products so their customers will return. This is the power and purpose of competition. The question remains, what is best for business and you? We invite you to use the resources below to learn more about CPSIA and get involved to help guarantee a favorable outcome for you and the children’s products industry.

Links to Product Certifications:

• Attribute Blocks, Interlocking Cubes and Pattern Blocks (from Learning Resources)
• Alphabet & Number Puzzle Set with Lesson Guide
  We stipulated in the contract that the paint & coating had to be lead free.  We tested the puzzles for lead based paint in our North Bend office. Our wooden puzzles are exempt from the law because of the date they were manufactured. Nonetheless, we verified the puzzles do not contain lead based paint.
• CD & DVD printer certification(s)
• Book printer certification(s)

About CPSIA:
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), also known as H.R.4040, was signed into law by President George W. Bush on August 14, 2008. Use the resources below to learn more about the CPSIA.

Links to Official CPSIA Documents (read the original documents as made public by the CPSC):

• Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) Summary
• Advisory Opinion of the General Counsel of the CPSC
• Letter of Cheryl Falvey, CPSC General Counsel