Fall 2007 Newsletter
Screening for Lead in Toys – A Pilot Study
As a result of recent product recalls, there is a growing concern about the safety of children’s toys imported from China. The recall of approximately 21 million toys distributed by a variety of well-known toy companies leads many to speculate about the extent of the potential contamination issue. If these large distributors are having issues, what level of comfort can the consumer have regarding the quality of product being delivered by smaller-scale distributors?In the interest of public safety, Chemir has begun a pilot study to evaluate analytical methods to screen the Lead content of Chinese made toys.
Background
Paint containing more than 0.06% lead was banned for residential use in the United States in 1978 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 Code of Federal Regulations CFR 1303). The U.S. Government defines "lead-based paint" as any "paint, surface coating that contains lead equal to or exceeding one milligram per square centimeter or 0.5% by weight." Some states have adopted this or similar definitions of "lead-based paint." These definitions are used to enforce regulations that apply to certain activities conducted in housing constructed prior to 1978, such as abatement, or the permanent elimination of a "lead-based paint hazard."
Objectives and Analytical Approach
In an effort to demonstrate Chemir’s analytical capabilities and perform “good citizen” services, a pilot study will be performed that will involve screening Chinese made toys with painted surfaces for the presence of Lead.
The objective is to evaluate EDXA as a suitable qualitative method for screening paint samples for the presence of Lead. Each paint sample will also be analyzed using ICP/OES as a quantitative method to determine levels of Lead and assist in evaluation of EDXA as a fast screening method. Chinese made toys with painted surfaces will be purchased by Chemir employees from several local retail stores for internal testing using the aforementioned methods.
Reporting
Once completed, results of Chemir’s pilot study will be summarized in a report on www.chemir.com. It was also reported by FOX 2 News, St. Louis. Click here to watch the full news report.