Why is Lead Found in Purses Such a Serious Problem?
Lead is a serious toxin that surrounds our children in ways we don’t normally recognize. We are reposting this article with permissions from on of the “Lead Ladies” and hope it brings light to the serious nature of lead. We were so surprised to learn how easily this toxin can absorb into our bodies just from touching something like a purse!
The following post has be written by Joanna Cerazy, co-author of Lead Babies:
Purses are women’s devoted companions. Wherever we go – they go. We carry them with us most of the time. We clutch to them. We touch them constantly. They contain our precious belongings and it is not unusual to put our kids’ toys, pacifiers and snacks in them. Their straps share our shoulders with our babies. And as children put almost anything in their mouths, it is certainly not unheard of that we catch our offspring chewing on our purses, wallets and belts. The testing carried out by the Center for Environmental Health has shown that by simply touching a lead-containing purse concerning lead level can quickly be reached.
Let’s not forget that these colorful, fashionista bags are also being lugged along by our teenage daughters. This is of particular concern. Since not all lead becomes eliminated from our bodies. Some of it accumulates in our bones and organs. This lead accumulated over the years, has the ability to pass from the mother to her unborn child. It also interferes with a woman’s ability to become pregnant, and increases the risk of miscarriage. It affects almost every organ and system in the human body. Unborn babies, new borns, toddlers, women, and men are all vulnerable to lead’s harm. Exposure has been shown to lower intelligence, cause behavior problems, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, delayed puberty, fertility problems in women and men, dental cavities, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, autoimmune disease and anemia.
When the US Center for Environmental Health recently tested a large number of women’s hand bags and wallets sold by various retailers such as Sears, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Target, they found that the lead content in these items was up to ninety times that of what is permitted by federal standards.
Purses and other accessories are not included in the federal law that limits lead since they are not manufactured for use by children. The vinyl (faux leather) itself may contain lead, or it may be contained in the pigment used to color the product.
As if the knowledge that these products cause lead is not alarming enough, it turns out the forty companies that pledged that they will stop selling accessories will not be removing existing merchandise from their shelves. Rather, since they are not presently bound by government regulation, involved companies agreed that starting December 01, 2010, their accessory products such as purses, belts and shoes will contain no more than 600 parts per million of lead if they are made of leather, 300 parts per million for those made of vinyl and no more than 90 parts per million of lead in paint. They will be taking the next six months to sell of their existing stock of lead-laden products and then insisting that their merchandise is lead-free, they will merely limit levels.
It is also important to keep in mind that these standards have only been accepted by bigger companies and are by no means all-inclusive. (For the complete list of companies notified by the Center for Environmental Health about their products containing excessive amounts of lead visit the CEH website and for the complete list of companies who have agreed to comply with these new lead limits check our Lead Ladies blog.
Lead exposure must to be avoided at all cost. And while we have no immediate control over what is being put in our shoes, belts, purses, and wallets, there are a lot of things we can do to avoid exposure. For example, purchase products that are made from natural materials, fabrics, etc. If you already own faux leather accessories check if they are lead free. This can be done inexpensively, at home using a lead test kit. If the result of your testing shows that lead is present stop using these items immediately. You might be able to take them back to where they were purchased for refund.
Don’t underestimate your power as a consumer – expect products that are lead free and ask for them specifically. Let retailers know that you are happy to walk away if they cannot provide a minimal standard of lead-free.
Thank you Joann Cerazy for keeping us up to date. She’s the co-author of the Book Lead Babies: How heavy metals are causing our children’s autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems and has done a great interview with us: “What you need to know about lead exposure and children“.
Looking for a SAFE ALTERNATIVE handbag, purse/tote? We suggest going with an organic canvas or checking out some of the unique bags and baskets we have reviewed in the past. Check those out here: Our Holiday Gift Guide For Mom, Diaper Bag Turns Hip, and Gifts For Moms Who Have Everything.
Category: 0-1 yr, 1-3 yrs, 3-5 yrs, 5+ yrs, Environment, News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Comments (0)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
There are no comments yet. Why not be the first to speak your mind.