SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- A new law that requires all toys and clothing sold to kids ages 12 and under be tested for lead and chemicals used to make plastics may drive thrift stores out of business.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which takes effect next month, is meant to protect kids from being exposed to lead and other harmful chemicals after a series of toy recalls last year prompted Congress to approve the law.
Charles Margulis, a spokesman with the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland, says kids that are exposed to lead and other chemicals can suffer long-term health effects.
“This is a national problem… this is something that we need to look at comprehensively,” said Margulis.
KCBS’ Chris Filippi reports
But some thrift-store operators say they want the new standards to only apply to items made after February 10, the day the law goes into effect.
Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, says most small stores can't afford the testing that would be required to make sure donated items meet the new federal standard.
“People will no longer have a place to sell or consign their children’s clothing, so unfortunately a lot of it is going to end up in the bins of the not-for-profit and they have to pay to dispose of that.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission next week will consider whether products made from natural materials will be exempt from the new law.
(cfu)
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