US Retailers Agree To Limit Lead Content In Shoes And Bags.

More than 40 large garment retailers and suppliers in the United States include Macy 1; s, Sears/Kmart, Target, Kohl 1; s, JCPenney, Guess, Victoria 1; sSecret and Saks have agreed to develop new industrial standards, limiting handbags and other fashionable products such as footwear.

The retailers reached a settlement with the Centerfor Environmental Health (CEH) in Oakland, California, and agreed to pay a fine of $1 million 700 thousand and make the above commitment.

The US consumer protection group found that the sale of hundreds of thousands of wallets and excessive lead content in other popular accessories could pose a threat to human health, especially for pregnant and reproductive age women.

The federal law stipulates that the lead content of children's materials should not exceed 300ppm (partspermillion) per million units, but the lead content of the purse project is not set.

According to the agreement reached between the two sides, the reconciled retailer agreed to implement new standards for materials used in handbags and accessories since December 1, 2010. In addition, many retailers agreed to extend the standard coverage to materials for waistbands and / or footwear. If retailers disobey these regulations, they may be fined up to 12500 dollars.

Pigment or other surface coating

The lead content in leather should not exceed 600PPM (from December 1, 2011 to 300PPM).

Vinyl plastic

The lead content in other materials should not exceed 300PPM (except crystal).

"Today's agreement has made millions of women no longer need to worry that their wallets may pose a threat to the health of their children or their children," said CEH executive director Michael Green.

"We expect every manufacturer, importing, selling wallet and other accessories manufacturers to provide products that meet the consumer health standards of these major retailers."

Related retailers will pay a fine of about $1 million 700 thousand to the State of California s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which will also help California continue its work.