As of February 10, 2009, every children's product, on every shelf, in every store in America, including toys AND clothing would be illegal. These items would have to be destroyed. This legislation could put even Wal-Mart out of business!
They have been talking about this over at sewingmamas.
While I do see why the need to have such laws is soo important, it really sucks for the little guy, WAHM, just trying to help support their family and make some really nice handmade items too! There is just no way they can survive.
As I understand it this includes any handmade WAHM kids clothes too?
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They have been talking about this over at sewingmamas.
While I do see why the need to have such laws is soo important, it really sucks for the little guy, WAHM, just trying to help support their family and make some really nice handmade items too! There is just no way they can survive.
As I understand it this includes any handmade WAHM kids clothes too?
It's ALL children's products. There's also a section in there about ALL furniture.
And it's not just WAHMs who will be hurt. Do you really think Wal-Mart, Target, KMart, Sears, JCPenney..... keep adding to the list all the way down to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, your local kids' consignment shop can afford to get rid of all the products in their stores which will be non-compliant come February? Yes, folks, it's not just NEW products which are covered, it's everything that already exists. That cute Gymboree shirt from 3 years ago? Well Goodwill can't sell it anymore because it hasn't been lead tested.
If you're not scared, not stirred to action over this, I think you should be.
The ridiculousness of it is that it's complete overkill. I totally support safe toys. But what makes more sense is-
1. Testing for lead in items that potentially contain lead (metals, paints) or phlalates (sp?) (plastics). It's silly to require expensive testing of items that can't possibly contain lead or phlalates.
2. Things already certified as lead safe should not have to be restested. When craft paints, etc that are ASTM certified as lead safe are used, they should be considered safe.
3. Things made in the US of components that meet US standards of safety should be exempt. You cannot buy lead paint in the US.
4. Testing should cover the product for as long as the components remain the same and come from the same source. New testing should not be required for new batches of product, different sizes, color changes, etc. Overkill.
5. Used items and existing stock should be exempt. People can use their own judgement and common sense in these situations.
I'm not at all against the spirit of the legislation. But the way it's written is extremely short sighted and lacking in wisdom.
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~Dannielle
Momma to Isabelle (8/95) and Mason (1/01)
It's ALL children's products. There's also a section in there about ALL furniture.
And it's not just WAHMs who will be hurt. Do you really think Wal-Mart, Target, KMart, Sears, JCPenney..... keep adding to the list all the way down to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, your local kids' consignment shop can afford to get rid of all the products in their stores which will be non-compliant come February? Yes, folks, it's not just NEW products which are covered, it's everything that already exists. That cute Gymboree shirt from 3 years ago? Well Goodwill can't sell it anymore because it hasn't been lead tested.
If you're not scared, not stirred to action over this, I think you should be.
I do think it is scary. I know they are trying to help but just haven't gotten it right yet.
I am off to read some more of your links! Thanks for posting them here. I don't really think most people have even heard of any of this. I read the paper and the only other place I have heard talk of it is at sewingmamas.
I'm trying to not panic...hoping that the big companies who have a lot to lose will be able to make the goverment understand the negative impact of this reactionary law.
I don't want to be forced to close my business. I also don't want to go to jail.
I'm trying to have a hopeful wait and see attitude.
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Thanks for posting that because I had no idea.
Once I get some work down I would like to sit down with this and educate myself on this. Especially since Danielle did too....i trust her
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