LEAD RULE IN CHILDRENS PRODUCTS

I must have had my head in the sand the past few months. Just today, for the first time, I read an article about the lead rule that goes into effect Feb. 10th. It effects all products aimed for children 12 and under....and any other product that will be used by children. From the research I have done this morning, the list seems endless. It is a good law for children...we all want to protect them from lead exposure. But what will it mean for manufacturers and retailers?

One article said Feb 10 is being called NATIONAL BANKRUPTCY DAY. Why? because small manufacturers can not afford the $300 or more cost to test each of their products. Makers of Hand-made products can't afford the testing, Resale shops...like Goodwill....can't afford the testing. And what about the small flea marketers? Their choices are to either disregard the law, thereby selling illegally, or trash all their existing products.

I suppose a small retailer like a resale shop or flea marketer could ignore the law and keep on keeping on. But, if they should get tested by the "lead police" the fine is $100,000! EEK....I don't know of any flea marketer who could afford that!

There goes all the handmade hats and gloves and jewelry that sell at the flea markets. There goes all your cheap children's clothing at Goodwill or Salvation Army. Because, after Feb 10, they must be able to prove, by testing, that the products are compliant with the lead rule.

I'm mostly concerned about the hand made products. None of us would knowingly use lead products...but even if we absolutely make sure the components we buy and use are lead free, we still have to be able to prove it. Or maybe not....perhaps we just have to make sure we're not selling something manufactured before Feb 10...including components. Probably, if you get nicked by the "lead police" they would have to test your product is see if it is compliant. And woe be to you, me, us, if, say a yarn manufacturer or retail store slips an old skein of yarn in on us that is found to contain more than the allowable amount of lead!! Or, you used an old charm or button you had lying around. See...every component of hand made stuff must pass the test!

What can you do? Write your Senators and Congressmen....ask for an exception for hand made items.