I was just talking with a friend and fellow parent/mother today who told me about the new safety rules for children's clothes, toys and other gear that will go into effect in February of this year. These rules, under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, will require that new and existing clothes, toys and other gear for children age 12 and under be tested for lead and phthalates. With all the news and headlines we have heard in recent months and years about the toxicity of lead, this is a good thing. But another side of this issue is dealing with stock of existing clothes, toys and other gear that is being brought to the market, primarily by small second hand stores. Many of these places may not be able to pay for the testing to be done - it would simply put them out of business. If that happens, where will all those items go (not to mention those retailers)? I certainly hope there will be disposal guidance for these items. We don't want them taking up landfill space or getting back into the environment - which would still be leaving our next generation(s) with toxins.
Perhaps someone has more details on these safety rules and how they will be implemented?
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