Apr 9, 2009 9:30 am US/Central
Popular Purses May Carry Dangerous Levels Of Lead
Center for Environmental Health Finds Lead in Some Vinyl And Plastic Accessories
OAKLAND, Calif. (CBS) ―
The Center for Environmental Health, the same watchdog group that exposes lead in toys and baby products, tested dozens of vinyl and faux-leather purses and wallets from major retailers like JCpennys and Target
It found several purses from all but five of the 21 retailers where researchers shopped, tested up to 90-times higher than the federal limits of lead allowed in paint, reports CBS station KPIX-TV in Sacramento.
It's unlikely fashion-conscious consumers will toss out their prized accessories. But, the CEH said pregnant women should avoid them and keep them away from babies and young kids. Lead can be ingested as well as absorbed through the skin according to Research Director Caroline Cox.
"If a child is exposed to lead it can permanently effect development of the brain. Lead exposure in adults is attached to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and memory problems."
The Center for Environmental Health has sent a notice of violation to manufacturers and retailers where the tainted items were purchased, including: Target, Walmart, Macy's, Kohl's, Sears, JC Penny's, and Ross.
Some of the brands include: Nine West, Rosetti and Xhilaration from Target.
Target told KPIX-TV: "
Target is committed to providing high-quality and safe products to our guests. We require all of our vendor partners to meet and comply with all applicable laws regarding product safety, including Proposition 65 and other laws governing lead in consumer products, to ensure we have the best products on our store shelves. CEH claims that some handbags, purses and wallets violate California's Prop 65. We take their claims very seriously and will work with our suppliers to address the issue when we have been provided with the information on which CEH bases its claims. If Target finds products to be non-compliant, we take action to pull the products from our shelves."
The researchers tested the same items in different colors and found the lighter shades like silver and white were fine. But, the bright yellows and reds more often contained lead. So, researchers said its connected to the coloring in the plastic and vinyl material.
The test did not include colored leather or cotton fabric accessories.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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