Lead Scare Hits Kids Clothes

on January 6, 2009 at 12:05 PM

A new consumer protection law may greatly limit moms in the kids and baby clothes department starting next month. That's because the law will require product makers or store owners selling products for kids under 12 -- secondhand kids clothing from thrift stores included -- to test them for the potentially dangerous chemicals lead and phthalates before being sold or re-sold.

High lead levels have been found in children's jewelry, but also in backpacks and ponchos. Lead can also lurk in buttons or charms and within appliques that have been added to fabric.

Obviously, your local mom-and-pop thrift store doesn't have the financial or scientific means to test all those used snow boots and the multitude of Gap sweatsuits it resells, so legally they'll have to dump them.

While well-intentioned, the law is also causing an uproar among makers and devotees of handmade toys, many of which are made in the USA and pose no safety threat whatsoever.

++Is this new law a good thing or much ado about nothing? Will it cause you to think twice about buying used clothing for your children?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: clothes, gear, recalls, safety

Comments (14)

Mama_McD

on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:22 PM

I am more worried about not being able to buy used clothes for my kids to save money than I am about trace amounts of lead in their clothes! I mean, come on! What have they been wearing for their whole lives?

what is going to happen to thrift stores, like Goodwill? Are they going to go out of business?

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KathrynTBrown

on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:27 PM

I don't think the lawy is much ado about nothing. I'm all for it in principle but I think its poorly applied. As usual, in the name of consumer safety, the law will drive small business and craftsmen out of business. The right thing done the wrong way! GAP should be responsible for testing their clothes, etc, not the second hand retailer. And the consumer should be the responsible party to do research and buy from reputable labels.

monroesmum

on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:39 PM

I know I'm not the only mom out there who lives on a budget. I barely buy myself new clothes and as quickly as kids grow out of things I can't afford to buy brand new clothes every few months. While I agree with safety standards- the law needs to be applied to manufacturers and not the mom who sews diaper covers to sell for some extra cash. Talk about a sneaky way to boost retail sales.....

Growing2Fast

on Jan 6, 2009 at 1:24 PM

With the sharp rise in autism and the possible link to chemicals/carcinogens at young ages triggering it. I can understand where the concern is coming from. Hmmm....

threebrats

on Jan 6, 2009 at 2:51 PM

I agree with monoresmum....This should apply to the manufacturers. Good thing I am a garage sale mom.

Fionas_Mom

on Jan 6, 2009 at 5:02 PM

I called my local Goodwill store and they didnt know about the law....then I called the headquarters same thing. Could this be a hoax?

MommyCarp

on Jan 6, 2009 at 5:28 PM

I went to my local children's resale shop today. I am always there trading in my daughters old toys,clothes, and equipment for, money, store credit or used merchandise. The lady that owns the place said she heard about the law, but she heard it was just about the toys. She was very upset since her whole business revolves around young children's clothing, toys and equipment. She told me she was going to speak to her lawyer and do some research on the whole issue. I love that store and it has saved my budget many-a-time, so I will be very upset if this law shuts it down. My daughter will have to suffer wearing too small clothes if I can't afford to get her the next size yet, ridiculous!

simplyjaneen

on Jan 6, 2009 at 8:32 PM

If this really goes through, we may see a very sudden rise in parents making their kids clothes and, if needed, making the adjustments to them as the kids get older.

JoyeAustin

on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:30 PM

Are orginal retailers being made to test everything too? Why is lead in clothes a sudden issue?

doserbud

on Jan 7, 2009 at 8:20 AM

Voice your opposition to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act by mailing one used piece of clothing (please mail clean clothing only) to your Senators and Congressmen. Let them know how you feel about this new law.

By mailing your Senators and Congressmen the used clothing it will draw more attention to the situation than just a letter. A letter takes up little office space, the clothing will pile up and become an eye sore. Imagine if each Senator and Congressmen received just 1,000 letters with a piece of clothing in it. That’s 1,000 pieces of clothing. It’s hard to ignore that.

LET’S BE HEARD!