The United States Sets Standards To Limit Lead Content In Fashion Accessories Such As Handbags.

Lead exposure can increase the risk of infertility and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension.

A recent study shows that exposure to lead during pregnancy may have a lasting or even permanent effect on the IQ of fetuses.

Another study showed that exposure to lead in the first three months of pregnancy had the greatest effect on fetal intelligence development.

A study in 2009 showed that young women are exposed to low levels of lead for a long time and their brain function may be impaired in their old age.

The federal law stipulates that the lead content of children's products should not exceed 300pp m, but there is no federal standard for lead content in handbags.

According to the above agreement of CEH, the signing company will implement the following standards from December 1, 2010 on the products covered by the agreement:

1. The lead content in paint or other surface coatings is not more than 90ppm;

2. The lead content in leather does not exceed 600ppm (300ppm in December 1, 2011).

3. The lead content in vinyl plastics does not exceed 300ppm (200ppm in December 1, 2011).

4, the lead content in other materials (except crystal) is not more than 300ppm.

Any violation of these standards will result in a mandatory fine of up to $12500.

In addition to handbags and accessories, many signatories also agree to apply these standards to leather and shoe materials.

The signing company agreed to pay a total cost of about $1 million 700 thousand to finance the California Office of environmental health hazard assessment, help CEH educate and protect California people from toxic health hazards, and establish a testing fund for CEH to monitor compliance with the terms of the agreement.