A recent spate of recalls involving toys and jewelry contaminated with alarmingly high levels of lead has revived the debate over whether the federal government should tighten standards on lead exposure. The Fashion Jewelry Trade Association is endorsing a tighter standard, according to BNA news service (subscription). Apparently, jewelry manufacturers are already complying with California regulations and would prefer a uniform national standard. Of course, this would have the added bonus of protecting all Americans from jewelry containing dangerous lead levels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission would be the federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing the rule. Until a few weeks ago, CPSC had been prohibited from conducting formal business due to a commissioner vacancy. President Bush has failed to nominate a suitable commissioner and has instead seemed pleased to watch the agency fall into a state of regulatory disrepair. Fortunately, CPSC recently had its powers reinstated by a provision that was slipped into an unrelated bill. Those powers expire again in six months though, so it would behoove CPSC to get working on a proposed rule.