Lead in Purses, Wallets, and Toys

Center for Environmental Health filed a lawsuit alleging high levels of lead have been found in dozens of vinyl and faux leather women’s handbags, purses and wallets purchased from Bay Area outlets of major retailers. Full report.

In 2009, this organization found high levels of lead in purses and other products purchased from major retailers, including Target, WalMart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Sears, JC Penney’s, Ross, and other San Francisco Bay Area stores.The offending products were made by Nine West, xhilaration (a Target store brand), Rosetti and several others. CEH filed a lawsuit claiming that the retailers violated Proposition 65, the chemical protection law.

In 2012, the same group found high levels of lead in many purses, wallets, and bags. They found 43 items from 21 major San Francisco Bay Area retailers with hazardous lead levels. It is clear that retailers and manufacturers only react to findings that environmental groups thankfully research. These organizations deserve our donations for helping to keep products safe and healthy.

So be careful when you are shopping and be thankful we have watch dogs looking out for our health.

Lead in Asian Candy

In August 2012, the same consumer watchdog group found lead in 14 different plum and ginger candy purchased from San Francisco East Bay retailers including 99 Ranch Market and Marina Foods. Some had 39 times the legal limit in lead. How can you avoid these problems? Avoid all products from China?

Jewelry and Toy Lead Problem – Heavy Metals in Children’s Products

One year and not much has happened. High lead levels were still found in toys from major department stores. US lead standards are designed for products targeted towards kids 13 or younger, they do not apply for products targeted towards those that are older. Products from a Dora the Explorer game set to a child’s belt all had high lead levels, ranging up to 65 times the legal limit. Offending retailers included WalMart, Banana Republic, Lane Bryant, Express, Anchor Blue, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Longs Drugs (now part of CVS Caremark pharmacies)..

Be careful of what you purchase!

January 2010 update: Cadmium is another problem area.

Cadmium is a carcinogen, lead is a toxic, as are the other contaminates.

It is believed that these toxic metals are turning up because irresponsible recyclers are melting down computer parts and other e-waste and using them in these products.

Protect yourself

They are also hosting free lead toy testing events in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Consumer Product Safety Commision has a list of recalled items.

Buy a do it at home lead testing kit.

Posted on August 13th, 2012
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