Women’s Handbags may Contain Dangerous Levels of Lead

EMSL Analytical offers lead and other heavy metal testing solutions for consumer products to help prevent lead poisoning.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Earlier this year, ABC News reported that several big chain retailers have agreed to limits of lead found in handbags and wallets. The agreement came about after the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) had tested these products for lead from 100 of the nation’s top retailers. The handbags and wallets were tested for total lead content and lead that came off the product from a wipe test.

Nearly all the bags tested came from China and contained synthetic materials. Manufacturers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sometimes add lead to the material to make it more pliable or to help make the pigments last longer.

According to the article, “…bags had levels 30 to 100 times higher than the federal limit for lead in all children’s items.” Not everyone who comes in exposure to lead is affected the same. Pregnant women and small children are generally at higher risk than the general population.

“Lead causes a variety of adverse health effects, including brain and nervous system disorders, high blood pressure and hypertension, and reproductive problems,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s leading heavy metal testing laboratories. “For children, even low levels of exposure to lead can cause a host of developmental effects. These may include learning disabilities, decreased intelligence and speech, language and behavioral problems, which can affect children for a lifetime,” he continued.

EMSL Analytical has extensive experience testing consumer products for lead and other safety concerns. The company is accredited by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NELAP, NVLAP, AIHA and a number of other regulating bodies. Simple testing can help ensure products are lead free to prevent needless cases of lead poisoning that can impact people’s lives and cause a host of medical problems.

To learn more about lead or consumer product testing please visit www.ConsumerProductTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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